Arlin G. Sarff

Arlin Glen Sarff, age 97, of Manhattan Kansas, left this life on Sunday the 9th of February while at the Good Shepard Hospice in Manhattan. Arlin Glen Sarff, son of Glen and Irma Sarff of Miles City, Montana was born November 12, 1922, in Miles City. He graduated from Custer County High School in 1940. He lived there until he entered the U.S. Army and spent five years serving his country during World War II. Arlin was an accomplished musician having played saxophone, clarinet, and piano. He was a member of the American Legion Drum and Bugle Corps in Miles City along with being in the City band and entertained at many social events in the area. After the war, Arlin returned to Miles City and was married to Jean Danforth of Miles City in 1946. They had one son Dana. The couple moved to Seattle Washington in 1947 where Arlin began work with Boeing Aircraft Company and worked for them for the next 35 years. He worked in various departments for Boeing and his work compiling a Master File of all Boeing service bulletins was used by Boeing service departments all over the world. Upon retirement from Boeing in 1983 Arlin was awarded special recognition from Boeing for his outstanding contributions and service over the years. In his retirement, Arlin continued his music having his own band and was a popular performer in the Seattle area. His wife Jean passed away in 1987. In 1990 while attending a High School reunion in Miles City, he was reunited with Zona Gale Dennis whom he had dated in High School. They were married in 1991 and spent three years living in Seattle before moving back to Manhattan, Kansas where Zona Gale had lived and taught for 20 years. Arlin was a member of the American Legion, The First United Methodist Church, and the American Musicians Union. He is survived by his wife Zona Gale of the home, son Dana Sarff of Shelton, Washington, Stepson Marcus Dennis (Lynn) of York, Nebraska, Stepson John Dennis (Monica) of Los Angeles, California. Grandchildren include: Alena Dennis of Seattle, Washington, Caitlin Dennis of Los Angeles, California, Laura Purcell (Michael) of Lincoln, Nebraska and Ethan Dennis of Lincoln, Nebraska Private family services are pending. Graveside services will be in Miles City, Montana at a later date.