Arthur Dale Gugler, 77, of Baker City, died June 27, 2005, at his home.
His graveside funeral will be at 10 a.m. Monday at Mount Hope Cemetery.
Arthur was born on Oct. 18, 1927, to Chester William and Mary Olivia Bolen Gugler at Hamilton, Mont. After finishing high school in 1945, he joined the U.S. Army and served in Japan with Gen. Douglas MacArthur.
After returning to Hamilton, he met and married Patricia Burke in 1950. She survives him.
The couple celebrated the birth of their first child, Sally, at Hamilton and then moved to Klamath Falls, where their son, Thomas, joined them in 1953. In 1954, Art received a degree in gunsmithing from Oregon Technical Institute at Klamath Falls and then the family moved to Baker City where Arthur opened a gunsmithing shop. The couple’s last child, Polly, joined the family a short time later.
In Baker City, Arthur worked as a gunsmith, sold boats and motors, then appliances and televisions, and finally, cameras and photography equipment. He also photographed a few weddings.
Arthur was a member of the Elks Lodge for more than 40 years, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Jaycees and the Grande Ronde Camera Club. He loved to travel, loved photography and loved camping, hunting and making guns.
Upon researching his ancestors in his retirement years, he discovered important links to U.S. history. Henry Gugler, his great-uncle, worked for the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. His engravings were used for printing money.
Arthur’s cousin, Eric Gugler, was an architect whose designs were used in the White House. In particular, the Steinway grand piano with gilt American eagle supports designed by him, was given to the White House in 1938 and sits in the East Room to this day. Arthur was especially proud of this history and contribution by his ancestors.
Survivors include his sister, Verna Lee; his children; and four grandchildren.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Baker City Police/Fire Departments or Community Connection.
Used with permission from: Baker City Herald, Baker City, Oregon, July 8, 2005
Transcribed by: Belva Ticknor