Robert Arestad
June 06, 1962 - January 24, 2016
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Robert Arestad
June 06, 1962 - January 24, 2016
Obituary
Lou Arestad, passed away Sunday, January 24th, after ongoing battles with heart issues. He was 53 years old. Lou was a long-time businessman in Ferndale, WA. Lou was an orphan in Tien Phuoc Vietnam during Vietnam War and was cared for and mentored by members of U.S. Army’s B Battery 3rd Battalion 16th Field Artillery unit in South Vietnam. In the early 70’s Laura Arestad was watching CBS news correspondent Bill Plante interview Lou in Vietnam. Lou told Bill he wanted to be adopted by an American family. While watching the story Laura stated to her children” Come see your new brother on T.V.!” After arriving in the United State in 1973, Lou was adopted into the Christian home of Leif and Laura Arestad and was raised on the dairy farm at Ferndale WA. Lou graduated from Ferndale High School in 1984 and went on to graduate from college. Lou worked in banking and then started Lou Arestad Accounting business in 1988. In 1996 Lou added another business; Little Lou’s Construction. Lou had a good life living in America and more importantly he lived the American dream. Lou hosted some pretty good barbecues and was known by his family and friends as having a sense of humor and a little guy with a big heart. Lou enjoyed fishing, socializing with friends and family and enjoyed traveling, including trips to Las Vegas to meet with his 16th Artillery Unit G.I. buddies. Lou was quick witted and people enjoyed his sense of humor. Lou’s best friends were Bill Collier and brother Steve. The Arestad family would like to thank Lou’s close friend and construction boss Bill Collier, Su Nuntalogawithoon owner of Lux Thai restaurant, brother Steve, sister Debbie, Lou’s niece Jamie Arestad and Misty Mostrom. They were close friends with Lou and all spent a lot of their personal time helping Lou anyway they could. Survivors are brothers, James, Stuart Steve, John and David, sisters, Jill Nolan, Kim Loop, Julie Beaver, Debbie Leavy and Joanne Knight and numerous nieces and nephews. Lou was proceeded in death by his parents Lief Arestad in 1987 and Laura Arestad in 2010, brother Eric in 1989 and sister Erin in 2014. A celebration of life will be held at Fox Hall, Monday February 8th at 10:00 AM, 3985 Bennett Drive, Bellingham WA 98225 . In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Disabled Americans Veterans Charitable Trust or Wounded Warriors Family Support.
Celebration Of Life
- Date & Time: January 1, 1970 (12:00 AM)
- Venue: Fox Hall
- Location: 3985 Bennett Dr Bellingham, WA 98225 - (Get Directions)
13 responses to Robert Arestad
Joanne Donnellan says:
January 24, 2016
I had Lou as an orchestra student from the time he came here and started school at Custer until he graduated from high school. I lost touch with him after he graduated but would run into him occasionally in downtown Ferndale. His personality was infectious – and especially his smile and his every-present chuckle!! Although I seldom saw him I never forgot him. He was an example of the human spirit rising above one’s circumstances, and was dear to everyone who knew him. He was very special and one of the joys in my career of music teaching.I remember him coming into the music room with his class at Custer on the day I gave the string instrument demonstration, and him raising his hand along with the other kids who wanted to learn to play the violin. I brought a small violin to Custer for him – too big! Then a smaller one – still too big! Then Grant and Glenn’s beginning size violin – just right!!
And he used it for a long time and finally got his very own violin.
We all looked out for him and loved him, and he never expected or asked for anything special from anyone, but he made anyone who was around him happier.
Thank you to Laura Arestad (and I remember that story!) for bringing him to Ferndale to be a part of their family. It was a blessing to know him.
Ron and Eileen (Reimer) Stehr says:
January 24, 2016
Dearest Arestead Family!! Lou was a very fortunate young Man to get his wish to be adopted and Loved by a family in America!! And, all of the family who was so fortunate to be “chosen” by Your Father and Mother, Leif and Laura !! Your parents were held in High Respect and Regard of the “job” they did by enlarging their Family,and LOVING ALL YOU CHILDREN!! Your Parents were very much LOVED by the Community all around!! At Christmas Time, all of you children would be dressed alike with your Adorable Outfits, I remember especially you Boys with your Holly Leaf and Red Berry Bow Ties!! You would come to the Mennonite Church for Christmas Eve, and all dressed up!! Your parents were so Good to you Children and raised you in a Christian Home!! Lou is in Heaven Praising GOD, and Singing with your Parents and Seeing the KING OF KINGS!! Our Condolenses to the Arestead family and with Prayers!!
Aleceia says:
January 24, 2016
I am sorry for your families loss. It is difficult to deal with the loss of someone we love. God is always there to comfort us as2 Corinthians 1:3,4 explains. Cherish the your memories together.
C.B. says:
January 24, 2016
To the family of Robert Arestad, I am so sorry for the loss of your love one. May you will find comfort found at John 5:28 & 29.
Dian spencer says:
January 24, 2016
Lou was a remarkable man and I considered him a good friend. I knew him for over 25 years but moved away from Bellingham in 2000. Fortunately for me, he did visit yearly to Las Vegas where I reside. People often asked why I didn’t get a different tax person. Seriously? How could I give up on his visits to Vegas and being around one of the most authentic and wonderful people I have known? Wow. I will miss his humor. Knowing him was certainly an honor.