Art Freund Dies

[Harold Mayo]

Sorry for your loss, John. Friends and mentors like that are few and far between.

Being a gunsmith was Art's second job. His main employment, until he retired, was as a photoengraver for the Post-Dispatch. He (and his wife Helen) managed to raise nine children, work a full time job, build record-setting rifles for customers, set records himself, and still find time for the offbeat projects dreamed up by people like me.

Isn't it amazing that, in today's world of labor-saving devices, people complain of not having enough time? This man (and his wife) managed to do all of that (and likely more) but so many today would never be able to touch all of those accomplishments in combination.

And yes, Art was the inspiration for "Curt Behnke" in Unintended Consequences.

I recognized him immediately as that character, as I'm certain many other readers did. I have no idea how Mr. Freund felt about your book or the "Behnke" character, but I would personally be very honored if a friend had immortalized me in print with the obvious admiration that you did with him in Unintended Consequences.

 

[Yooper]

You have truly honored your friend to remember his life and to share that with others. My condolences to you and Art's family.

 

[Black Dragon]

Condolences to you and Art's family in this time.