Arthur Harold Missias

MISSIAS, Mr. Arthur H. "Art"
Portage, MI The Kalamazoo area lost a dear friend on Sunday morning January 24, 2010 when Art Missias passed away. His vital statistics do not do justice to the man that he was, the joy that he brought to others, and the legacy of love, laughter and integrity that he leaves behind. A lifelong resident of Kalamazoo, he was born to George and Beatrice Georgiou Missias on July 30, 1948 and was welcomed into a loving Greek family full of aunts, uncles, cousins, and siblings. In his career in the automotive service industry, he met and helped thousands of people, but more than that, had the uncanny ability to welcome them into his life, get to know them as human beings, and form friendships that would last for years and would follow him to whatever locale in which he was employed. Art was best known in the community as a coach, advocate, and tributary of youth hockey. He devoted over 30 years of his life to KOHA, attained the distinction of "Master Coach" through USA Hockey, and was honored as "Coach of the Year" by virtually every organization that he worked with. He was also the beloved head coach of Portage Northern High School hockey team for nearly two decades. Yet, it is the lives that he touched in these capacities that people will remember as he always strove to teach young people how to lead lives of integrity and character through the game of hockey, a lesson that he always taught through example. He was united in loving marriage with Julie A. Stennett Missias on January 11, 1985, who survives him. He is also survived by his son Matt Missias and Matt's wife April Ayers Missias, his son Chris Missias, and his daughter Sara Missias, all of Kalamazoo. He is also survived by a brother, Charlie Missias of Portage; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins as well as innumerable friends who will cherish his memory. A service in celebration of his life will be held at 1 o'clock Friday in the afternoon at the Portage Northern High School Igloo, 1000 Idaho, Portage, with a reception to share stories of his life at S2 Ice Arena, 5076 Sports Drive, Kalamazoo to follow. Private burial will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials may be directed to support Christopher and Sara Missias' educational expenses. Inquiries may be directed to Arrangements were made by the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick www.langelands.com , 343-1508.