Windsurfer apparently died at Rowena Today

Yardsale · Since 29 Mar 2005 387 Posts Portlanastan Obsessed

Info was second hand but I saw ambulance leaving as I arrived at Rowena. Later I was talking to a windsurfer that told me Art Long, a regular from Seattle, suffered a heart attack and couldn't be resuscitated. It happened on land and he may have been unconscious for awhile. That's all I have, apologize for the limited info. Very Sad news, so sorry to Arts family and friends. Sad

wylieflyote · Mon Jun 20, 11 5:15 am

Very sad sad news. Art, a fixture in the NW wind culture for decades. We would see him at EVERY launch in the Gorge, non-stop from April to November. Happy winds wherever you are, Art.

hilton · Since 15 Aug 2008 801 Posts Opinionated

I believe it was Art Loh, electrician from Seattle, who died windsurfing on his 75th birthday.
Art was a great guy who was always making jokes, mostly about himself.
He will be missed.

pkh · Since 27 Feb 2005 6549 Posts Couve / Hood Honored Founder

Sad but nice to hear he passed doing what he loves

Pepi · Mon Jun 20, 11 1:57 pm

This is super unfortunate news.
Art Loh was my hero.
The guy was 75 yrs old,was still kicking ass and seemed to have no intention of retiring (said his girlfriend was too expensive to retire Wink

.
He drove down to the Gorge to camp/sail every weekend throughout the Summer and tore it up skiing on Crystal Mtn in the winter time.

He had a loud voice, even louder laugh, was quick to smile and seemed to genuinely always be happy with life.

Art, we're gonna miss you.

dangler · Since 26 Feb 2006 1776 Posts WINDY SPOTS XTreme Poster

I'm also going to miss Art. I've seen him every summer over the past twenty years. Fun guy to sail with.

luke · Since 06 Jul 2005 399 Posts Obsessed

The story I heard is that Art was out sailing at Rowena in 30 knots of wind on Sunday, Father's Day. Blue sky and warm. Came in from his session. Told people he was going to lie down under the tree and take a nap. . . . . sweet dreams Art

ldhr · Since 21 Jul 2009 1489 Posts Hood River XTreme Poster

R.I.P.

A.K. · Since 01 Jul 2006 190 Posts Stoked

I rolled into Rowena as someone was being hoisted into a ambulence with wet suit booties still on. I immediatley feared a kite injury. But after hearing the folks on the beach talking I also came to Lukes conclusion.

-Perfect gorgeous Gorge day.
-75 years old and coming off a Rowena windsurf session (is that true, 75?)
-take a nap under a tree and drift into eternity.

I could see that folks on the beach were stressed by the experience especially the efforts to revive.

But if I have the facts right then that was the perfect session. We could only wish for such a perfect passing. I hope that his family knows what an absolutely beautiful day it was, and that he was surrounded by friends.

A.K.

Yardsale · Since 29 Mar 2005 387 Posts Portlanastan Obsessed

Sorry about the name error, after seeing the pic I realized Art and I have crossed paths many times over the years, never with any formal intro. Very sad when any Gorge fixture passes.... As the years go by it's heartwarming to see people I've known for years...even if we've never spoke. Condolences to Art's family and his friends, he will be missed in our small community. Smile

windslayer · Since 30 Apr 2007 153 Posts Stoked

(his brings tears to my eyes)>>>>Sailed with this man many many times!!! He always had a smile on his face, you could count on him to be a staple where ever it was windy (as well ALL chase the wind from site to site in one day even in droves), and he passed away after doing what he LOVED!! He will be missed!!!

**Lets not forget that the reasons we are here in the GOrge is to do what we LOVE!! Care for each other ON and OFF the water, no matter if we kite or windsurf. There is no room here for attitude.

RIP Art