Arthur Ernest Rich III

Arthur E. Rich III, 58, transitioned from this life to his eternal one on February 24, 2024. Surviving pancreatic cancer for five years, Art was part of an exclusive club. Only 1% of late-stage pancreatic cancer patients surpass the five year mark. To the end, Art kept his eye on the prize of beating the odds.

On May 14, 1965, Arthur and Ilsa Rich welcomed their first-born, Art, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The arrivals of Mike and Lisa in the coming years completed their family. The family moved several times during Art’s school years, but their anchoring base was Art’s grandparents’ home in Mequon, Wisconsin. Frank and Maria Matejov, immigrated to America in 1951 and had eight children: Trudy (Bud) Pahlisch, Erika (Terry) Roemke, Anna (Jim) Jaeger, Ilsa Rich, Frank Matejov, MaryAnn (Joe) Obenberger, Andrew Matejov, Ed (Carol) Matejov. On his father’s side, John (Vangie) Rich were drawn to the magic of Mequon and became integral parts of the stories from this era. Art’s strong sense of family had its roots in the loving foundation of growing up surrounded by his extended family.

Art loved live performance. Starting with in-home entertainment involving him, a chair, and a mic to the theater department in high school to studying theater design in college, he knew he wanted to pursue an unconventional career in live performance. After two years of college, his professors said he had maxed out their program and he should get started on the road. Never one to shy from travel or adventure, he headed to Atlanta and was touring in no time. When asked the favorite artist he worked with, his response would be, “Hands down, Michael Jackson”. Art loved that MJ pursued excellence which made Art a perfect fit to be his lighting crew chief on the HIStory world tour in 1996-1997.

Art continued in lighting design and lighting production until 2009 when he did a stint as stage manager for Keith Urban. From there, he did his first production manager gig in 2010 with the Judd’s. Art felt most fulfilled when he was in the production manager’s seat—and he was better than good in it. He especially loved his CMA family as they worked together to make the stadium jump with country music the first weekend in June. Voices of America Country Music Festival launched in 2023 and was his latest baby. Several corporations benefited from Art’s pre-pro giftedness and his on-site talent. People loved to work for Art because he was organized and it was clear what to do. He cared about his work friends. He prayed for them. He was always excited to get on the road to reconnect with his people.

Art married in the early 90’s (Kim) but divorced within a couple of years with no children. In 1998 while doing lighting for a booth at the International Beauty Show in NYC, he met Lisa who was the talent on stage. After a fun year of dating all over the US and internationally, they married in 1999. Art was doubly blessed as Lisa brought 3 year-old Lukas into the marriage. In 2001, Zandra was born and the Fab 4 was formed. They spent the first fifteen years in Illinois then moved to Nashville in 2014.

Art was interested in a number of things. He loved the water. Whether it was chartering a ship in France with tourmates, SCUBA diving, snorkeling, being on a catamaran, or simply floating in a pool, water was his go-to. He finally got his own boat in the summer of 2018, and he loved to host friends and family on board. Regarding hosting, Art had the gift of hospitality. Not only did he love to have people over, but he loved to wow them with his culinary skills and classy presentations. He was a foodie through-and-through.

Art’s faith was important to him and it shaped him. He was on the Lead Team at King & City Church (Mt. Juliet) until shortly before his death. He loved God’s church and God’s people. Art had a way of improving existing practices and helping to create next level experiences. He was a valued member of his King & City faith-family.

More than anything, Art loved his family. With Lisa, Art found a partner who allowed him to be himself. Art supported Lisa and admired her gifts. He was proud of his son, Lukas. He was always ready to support Lukas from Mario Kart where he “versed” DaddyArt to cross country in junior high to his college days, Lukas’ interests fascinated Art. As Lukas is a pilot, he and Art could ‘talk shop’ since Art, too, once had his private pilot license. Lukas married Jazzmin in 2023, however Art had known her since she was a baby. He loved to make her his famous pancakes and she was always a happy recipient. Listening to Jazz’ stories of her days as a radiology technologist at the VA entertained Art. Zandra was Art’s Special Angel Girl. From late-night stories made up as he was putting her to bed to supporting her middle/high school music and theater era to throwing an epic wedding bash, Art poured into her. Zandra married Micah Escamilla in 2022 and Art fully trusted him to take care of his daughter. Micah’s middle name is Faithful, and Art would constantly marvel at the gift of having Micah as a part of his family. One of Art’s favorite memories with Micah was teaching him how to shoot a gun, and going to the range whenever they got the chance.

Art loved life and he will be missed by his family and friends.

Service information below:

Friday/March 1st at 1:00PM

Celebration of Life Gathering 2:00PM-4:00PM

Hermitage Funeral Home

535 Shute Lane

Old Hickory, TN 37138

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to MusiCares. Art and Lisa want to thank MusiCares for their financial help during a period in which Art was too sick to work. Art’s love for the music industry knew no bounds and he would be thrilled to have his community give back on his behalf. You can find the donation link below:

https://musicares.org/donations