I know your hearts are breaking because of Arlis’ Homegoing. Truly, heaven’s gain is our loss. Please remember there are many friends and family who are also experiencing this pain even if on a different level. Arlis was such a unique individual he was able to touch the lives of people from many different walks of life. I pray it will ease a small portion of your pain to reflect of such contributions and investments in others. For almost 40 years, I have treasured my friendship with this giant of a man among men. I have highly valued his opinion, his honesty, and his humor. This relationship began shortly after I became his Pastor. He demonstrated respect for my position but never put me on a pedestal. I could regularity be found in the kitchen of “RILEY’S CAFÉ” at 4:30-5 a.m. solving world problems, discussing cattle prices and good fishing holes , and drinking coffee as he introduced me to some who needed Christ and opened doors of opportunity for me. Occasionally those early morning roundtable, highly intellectual (?) forums included local and state law enforcement individuals, farmers and ranchers, and others from the Perkins community. Never many, just a very few who were trying to be men of significance. I learned to increasingly respect Arlis for his ability as a business man, cattleman, community contributor, family man and FRIEND. Without a doubt, he leaves a good testimony of life well lived. Well done, my FIEND, well done. We will all miss him. Those who knew him best will miss him most. And that would be Linda: business partner, faithful companion, friend, confidant, the Mother of his only son – John, recipient of his most sincere and lasting love, and his one and only wife of 48 years. Until we meet again, Tom Hunter