New Comer Family Obituaries - James Alan Arblaster 1959 - 2020 - Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions

Obituary photo of James Arblaster, Titusville-FL

In Loving Memory of

James Alan Arblaster

1959 - 2020

In Loving Memory of

James Alan Arblaster

1959 - 2020

Services & Gatherings

Service:

Private Service
All Faiths Memorial Park, 1390 Park Dr, Casselberry, FL 32707

Newcomer - S. Seminole Chapel (407-260-5400) is assisting the family

James Alan Arblaster, age 60, passed away on Friday, March 20, 2020 in Altamonte Springs, Florida. Alan was born on June 4, 1959 in Orlando, Florida to parents Robert James Arblaster and Betty Sue (Biggerstaff) Arblaster.

He is survived by his brother, Robert Kent Arblaster (Debbie Arblaster); niece, Kathryn Watkins (Tom Watkins); grand niece, Charlotte Hope Watkins; and a host of friends, all who will miss him greatly.

A graveside service will be held privately for his immediate family.

Public services for Alan have been postponed due to the current environment surrounding the coronavirus. This information will be updated once services have been rescheduled. Thank you for your understanding during this challenging time.

To share your memories of Alan or leave a special condolence message for his family, please click the Share Memories button above.

Services & Gatherings

Service:

Private Service
All Faiths Memorial Park, 1390 Park Dr, Casselberry, FL 32707

Newcomer - S. Seminole Chapel (407-260-5400) is assisting the family

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Memories & Condolences

Alan was a dichotomy in motion. He came off as a shy, quiet individual with an old school gentlemanly behavior that one does not come across every day. That surface appearance also masked a truly wicked and wonderful sense of humor that was subtle and quirkily spot-on when expressed. He would make a comment that one would take in and then do a double take when the meaning of the words became clear. The insights were never ugly in nature but were so clever in expression that they always invoked a giggle, chuckle and a good laugh. He would look so nervous before a training or briefing session, but he always executed his task with solid information infused with his unique assessment of Government-related situations that made these meetings fun and enjoyable (which is a major accomplishment in light of our many peculiar acquisition topics and issues). Contrary to his traditional appearance and professional behavior, Alan was great to travel with and was up for any deviations from the ‘planned’ TDY goals. Alan was a complex, kind, and loyal friend and his absence leaves a void that is felt by many people. God Bless You Alan.

~ Cheryl Hall - May 27, 2020

I’ve been trying to think of the words to describe how much of a positive and long lasting impact Alan Arblaster has on my career and my life, but I’m not sure there is anything I can write to appropriately express that impact. I’ve been a part of the NAWCTSD team since 2006, and was fortunate to know and be mentored by Alan the whole time. He was on my interview panel and he was our Career Field Manager as Interns/Entry Level Employees. For many years after I graduated the Intern program, Alan was my supervisor. He helped me apply for my first warrant and went to bat for me to get that warrant.

Alan offered me my first opportunity to be a team lead PCO, and supported me through the rockiest and most challenging period of my career so far. He saw the potential in me, and constantly challenged me to raise my bar no matter the circumstances. I could go into Alan’s office feeling like my Contracts world was crumbling down around me, and leave his office with the confidence and vision I needed to tackle what was going on. In 2017 when I was moving to another position and team, I asked Alan for brutally honest feedback on my performance as a team lead, and thankfully he provided that kind of feedback. As soon as I returned to my desk, I typed up the notes from our discussion and hung them up at my desk, which are still there to this day and I refer to them multiple times a day.

Alan cared so much about the Contracts Department, NAWCTSD, and all of us who were fortunate enough to be mentored by him and call him a friend. He’s dearly missed, but he’ll live on in so many of us.

It’s still hard to believe he’s gone. I miss our talks. I miss his jokes. I miss him asking for help to award something in SPS. I miss his advice. I miss him helping me to understand that everything is going to be ok.

Alan, thank you for being a great mentor and friend, and for always believing in me. RIP, my friend.

~ Austin Brookshire - April 27, 2020

I was so sad to hear of Alan's passing and would like to pass along my condolences to his family at this difficult time. Our time working together was brief when Alan took over as the lead for contracts for the Marine Corps Aviation Training Systems Support Branch at NAWCTSD, where he worked for about 1.5 years or so before moving on to another project, but I still saw him in the halls most days and he was always a friendly face in the crowd. I know he had a big impact on the Navy as he was well-respected by all who knew him, and I'm very saddened to see him pass from this earth so soon. Take care my friend.

~ Bob DeForest - April 13, 2020

I have worked with Alan for the past 2 or 3 years. I have never met someone quite like Alan. I will alway remember his “Alan”-like sense of humor, that he used to make light of things during challenging times. I will cherish and respect his technical expertise. He was knowledgeable and he work with grace. I wish God’s blessings on his soul and family.

~ Elouise Bryant - April 10, 2020

Joined the Navy family at TSD in 2014, I was lucky to work in Alan's branch for three and a half years. He was a great mentor and supervisor. To me, he was the most technically savvy person in our Contracting Group, and many of us came to see him seeking for advice. Under his mentorship, I have learned so much. On one of my vacation trips, I brought back a wooden Vespa for him and explained to him no matter how many modern or new designs of motocycles out there, the Italian Vespa always has the respectfullness from others because they are elegant, stylist, and well built. I guess Alan liked it for he kept it on his nearby shelf in his office. That is Alan, my mentor, who is gentle, classy, and knowledgeable.

Last Luna New Year, I brought Alan a lucky, red envelope, a Vietnamese tradition of wishing close friends and family members a good new year. He took it and told me, "Tony, I really need it this year." I could not believe that was our last conversation...

Thank you for coaching me., Alan.
Rest in Peace, Sir.

~ Tony Pham - April 10, 2020

Dear Kent and Debbie,
Our deepest condolences to your family. We are saddened at the news of Allen's loss. He was was admired by many and taken too young, too soon. Prayers for your comfort and peace during this difficult time. May his memory be Eternal.
Love, Nathan and Kelly

~ Kelly Wiegreffe - April 7, 2020

I worked briefly on Alan's team and he was a very intelligent person. His kindness and understanding showed in his interactions with everyone. May the Almighty give his family the strength needed to make it through these grieving times.

God bless,

Reggie

~ Reginald Souffrant - April 5, 2020

Since 2014 I worked with Alan and, although we never met outside of work, I'd like to believe a friendship evolved. Aside from his expertise and mentorship, he was always a source of laughter, especially in times of stress. It was fun to learn from him and take on new challenges together. You knew he'd be by your side to give you the help you needed, working long hours, divide and conquer, but the best part was the laughter. You will be greatly missed Alan, and gone too soon. My condolences to your loved ones. <3

~ Rachel Krawczyk - April 4, 2020

I worked with Alan since 2012 and only knew him prfessionally, but I can tell you that he was dedicated to his work. The last time I spoke with Alan I told him about salvation through faith in Jesus Christ alone and quoted a few scriptures to him. His reply was that he has been a believer since his childhood and that he agreed with what I was explaining. Based on his faith in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus, I believe Alan is with Jesus, which is far better than to remain in a sin cursed world. My condolences to his grieving family and friends. Bernard

~ Bernard Courtney - April 4, 2020

Alan believed in me when I wasn't sure I could contribute anything to the task at hand. A year or so after recovering from intense chemo, I found myself volunteering at a fundraiser attempting to do the invoice prep with Alan. He was patient, kind but still challenged me ... however, out of the corner of my eye I saw him double check my work just in case I'd made an error. He was ever so kind to me and responsible to the event at the same time. Over the last 10 years he gave me encouragement, taught me the system and the short cuts as we continued to work non-profit auctions. I always looked forward to seeing him. I appreciated his dry sense of humor and irony. And, he was always willing to be the adult in the room. Blessings my friend. And blessings to Alan's family who have had a profound loss.

~ Maureen (Mo) Kennedy-Hale - April 3, 2020

To the family of Alan Arblaster. I did not hang out with Alan outside of work; however, I had the honor and pleasure to work with Alan during my 26-year career with the Navy. As Alan did with so many Contract Specialists and others, he was instrumental in my development as Contract Specialist, which contributed to me achieving the pinnacle of my career. He was a true mentor, coach, and teacher who was dedicated to helping others across the Command to be successful! His two Department of the Navy Meritorious Service Awards and a Mentor of the Year Award was a testament to his dedication to the success of the Navy, the Command, and those around him. He was a true American and will be missed by all!

Tim Cichon

~ Tim Cichon - April 3, 2020