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Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 7222
Location: The Great Pacific Northwest | It is with great sadness that we report the passing of Arthur Seery, known to all of us Ovation fans as "Old Man Arthur" or just "OMA"
Arthur passed on April 25th. The full details are not entirely known but as many here are aware he was diagnosed initially with Esophageal Cancer last year, but by mid-February of this year the Cancer had moved to his brain and he was told he had 7 tumors, of which one was at least 7cm. I spoke with him around that time and he was doing daily gamma radiation and was told he had anywhere from 5 weeks to 5 years to go. Later in February, he was starting to play some chords again and "trying to enjoy the current adventure."
Arthur has been a member for over 16 years, he became integral to the ongoing success and daily operation of the Ovation FanClub(tm) as the greeter and gatekeeper answering questions to potential new members in the Welcome Center.
To many of us, he was a friend or acquaintance we got to know in real life, not just online. I'd say in the scheme of things, he won. He lived a full and interesting life, doing what he loved. It got a little harder near his end, but I certainly hope he's at peace now.
I think this photo, taken by Google Street View, says it all, and it's how he would likely want to be remembered.
 (OMA.jpg)
 (arthur.jpg)
Attachments
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 OMA.jpg (80KB - 2 downloads)
arthur.jpg (38KB - 1 downloads)
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Joined:
September 2005
Posts: 98
Location: SF Bay area, California | Arthur Seery died in late April. I'll miss him. I tried to reach him to visit next week, and learned of his passing from his apartment manager. I know none of his relatives, they're back east somewhere. Mark Morland |
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Joined:
February 2014
Posts: 704
Location: moline,illinois | MarkM - 2023-06-08 7:45 PM
Arthur Seery died in late April. I'll miss him.
Mark that's sad news he was always full of info and helpful to everyone on this site.
The world is a lesser place with his passing we will mourn his loss.
I hope a chorus of Ovations greeted his spirit as he rose.
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Joined:
November 2002
Posts: 3611
Location: Pacific Northwest Inland Empire | Yes, OMA was an original. Probably a true reflection of "If you remember the '60's, you probably weren't there." Generous to a fault & a truly kind human bean. I too will miss Arthur greatly. Hope he is busking at The Pearly Gates for eternity. |
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Joined:
July 2005
Posts: 1609
Location: Colorado | Been a while friends, I last met up with OMA in April 22. He was struggling medically, but we’re shared some great time together that afternoon. Anyone know if he needed any help with affairs? Moreland, can you connect the dots for us with the apartment manager? I would love to do some if in his memory? Perhaps a group busking event on his corner. |
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Joined:
August 2002
Posts: 593
Location: Ottawa, Ontario, CANADA | Hello, Everyone,
OMA was always the first one to greet new members here and encourage them extensively in their musical journey. I learned a lot from him, especially not to take myself too seriously, and just enjoy playing my guitar.
Mike S.
Ottawa, ON.,
CANADA |
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Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 7222
Location: The Great Pacific Northwest | I have no words. I chatted with him in April too. I just didn't realize a month has passed. |
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Joined:
September 2012
Posts: 811
Location: Thredbo, NSW, Australia | This is such sad news. I was wondering earlier today how he was, he hadn't posted for a while - now I know.
We never met, but I think of him as a friend.
RIP OMA. |
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Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 5330
Location: Cicero, NY | We've lost a few really good people from our ranks here and I count it as a real plus that we've been able to spend a few minutes with them. I was never able to meet Arthur in person but spoke with him many times and he always struck me as one who was true to himself (good, bad or indifferent) all the way though. RIP, Arthur and I hope you continue "keeping it weird" on your next corner. |
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Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 12755
Location: Boise, Idaho | I hadn't talked to him in awhile. I guess I should have noticed he wasn't posting regularly as always. He was a wealth of knowledge and was always ready to help. A true classic. |
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Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 848
Location: Canada | That is such sad news. He was a consistent voice of positivity, encouragement, and wisdom on the forum. I wonder what will happen with his treasured Ovation collection. |
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Joined:
January 2002
Posts: 14127
Location: 6 String Ranch | We all will miss him. Esophageal cancer, no coming back from that. His pain gone now. We all lost a dear friend |
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Joined:
March 2004
Posts: 1388
Location: Paris/France | I am sincerely sorry for this sad news.
He was a real enthusiast and he will be missed.
Qu'il repose en paix. |
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Joined:
February 2016
Posts: 1801
Location: When?? | Absolutely nothing compares to Arthur. I never met him in person, though we did exchange several PMs over time and I was always blown over by his vast knowledge of Ovationlore, and grateful for his instant willingness to shave it with others. We all learned from him.. and Portland will be forever a bit dimmer now, especially certain corners and pathways. Thank you, Arthur, for all you were to us!! |
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Joined:
November 2005
Posts: 4827
Location: Campbell River, British Columbia | Got to meet him once during a gathering at Damons. Truly one of a kind, a good kind. |
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Joined:
January 2009
Posts: 1249
Location: Texas | Arthur epitomized the true spirit of what this site needed to be and was. He was a die-hard fan of Ovation guitars. There is no telling how many he owned or the wounds that they had, but the dude loved every one of them. He was somewhat unorthodox (to me) in his approach to life, but it always seemed that I found myself agreeing with him in the end and admiring his journey. The cat had a way of showing you, that regardless of what hand you are dealt, you certainly can make the most of it and share your experience for someone's benefit. Finally, IMO, this board would have suffered without him. Internet forums took a hit when the FB world came along. But Arthur made sure that newbies' questions were answered, whether or not they were brought into the fold. He was so welcoming and attentive to those that were here, regardless of their seniority. I feel bad we are so late to his going away party, but God bless you Arthur and your memory is truly a testament to your kindness, fortitude, and character. |
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Joined:
May 2006
Posts: 4226
Location: Steeler Nation, Hudson Valley Contingent | I enjoyed any opportunity for a little back-and-forth with Arthur. He was always incredibly encouraging and supportive whenever I was working on the calendars. Learning of his passing just now is difficult to process. The strangest thing about the internet is becoming friends with people you may never meet at all. And I do indeed consider him a friend! Wherever you are now OMA, there is more music! Play on! |
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Joined:
December 2004
Posts: 566
Location: Denmark | I'm sorry to hear that. My condolences to those near to him. |
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Joined:
October 2012
Posts: 1034
Location: Yokohama, Japan | Just heard about OMA's passing... really sad news. He was so kind to sell his 97C (Vincent) to me back in 2018 (and ship it to Japan). I think he kinda regretted it? Still have it. still play it. Fixing Vincent's ears has been a shelved project - kinda glad... I think I'll just leave it "as is" and just remember OMA every time I play it. Thanks for sharing your love for O's with me, and for just generally making my day brighter every time I visited the OFC. Rest in peace, OMA! |
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Joined:
February 2018
Posts: 67
Location: Oklahoma City | Terribly sad news. Loved his spirit and zest for all things Ovations. The world needs more folks like OMA. |
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Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 10582
Location: NJ | so sad....
I only spoke to him a handful of times....he was truly a gem...
true to himself
rip |
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Joined:
March 2013
Posts: 359
Location: undisclosed | Dang...
Glad I got to meet him. |
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Joined:
May 2008
Posts: 1555
Location: Indiana | The front porch won't be the same.
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Joined:
December 2008
Posts: 1453
Location: Texas | I hadn’t checked in here for quite a while (and, like OMA, I’ve always stubbornly avoided Facebook) so it was a complete surprise and shock for me to discover that we’d lost Arthur a couple of months ago. He was truly one of a kind, an unapologetic Ovation fanatic and a major presence here on the OFC. He will be sorely missed, both here on the OFC, and on an uncannily quiet street corner somewhere in Portland.
RIP Artthur… |
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Joined:
April 2021
Posts: 8
Location: Bavaria, Germany | A really very sad story.
R.I.P. Old Man Arthur.
Since discovering that great forum a few years ago, I`ve learned so much from you about OV Guitars and your throughout humorous postings made me smile so many times.
Never been in contact personally, but you will stay deep in my memories.
Everytime I`m going to pick one of my guitars it seems you are not too far away ....
Harald |
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Joined:
May 2007
Posts: 66
Location: Milano, ITALY | I had a chat with him years ago about an old Anniversary. He was a nice guy, helpful and positive. Will be missed. May he rest in peace. |
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Joined:
May 2011
Posts: 755
Location: Muenster/Germany | Oh, normally I do not look so close at the top of the page, but this is really serious?
I never had the chance to meet him in Person but I always loved his comments and without his help I would never have learned how to insert pics here. For me OMA was an institution and am quite shocked that there shall not be more of him. When I was a young apprentice I also was busking for a little more money, that ´s a tough job. Now .. good-bye OMA.
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