ARFSTEN, Clarence J. A native of Petaluma, Clarence died as the result of a tragic automobile accident on May 17, 2005 at the age of 88. As a little boy in Cinnabar School his classmates teasingly called him arsenic instead of Arfsten. It was shortened to Snick, which became his name from that time on. He graduated from Petaluma High School in 1934 and married Jeanette Simoens, his high school sweetheart. Their first home was a chicken ranch in the Hessel district of Sebastopol. After three years they moved to their hilltop home on Gossage Avenue. When the chicken business began to decline, Snick went to work for Stonitsch Lumber Company. He was the office manager, bookkeeper and master carpenter. Upon retirement he and Jeanette enjoyed working in their flower garden and traveling. Their highlight trip was to the birthplace of his parents on the Isle of Fohr in Germany and to the birthplaces of Jeanette's parents in Sykkylven, Norway and Tielt, Belgium. Snick was a local historian, wonderful storyteller and playful poet. He loved fishing and was an avid horseman for many years. His pride and joy was his 1951 Ford pickup which he lovingly restored over several years. He always enjoyed the many head turns and thumbs up when he drove to town. Snick is survived by Jeanette, his wife of 65 years, his children Ray and Julie of Petaluma and Patricia of Costa Mesa, CA and his sister Mildred Pietsch of Santa Rosa. He will be missed! At his request a private family service was held. Arrangements under the direction of ADOBE CREEK FUNERAL HOME, 331 Lakeville St., Petaluma. CHEDA & LYONS 707-789-9000

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Published in Press Democrat on May 21, 2005.