I've received word today that Art Gulbrandsen, founder and
proprietor of the Bridge Center in Arcadia with his wife and partner
Diane, has passed away.
I know for many of you his doorway was the gateway to the world of
bridge. For that it's difficult to honor him enough. We all have
many stories and pleasant memories of games and time spent with new
and old friends at the Arcadia Bridge Center.
The one story I would share is a memory of one time when I sat down
against him at the table. His face had red marks and Band-Aids. I
asked if he had taken a spill, and he told me that, yes, he'd had a
fall while running the New York Marathon.
In a way, his whole life was a marathon -- enjoyed for the journey
more than any destination.
And what a journey it was. I shed more than a few tears over his
passing tonight.
So many things will be different from these days forward. It's good
to reflect for a moment, knowing we can't escape being dealt more
difficult hands in the future.
God speed Art, rest in peace, and best wishes to Diane.