Arthur Sutcliffe Dearden

Arthur Sutcliffe Dearden died June 4, 2013 at home with his family. The family gives heartfelt thanks to Amedisys Hospice for their respectful and gentle care.

He is survived by his wife, Dianna Lynn Dearden, and stepsons, Drew Hedlesky, Luke Hedlesky, Taylor Hedlesky and Wade Hedlesky, all from Lake Charles, LA. He is also survived by stepsons Miles Jackson, Lockport, NY and Neil Jackson from Straffordshire, England.

He was predeceased by his first wife, Audrey Dearden and his sister, Stella Dearden.

Originally from Todmorden, England, he became an American Citizen in 1981. He studied violin at London's Royal Academy of Music. He attended Oxford Univeristy on scholarship and studied medicine at Leeds University. His education was interrupted during WWII He was not allowed to serve in the military after he had a kidney removed in his youth. So he joined ENSA, which is similar to the USO, entertaining troops during the war. He played violin in the BBC Variety Orchestra and years later worked at the BBC in an administrative role involving BBC Overseas Service Broadcast which were crucial for keeping up the morale in German occupied countries, yet difficult because of the different languages. He continued his education and became a Certified Management Consultant which allowed him to travel worldwide. He always met friends during these trips and played violin at each location. His last employment was with Conoco. He then retired in Lake Charles and played violin at the Lake Charles Symphony and felt that under the direction of Conductor William Kushner the symphony was excellent. He wrote his autobiography, An Uncommon Life for a Common Man after he retired. He was a true gentleman, gentle and kind. A memorial service will be 11am Saturday June 8, 2013 at St. Luke-Simpson United Methodist Church in Lake Charles. Rev. Henry Bowdon, Jr. will officiate. Visitation will be 9:30 to 11 am at the church before the service.

Living in England during WWII, Arthur still recalls how hungry his family and friends were until the Americans provided food. Memorial donations may be made to St. Luke-Simpson United Methodist Church Manna ministry 474-1500 or charity of your choice.