We already miss the big welcoming smile and the wonderful laugh of Arvin Clyde “Jim” Teschner, 92, of Stuart, Florida and East Boothbay, Maine. He died Dec. 9, 2021 at his home in Florida with loved ones near.

Arvin was born on Jan. 5, 1929 in Newton, Massachusetts to Pauline and Edward Teschner. He grew up in a loving, boisterous home of five boys during the Great Depression. Values of honesty, hard work, and kindness were instilled at an early age and leavened with laughter and humor.

When he was 12, Arvin began working summers at a Caddy Camp at Woods Hole, earning 35 cents per golf bag and sometimes carrying four bags for a round of golf. His work ethic was such that he never declined a job and was the top earner for the summer.

Arvin, who was also known as Jim, was athletic, co-captain of Newton High School’s football team, captain of the golf team and a varsity basketball player. He went on to play football for Brown University until being sidelined by a major knee injury. Through ROTC, caddying and work in the cafeteria, he put himself through college at Brown and graduated with a B.A. in mathematics.

After graduation in 1950, “Jimmy” married his beautiful and fun sweetheart, Patricia (Patty Burt) Teschner. Their relationship began when he pulled her braids in elementary school. They had two children, Jennifer and Stephen, and created a home with love, friends, and laughter. Fifty-eight years later, they were still holding hands.

Within weeks of their marriage, Jim was called to serve as an officer with the Marine Corps in the Korean War. His Marine Corps buddies became lifelong friends.

Following his military service, Jim accepted a position with SOHIO in Columbus, Ohio. Promoted frequently, they lived in five Ohio cities. After BP became a subsidiary of SOHIO, Jim capped a successful career as the retail sales manager for the East Coast. He used to say he felt that he was fortunate to work with many fine people throughout his career.

Missing their Maine and Massachusetts roots and wanting a sense of permanent residence, Patty and Jim bought a summer cottage in East Boothbay, Maine in the late ’70s. They loved being in Maine and regarded it as one of the most beautiful places in the world. They created beautiful gardens around the house and Jim even designed an architectural plan to convert the cottage into a year-round home. With the skills of master builder and friend Rendall Hyson, that dream was realized. They welcomed their grandchildren and many friends from away with lobster feasts and drives along Ocean Point which they named the Ooo-Ah tour. Patty and Jim loved dogs and Jim could often be seen carrying their tired pup the last leg of an Ocean Point walk.

In 2004 a pulmonary embolism took Stephen’s life and then four years later nearing 80, Jim’s sweetheart passed away.

Jim was fortunate to have another opportunity for a great love with Barbara Sullivan. Together they shared over ten happy years of bridge, golf, culinary delights, travel and hosting extended family. During these years, Jim enjoyed the new addition of great-grandchildren and helped to build a “Pirate Ship Float” for the Ocean Point Horribles Parade and referee slap jack and croquet games.

Arvin will be remembered as a truly good man who was kind, honorable, generous, humble, and fun. It is said at the end of your life, the only question that matters is, “How much have you loved?” Arvin loved others deeply and will always be dearly loved by family and many close friends.

He is survived by Barbara Sullivan; brother Allen (Connie) Teschner; daughter Jennifer Teschner; son-in-law Joe Tafelski; daughter-in-law Senta (Teschner) Cassell; grandchildren Michael Tafelski, Kathleen Tafelski, Jake Teschner Cassell and Carolyn Teschner Cassell; honorary granddaughter Anne Mellen; and great-grandchildren Miles and Theo Tafelski.

He was predeceased by his wife Patricia Teschner; son Stephen Teschner; parents Pauline and Edward Teschner; brothers and sisters-in-law Edward and Kathy Teschner, Douglass Teschner and Bette Teschner Zeller, Philip and Hannah Teschner; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Phyllis Morton and Ashley Burt; and Janet McKenzie.

A Farewell and Remembrance gathering will be held on July 9, 2022 at Wilson Memorial Chapel at Ocean Point.

Those wishing to honor Arvin can pass on an act of kindness and/or a good story to make others laugh.