Arthur H Wester

11th, 2025. The cause was mesothelioma. During his illness he had the

opportunity to share remembrances of his robust, active life with his many

friends and family.

Art was born in Paterson, NJ, on January 25, 1943, to Henry and Martha

Wester. He grew up in North Haledon, NJ and throughout the years he

enjoyed staying in touch with many New Jersey school friends. His parents

nurtured a love of the outdoors, including camping and hiking in the

Adirondacks. Art was active in scouting and at 16 became an Eagle

Scout. His love of outdoor adventures stayed with him throughout his life

and something he enthusiastically shared with family and friends.

He graduated from Springfield College, summa cum laude, in 1965 and

earned a masters degree from Columbia University in 1966.

Arthur sometimes referred to his career choices as the 3 B’s — Books,

Boats and Bikes.

Starting with the Book phase, Prentice Hall educational publishing

company was the first company to benefit from Art’s sales skills, in

California, where he spent his free time climbing in the Sierra mountains.

His publishing career took him back to the east coast and a job offer from

Little, Brown & Company led to a move to Marblehead, MA. The Boat

phase began with sailing off the coast of Massachusetts and ultimately the

acquisition, with a partner, of Arundel Shipyard in Kennebunkport,

Maine. Annie, a classic yawl, was built during his time in Maine and was

chronicled in Wooden Boat Magazine. Sailing and running the boatyard led

to many new friends and adventures.

Bikes was the third career, after he left the boatyard and relocated to New

Jersey. He started out as the manager of Ridgewood Cycle Shop in

Ridgewood, NJ, and then became the business manager of Winning and

Triathlete Magazine. Next, he became president of Mavic USA, a French

manufacturer of high end bicycle wheels and components. His role at

Mavic created the opportunity to impact the lives of young, competitive

cyclists, including sponsorships and providing technical support at the 1992

Olympics in Barcelona and 1996 in Atlanta. Frequent and extensive trips to

France facilitated his bilingual skills and lifelong passion for wine and

cooking.

Retirement in 2002 created the opportunity to join the Peace Corps with his

wife, Susan Smitten, and accept an assignment in Suriname, South

America. He was involved with developing indigenous women’s small

businesses. When asked about serving in the PC at 60 years old it

generated a standard reply that he just went to bed earlier than his

colleagues in their 20’s. This vitalizing experience led to a year teaching

junior high school math in an American School in Pachuca Mexico.

Not yet ready to stop traveling and meeting new people, Art and Susan

hooked up the Airstream trailer and pursued life as seasonal work campers.

What better places to meet interesting people and make new friends than

Yellowstone National Park and Mount Desert Campground near Acadia

National Park. Sarasota, Florida became their permanent home. In Sarasota, Art

discovered kayaking and pursued it with the same enthusiasm and passion

that he brought to hiking, skiing, climbing, sailing, and cycling. Recently, Art

rediscovered his teenage hobby as a ham radio operator. He upgraded his

licenses, joined the local club and activated K4NUM. Once again, meeting

interesting people and sharing experiences with folks from all over the

world.

Art is survived by his wife, Susan Smitten; a son, Brian Wester (Lea); a

daughter, Christina Wester (Steven); five grandchildren-Brian, Madison,

Alex, Rebecca and Kasey; and a brother, Brian (Sylvia).

The family suggests any donations in Arthur Wester’s name be made

to Doctors Without Borders.

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