Art was raised in Syracuse, NY until his father, a steel-alloy chemist, moved the family to New Jersey to aid in the wartime steel effort. Upon graduating from high school at the age of 16 he worked in the steel mill for a year before enlisting in the U.S. Army Air Corp’s (now the U.S. Air Force) Cadet Program in September of 1943. After that he completed flight training at Michigan State University and military bases in Kansas and Texas, Art became a navigator aboard the Curtiss C-46 Commando Cargo aircraft. He was stationed at the 5th Air Force Headquarters in the Pacific theater, where he flew missions over Okinawa, Japan, southern China, and South Korea. Art was awarded several medals and honors, including the Navigator Badge, the Army of Occupation Medal with Japan bar, and several other achievement and commendation medals. Art was honorably discharged in 1947. He then joined the Air Force Reserve as a Military Operational Specialist. He retired from the reserves in 1974 as a Lieutenant Colonel. In 2013 Art was inducted into the New York State Veterans’ Hall of Fame.
After his military career, Art became a distinguished Petroleum Geologist and settled in Wellsville, NY. Throughout the years Art served the Wellsville community in numerous ways: Deputy Mayor for 12 years; Village Trustee; President of the local Rotary and a Paul Harris fellow; Chairman of the Board for Jones Memorial Hospital for many years; Chairman of the Allegany County Republican Party, President of local United Way; Vestryman of St. John’s Episcopal Church; a member the American Legion and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. On a state and national level, Art was President of the Independent Oil & Gas Association of New York (2 terms), long time board member of the NY State Oil Producers Association, and Secretary of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (2 terms).
Known by all, Art was a true gentleman, community leader, pre-eminent geologist, and great father.
He is survived by four children: Judith Van Tyne of Manhattan, NY, Cynthia (Stephen) Ford of Lakewood, NY, Mark (Lonnie) Van Tyne of Canton, OH, and Peter Van Tyne of Wellsville, NY; six grandchildren, Christopher (Xochitl) Kairalla of San Carlos, CA, Daun (Bryan) Curry of Manhattan, NY, MaryAnne (David Humphreys) Van Tyne of Los Angeles, CA, Stephen (Emily) Ford of Lakewood, NY, Lauren and Brad Van Tyne of Canton, OH; three great-grandchildren, Lyla Curry, Dylan Kairalla and Annelise Ford; two nieces, Cheri (Randy) Shaw of Clayton, NY, and Patti (Tim Hennessy) Morrison of Wellsville; and grand-nephew Michael Shaw of Alexandria Bay, NY. He was predeceased by his sister Evelyn Morrison of Syracuse, NY.
Friends are invited to call on Saturday, May 15th from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm at Embser Funeral Home in Wellsville, NY. A graveside service with full military honors will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery, Wellsville, at 2:30 pm. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to: Jones Memorial Hospital, 191 North Main St., Wellsville, NY 14895; SPCA-Allegany County, 5440 NY-19, Belmont, NY 14813; or Pioneer Oil Museum, 395 Main St., Bolivar, NY 14715. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.
RIP Art , a good man and friend ��
ReplyDeleteOur condolences to the Van Tyne family. Art was a great guy and will be missed by many. I was fortunate to have know Art for over 30 years, both professionally and personally, and I will always appreciate our friendship.
ReplyDeleteMy condolences Mark and the entire Van Tyne family. Your father was a delightful man and will always be remembered fondly.
ReplyDeleteCondolences to Art Van Tyne's family, from current and past geologists and paleontologists at the New York State Museum/Geological Survey. And on behalf on the New York Devonian research community. Art was a well remembered and well-liked part of both, for many decades.
ReplyDeleteChuck Ver Straeten, New York State Museum/Geological Survey
Art, as can be seen from the written outline, your life was brimming with thousand colors. Life lived so fully is an inspiration to many, including me. Thank you for touching my heart this way, and may you rest in Heaven eternally. Our condolences to the Van Tynes and extended family. Gordon (and Marlies).
ReplyDeleteWellsville has lost one of its last true gentlemen. The Duke Family extends its sincerest condolences to Art's family. When Art eulogized his long time friend, Philip Duke, his eloquent words spoke volumes about the kind and caring person Art was. His words still echo in the hearts of those who heard them. May he rest eternally in the light and love of God.
ReplyDeleteMr. Van Tyne was a true legend and known to all geologists who work the Appalachian Basin. His work and contributions will always be appreciated and remembered.
ReplyDeleteArt was a great friend and mentor I met him in 1973 at Alfred University. He will be greatly missed. Condolences to he family particularly Mark. Dick Beardsley
ReplyDeleteArt and I worked together on a mapping project of the local oil fields. Art had a vast knowledge of the area and it was a privilege to work beside him. He will be missed the greater Wellsville Community, St John's Episcopal Church, and all his friends.
ReplyDeleteMy deepest condolences to Arthur's family. I am disappointed that I am only hearing of his passing two days after his service as I would have dropped everything to have been there. I will forever be grateful to Art as he was the person who gave me my first professional opportunity after college graduation to work with him at the NY Geological Survey on the Eastern Gas Shales Project. Whatever I became in my adult and professional life is due in no small part to him. He will be deeply missed.
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