He was a fixture around the rinks in Melville for generations. Art Dietz spent a lot of time at the rink starting in August until the ice was removed in the spring. Dietz was a Jack-of-all-trades. He was a skate sharpening legend who loved being at the Horizon Credit Union Centre (as well as the Melville Stadium before that). The community of Melville lost a one of a kind citizen recently with Dietz’s passing. He made a lasting impression on everyone he met.
Art Dietz was born June 9, 1935 and passed away on September 22,2021. He was an avid supporter of the Melville Millionaires and everything at the rink. Dietz always had time for a conversation and a piece of gum for the kids (and some adults). In his many years of supporting the Millionaires, Dietz spent time as the team’s equipment manager and has been referred to as a skate sharpening legend by several players.
The man was many things to many people. Former Millionaires players, coaches, parents and everyone who ever met Dietz have nothing but kind words about him. “The best trainer, person, leader anyone could ask for,” Mills alumni Kirk Bear says. “Playing for this man was an honour and something I will never forget. Art thank you for welcoming me into the Millionaire’s family and showing the younger generations how to work hard.From a former Millionaire. Thank you Art and Rest In Peace.”
“Arctic Cat was such a kind soul,” Mills Alumni Dave Shields mentions. “No matter what hockey was on at the stadium or the new barn, he was always there to watch and help out. I was there a couple weeks ago to get the kids skates done and he still knew all about them even though they haven’t played there for a couple years. I met him as an angry 17 year old and will never forget the way he sat and talked to me with his calm demeanour. Life slowed down for Art and he always made time for everyone that took a moment to take the time and listen.”
“I remember Art was always at the rink before the players got there in the morning, he’d be doing laundry or fixing some equipment,” Mills Alumni Trent Harper adds. “Even on a close bus trip like Yorkton, he would be in the dressing room when we got home ready to do the laundry that night, it’s real tough to find a guy like that, dedicated and a great guy to talk to.”
“Art was a great man!,” Former volunteer Rob Bauldic says. “Always such an infectious laugh and smile! I had the privilege to work alongside Art for many years when I volunteered my time with the Millionaires. He taught me all the tricks of the trade including skate sharpening. Rest easy Art, you were always such a gentle and kind man!”
It was not just former players that loved Art, everyone had a soft spot for the man. “Art will be very much missed. Many, many, MANY years giving his all to the rinks, children and making sure he had enough gum or candy for the kids not to mention the countless pairs of skates he has sharpened,” Hockey parent Kathy Sutton mentions. “Lastly, watching him give a kind word to a new skater, be it hockey, CanSkate or figure skaters, made them feel just a bit more confident. Thank you Art for all your countless hours spent over the years in the rink. You will be sadly missed.”
Art was well known in the community of Melville. He was involved in numerous activities such as the Agripark, minor hockey, figure skating, Melville Millionaires baseball and of course Melville Millionaires hockey. Dietz always had candy for the kids and loved his popcorn and cheese balls “We always made sure there was a tub of cheese balls in the skate sharpening room,” longtime friend Dave Melnychuk adds. “The one winter we went through six tubs of cheese balls.”
Dietz enjoyed helping people, no matter what they needed and this included in the kitchen. Melnychuk recalls a time when Deanna Bobier was the caterer and they would tease Art about being the chief cook and bottle washer because Art was always helping Bobier with whatever she needed from sharpening knives to peeling potatoes or doing the dishes. Bobier would reciprocate the kindness by ensuring Dietz never left the arena hungry.
To borrow a line from a Jason Blaine song
“There’s somethin’ about that generation
These days I think we need ’em
More than we ever did before
But they don’t make ’em like that anymore.
Rest In Peace Art. You will be greatly missed.
