LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Arthur “Art” Nunes, born April 13, 1916, passed away at St. Helena Hospital on Dec. 29, 2013, at the age of 97.

A veteran of World War II, Art served in the Army as a rifleman during the European campaigns and was honorably discharged in September 1945.

While in the service, he was awarded the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the American Defense Service Medal.

Art and his deceased wife, Dorothy, moved to Lakeport, Calif., in 1975 from San Jose after he retired from Ford Motor Co.

Art loved spending all the time he could on outdoor projects including fishing, but his true love was his garden. He was famous for growing some of the biggest and best tomatoes in the county.

Art also was a big 49ers fan. He loved to spend his weekends watching football. When it came to family and friends, Art would always make time for barbecues, parties and any social event that would mean a good time.

Art also gave back to the community by volunteering his time in providing medical deliveries to homebound seniors.

A past master of Hartley Masonic Lodge No. 199, art was involved in fundraisers like Reno bus trips and yard sales. Part of the funds raised went to scholarships within the local community.

As a Shriner, Art helped to sponsor several children to the Shriners' Hospital for Children in Sacramento. Art also helped out as Rainbow Dad for the Rainbow Girls and served with the Eastern Star.

Art's generosity and kindness were boundless. He would go out of his way to help those he could within his means. He would socialize with anyone he met and make friends wherever he went. Art will be greatly missed by his family, friends, brethren and neighbors.

Art is preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy, and son, Kenny.

He is survived by his brother, Theodore; son, Dale; daughters, Debbie Chavez, Sandy Reynolds and Diane Langley; 14 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and nine great-great-grandchildren; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Art's sense of humor and goodwill touched many lives and he will be greatly missed.

Visitation will be Tuesday, Jan. 7, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, Lakeport with Rosary at 6 p.m. Funeral Mass at St. Mary Immaculate Catholic Church at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 8.

Inurnment with Masonic and Lake County Military Honor Team will be 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 10, at Hartley Cemetery, Lakeport.

For further information call Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com .