What a fine man. Art's final contribution to his friends researching the 7th Mississippi, was an effort to uncover new letters about the life of John A. Cato (Lt. Co. E 7th Miss.; Camp Guard at Brookhaven Conscript Camp, quartermaster service with the 2nd Regt. Militia Miss. State Troops (Quinn's), and finally Sgt. 4th Mississippi Cavalry).

In the final days of his journey on earth, Art took special care to make sure that we received all of the materials. During that time I was not aware of his condition even though he told me in a conversation that he had some medical issues to take care of for a few days. So when the materials arrived, I was drafting him a thank you note to post on the Mississippi Message Board for all of his efforts on our behalf.

When the news arrived of his passing, I knew that he had already received his thank you from all the men of the "immortal seventh". I could not, however, not send my deepest condolences to his family and friends for the loss of such a fine gentleman. His name will be remembered by the legacy of his words. As the Greeks believed, "as long as a man's name is repeated, his life will be remembered and he his deeds will not be forgotten" , so I will once again say "thank you, good and faithful friend; you will be missed."

Ron Skellie
"Lest We Forget-The Immortal Seventh Mississippi and our good friend, Art Bergeron"