A tribute to Art Pfister

(Editor’s note: This letter was originally addressed to Aspen Junior Golf board members and friends.)Dear Editor:This letter is to inform you of the passing of Art Pfister. Art passed away Monday with friends and family at his side. I am one of the fortunate ones that had the opportunity to get to know Art through the game of golf. We played on many occasions, and if I am not mistaken, Ernie Fyrwald and myself were two of the last two people to play golf with Art, which was about six springs ago. We walked nine holes at River Valley Ranch, and Art started out with a birdie on hole No. 1 and then pared two. He was 1 under after two holes, and Ernie and I were as thrilled for him as he was for himself. Not bad for someone that was around 90 at the time. He loved the game of golf, and his name will live on forever with the Pfister Cup at Maroon Creek Golf Club.Having had the opportunity to hunt for pheasant on more than one occasion with Art, I don’t think I ever saw anyone that was as responsive as him when it came to aiming and shooting a gun. The man was a sharp shooter, and it showed in his hand-eye coordination. He also, by the way, had one of the best short games in golf I have ever witnessed. Art will be missed but not forgotten.I write this letter because the Pfister family has requested that donations be sent to the Aspen Junior Golf Foundation in lieu of flowers.Art’s two grandsons, Daniel and Arthur, have been in our program for a few years now and will continue to be a part of our program. Art was always very fond of the junior golfers. A resemblance of the talent that Art possessed shines in these two kids. It’s great to see.If you know or happen to see Betty, Suzanne, Nancy or Christina, please thank them for this kind gesture on behalf of Aspen Junior Golf.Our prayers are with the Pfister family.Alden RichardsExecutive directorAspen Junior Golf