[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 18 (Tuesday, February 14, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E139]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO GRAYCE BODGEN ARNOLD

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. RAUL M. GRIJALVA

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 14, 2006

  Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, Grayce Bodgen Arnold was originally from 
Philadelphia, PA, and arrived in Arizona through her husband, John 
Patton Arnold, who had been commissioned by Popular Mechanics and the 
Triple A Automotive Association to publish the first motor tourist 
guide of Mexico in the mid 1950's. The family, then including their 
first two children, moved to Nogales, AZ. The family later moved to 
settle in Tucson, where their third child, Janie, was born.
  Throughout this time Grayce had been developing her cooking and 
artistic talent. While she lived in Doylestown, PA, her neighbor Sara 
Lee was a constant presence in Grayce's kitchen, sampling her cooking. 
At the same time she was also working on her artistic talent, she 
worked with famed Tucson artist Ted DeGrazia at his studio. In addition 
to her artistic and cooking talents, she also developed her business 
skills.
  Through the years, her business ventures brought her in contact with 
many people, including film stars Faye Dunaway and Joanna Cassidy, and 
then Governor George W. Bush. Also it was at this time that her designs 
for Patagonia's first three postcards came out, displaying her civic 
involvement to promote Patagonia as a tourist destination.
  In 1976, Grayce's son, Dr. John David Arnold, bought the Miner's Old 
Home in Patagonia, which was built in 1905. At the time, the house was 
not in good condition, but was remodeled to be made fit for living, and 
is where Grayce lived until the end of her life. This is also where 
Grayce Gift and Candle Shop operated from for almost three decades. 
Grayce's artistic talents are displayed in her shop, which is more than 
a shop, instead it is more like part museum and art gallery. Grayce's 
artistic collections include her award winning sand cast candle 
dioramas, creative masks and one of her greatest sculptures, her 
rendition of the Tarahumara man squatting in contemplation in 
traditional dress.
  Grayce was inspiring; she was so full of life, physically active and 
ran her own business until the age of 97. She would be the first to 
tell you that age is irrelevant, after all, while in her sixties she 
belly danced, remarried and launched her artistic career. She always 
told her children, ``be creative, never stop dreaming, and help 
others.'' She was an amazing woman who will be remembered to those who 
loved her and to the many whose lives she touched.

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