Obituary of Arvi Saar

Arvi Saar passed away on Tuesday, January 17, in his home in Denville surrounded by his loving family after a long illness. Arvi lived a full spirited life of love, adventure and soccer! His dedication and passion for the sport earned him many awards and recognitions, but he was most proud of being Montclair State's first All-American in 1968. Arvi worked at Indian Hills High School in Oakland, NJ for twenty-seven years, first as a Spanish teacher, then the Athletic Director, and always the soccer coach. Arvi owned and operated his soccer camp, The Garden State All-Star Soccer Camp, and was an active player and coach of many youth and adult soccer teams until Parkinson's Disease unexpectedly and so cruelly invaded and took over his body in the prime of his life. A true Rennaissance man, Arvi dabbled in wood carvings, photography, literature, sailing, painting, fishing, construction, skiing, fencing, mechanics, and fine foods. He had a natural gift for languages, of which he spoke many. Arvi was a scholar, teacher, and mentor to many young people. He was born in Reid, Austria, but spent his youth living in Argentina until he moved to the United States at the age of 17. He was very proud of being Estonian, but he loved living in the United States, and was thrilled when he became an American citizen. Driving and seeing different places in the United States was exhilarating for him, and he and his wife, Karyn of 42, years traveled many miles in his Triumph sports car. Hanging out at the shore was a favorite family past time. It was not usual to find Karyn and Arvi sitting on the beach at Sandy Hook on any sunny Sunday. Fishing was another passion, which he shared with his dad. His father was an avid fisherman and followed the currents, water temperatures, and winds. He would call 5:00 AM and say, "The fish are running," and Arvi would get his fishing pole; or he would say, "The winds changed, go back to sleep, no fish today." Arvi accomplished much in his life, but he will be best remembered for his warm smile, easy going manner, friendly nature, and the twinkle in his eye. People enjoyed being with him because he treated everyone with warmth, dignity and respect. He was fun to be with, and he enjoyed telling stories, but could never remember the punch lines of his own jokes! Arvi was loved by his two children, Taavi and Tara. They were both young when Arvi first became ill, but without hesitation, they became committed to the caretaking process. The support and dedication they gave to both Arvi and their mother, Karyn, was amazing. His illness robbed Arvi of seeing his greatest accomplishment, his children as wonderful adults. As his disease progressed, Arvi had no idea of the level of care he needed and was given so generously and lovingly given by his family. Besides his wife Karyn and his children Taavi and Tara , Arvi is survived by Tara's husband, Sean Moore, a brother and sister, Vello and Lydia, and many loving relatives and friends. Arvi will surely be missed.