Art (Lightning) Voltz was born in the City of Glendale, California on May 11, 1929. His parents owned a “filling” station at the corner of Ramsdell and Honolulu Avenues (Where the Maytag and Jeremy’s Coffee Shop stand today). As a child, he helped his mom, who was the Post Mistress of the Verdugo City Post Office.
During WWII – he watched seemingly endless trucks transporting Japanese to the nearby internment camp. His childhood and teenage years were filled with helping his folks out, working at a neighbors filling station, raising chickens, and spending endless hours in the foothills of La Crescenta, La Canada, and the Verdugo Mountains -hiking, horseback riding, and hunting. Originally Art planned on being a Forest Ranger.
He spent weeks at a time working with the County of Los Angeles as part of fire/camp crews. In 1950, Art joined the United States Army. He was a drill sergeant based at Fort Ord in Monterey California.
He was deployed to Korea and honorably released from Active Duty in October of 1952. He served two more years in the reserves. After returning from Korea, Art started on a different path than his planned career as a Forest Ranger.
Art got a job at Gladdy McBean Tile in Glendale. His friend and co-worker introduced him to Reba Manuel. They married in November of 1957 and were married up until Reba’s passing in 2007.
In September of 1958, Art and Reba adopted and welcomed a newborn baby into their lives. Art received that call that he had been hired by the Glendale Fire Department the same week as the birth of their daughter. Art started with the Glendale Fire Department in September, 1958 and retired in 1986 as an Engineer.
The Glendale Fire Department was and remained “family”. Art was a loyal friend and mentor to many during his time on the Department. As a young fire fighter, Art would take many backpacking trips to the Sierra’s with his fellow firemen.
Art was an avid fisherman. Each summer during the 1960’s through 1975, Art would pitch two tents at Marrone’s Lost Frontier at Big Bear Lake. His wife and daughter would spend summers camping and Art would come up each time he had 3 or more days off.
In 1975, Art and Reba bought a “little ol’ ” cabin on the North Shore of Big Bear Lake in Fawnskin. 10 years later, they tore down the original cabin (where snow blew through the walls) and built their dream home on the lakefront. Art spent countless hours fishing in his little fishing boats and entering the “Trout Derby” until his health prevented him from doing so.
After retiring, Art and Reba moved permanently to Big Bear. They were both volunteers and very active with the Big Bear Historical Society and Museum. The Fire Look Out at Butler Peak, was a volunteer job that Art enjoyed immensely.
He would give tours and talks to any visitors that made it up to the remote location. He spotted many fires in different counties, due to the extreme visibility and high elevation. His wife Reba accompanied him when her health permitted.
Art became involved with the Big Bear Discovery Center. He was a well-respected and awarded docent, volunteering year round as needed. He even learned how to snow shoe and led tours.
He enjoyed giving school field trip nature tours and nature tours to tourists weekly. The Fawnskin Fire Department was a large part of Art’s retirement. He was a (non-paid) Fire Commissioner.
Art was also a vital part of CERT in Fawnskin as a team leader. Both Art and Reba volunteered with The North Shore Improvement Association. Neighbors knew Art well and trusted him as the unofficial community watch in his little cove on the lake.
He was a man who gave his time and energy to any and all who needed it. Selfless and always willing to help family, friends, strangers, and even wildlife. At his residence, Blue Skies Manor, he was the official greeter to all who passed through the door.
When he first arrived, he watered the yard and even helped shovel snow off the path when he was more mobile. He was dearly loved by all who knew him, including his caregivers. Toward the end, he was a big love bug – always wanting hugs and kisses and telling everyone that he loved them.
Art was a devoted husband and family man. He was a wonderful father, grandfather, and great-grandpa. Surviving family member include daughter Debi and her husband Dave Devens, Grandchildren – Jill and Dylan, grandson-in-law Felix Justin and two great grandsons, Jake and Sean, along with extended family he cherished from his wife, Reba’s family.
He inspired his family in positive ways and they hope to carry on his legacy of love, sacrifice, hard work, integrity and loyalty. Donations may be made to: The Gary Sinise Foundation P.O. Box 50008, Studio City CA 91614 Tel: 1-818-432-8988 Web: www.
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