Arvid Norman Myhre

Arvid Norman Myhre

08/13/2021

Arvid Norman Myhre, 91, avid motorcycle enthusiast and collector, died peacefully on august 13, 2021 in his DeLand, Florida home under the care of Haven Hospice and his beloved caretaker Gina Staffa.

He was born in Staten Island, NY to proud Norwegian immigrants, Jenny and Silas Myhre. Graced with Viking wanderlust, Arvid left Staten Island at age 17 to explore the world on a cross country trek working his way to the California coast. He enlisted in the US Navy and became a 2nd class Petty Officer in the Seabees construction Battalion, serving in Cuba and Bermuda during the Korean War. Following the military service, his education continued at Wentworth Institute in Boston and at New York University. A charismatic leader, he became the youngest president of the Staten Island South Shore Kiwanis Club.

In 1958 Arvid took over the family construction business which was originally established in 1929. Arvid N. Myhre Construction specialized in commercial buildings and historic restoration in NY and NJ. In 1969, while renovating the Flemington Free Public Library, he moved the construction company to Flemington and partnered with his brother Bob of Frenchtown, NJ. The company worked on commercial buildings, restaurants, roads and bridges, municipal buildings, and libraries. The company was recognized by state of NJ for restoration and structural knowledge and restored several historical and landmarked sites including Mills on the Delaware River and Clinton NJ, Liberty Hall in Union NJ, Drumthwacket, the official residence of the governor of NJ, and the Morven Museum in Princeton, NJ.

Arvid was a committed civil servant and was an active member of the Flemington Rotary Service Club. He also served on the Delaware Township Zoning Board and Board of Adjustment. He was a member of sons of Norway, the American Legion, and the Copper Hill Country Club.

Arvid was of strong moral character and believed in old-fashioned work ethic and was a committed and loyal friend. His vast social network included friends throughout the world. A gifted draftsman and skilled woodworker, he enjoyed taking on a challenge;

from building a sailboat in Bermuda, to creating custom furniture, building Norwegian style bridal trunks, and restoration of of a historic church in Rock Hall, MD.

Arvid was preceded in death by his parents Jenny and silas, brothers Andreas, Leif, John, and Robert, and sisters, Liv and Miriam. He is survived by his ex-wife Dorothy (Dotty) Jensen (m1959-1992), twin sons Leif Norman (Lucianne) of Steamboat Springs, CO, Erik Arvid of Lambertville, NJ and Karl Silas (Alicia)of Minneapolis, MN. He also leaves behind six loving grandchildren, Hallie, Tallak, Astrid, Anders, Mathias and Larkin as well as numerous nieces and nephews for whom he served as inspiration and mentor.

A celebration of life will be held in the future, date to be determined. Burial to be held at Sandy Ridge Cemetery in Stockton, NJ date TBD.