Arnold "The VIKING" Messer's Obituary
MESSERArnold L., The VIKING, Born in New York, NY, November 15, 1935, died peacefully Sunday morning the ninth of September, 2012 in Miami. During his final days he was cared for by his dear companion Carol Wilson and his loving daughters Nicole Thatcher and Lisa Messer-Cooper. The Viking's determination to conquer all adversities gave him the will to battle his Pancreatic cancer for three years and three months. His indomitable will, charismatic personality and unwavering optimism set the quintessential example of how to enjoy life despite daunting odds. Anyone who knew The VIKING, knew that he lived life to the fullest. He was deeply loyal to those he loved and was generous to a fault. His life story could have, and should have been a Hollywood movie. He rose from a handsome young, hustling cabana boy at the Fountain Bleu hotel in 1954 to a successful and powerful manufacturer of women's clothing in Manhattan. The Viking traveled the world, mentored many and was a "like a brother" to his closest friends. Arnold exuded charm and a unique sense of humor that instantly drew you to him. If he loved you, he granted you a nickname that would stick for life. If there was no appropriate nickname, your name became a song that he would belt out upon seeing you. Whether you worked with him or for him, waited on him at a restaurant or arranged his golf games, The VIKING looked out for you and touched your heart in a way that made him unforgettable. The VIKING had a sixth sense that enabled him to determine quickly if something made sense or not, which contributed greatly to his sharp business acumen. Those who conducted business with him knew he would give the shirt off his back for the people around him, never asked for anything in return, and his word was his bond. It would be a disservice to his memory to overlook what a tremendous athlete The VIKING was. He lived to play - whether it be tennis or golf - and he played hard. Some of his favorite memories and stories took place on the tennis courts and golf courses in Loveladies, NJ, Miami, FL and Philadelphia, PA. Even toward the final years of his life he measured his declining health by how many golf balls he could hit. As a father, he was a wonderful provider. More importantly, he taught his daughters to value friendship, to give generously, to laugh loudly, to stand strong when facing adversity and to live without regret. Perhaps The VIKING's sole regret is that he did not have enough time to watch his grandchildren grow up. He loved James Arnold Thatcher and Sophia Lena Thatcher more than they know. If The VIKING could sing you a farewell song (he had great pipes), it would be his pleasure. Please raise your pointer finger in the air to conduct the melody, a la VIKING style, and sing along:"And now, the end is here and so I face the final curtain, My friend, I'll say it clear, I'll state my case, of which I'm certain, I've lived a life that's full, I traveled each and ev'ry highway, and more, much more than this, I did it my way...."Besides his daughters who he shared with former spouse, Nina Messer, grandchildren and dear companion, The VIKINGS's heart and soul will remain alive with his son-in-laws, Andy Thatcher and Bruce Cooper, as well as the myriad of friends and family members, coast-to-coast, as well as his dog, Brutus Bush Messer, that Arnold loved both fiercely and loyally. Any donations can be made at the following website to support ongoing research to help cure pancreatic cancer. Long live The VIKING. http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/ArnoldMesserViking/KeeptheMemoryAliveBLASBERG-RUBIN-ZILBERT(305) 538-6371
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