March 17 is a day of celebration for many. While it’s well-known as St. Patrick’s Day, it also marks the 23rd anniversary of the passing of a true Enumclaw legend—Art Gamblin, the founder of Art Gamblin Motors. Art bought Paulson Chevrolet in 1969 and built a dealership that has been a cornerstone of the community ever since. And if you ever had the pleasure of knowing Art, you know he would have found a way to blend St. Patrick’s Day revelry with his own larger-than-life personality.

Art was loud, funny, and full of life. He loved to drink, he loved to gamble, and most importantly, he loved people. He had a way of making every interaction fun, whether it was selling a truck, rolling dice to settle a deal, or simply greeting employees in his unmistakable enthusiastic fashion.

Stories from Those Who Knew Him Best

Rick Josie recalls his first experience buying a truck from Art when he was just 16 years old:

“I had bought some cows and kept them through the summer. When I sold them, I had enough money to buy a new truck, so I went to see Art. He wasn’t at the store, so I went across the street to get a haircut at Sid’s Barber Shop. Someone must have told Art I had been in because he walked right into the shop, paid Sid for my haircut, and told me to come see him when I was done.

“When I got to the dealership, he just said, ‘Follow me,’ and the fun started. He showed me a brand new 1974 Chevy short box 4×4 with a 350 V8 and carpeting. I was done, and he knew it. We settled on a price—$4,850—but the bumper was an extra $150. I told him no, and he said, ‘Okay, we can flip for it.’ I won the coin toss, and of course, he made a big deal about how he might have to close the dealership after such a loss. We laughed so hard—it was such a fun experience. Art always treated me like an adult, even though I was just a junior in high school. What a great guy.”

Mark Maxey remembers Art’s unique way of connecting with his employees:

“Art was awesome with his employees. Every morning, he would weave his way through the dealership, enthusiastically greeting every person he could find. From the lot attendants and technicians to the parts department, office staff, and managers—he made a point to check in with everyone. He genuinely cared about his employees and their families.”

Ken Brons saw firsthand Art’s uncanny ability to remember people:

“I was always amazed at Art’s ability to meet someone once and the next time he saw them, he’d remember their name, their spouse’s name, their kids’ names, and even what they enjoyed doing in their free time. He made every interaction personal, which is why he could sell a car to someone he met at the grocery store, a restaurant, or yes, even the bar.”

Rick Kranz shares another side of Art’s generosity:

“I have a lot of Art stories I probably shouldn’t tell, but I will say that he was always willing to help someone who was down on their luck. He’d finance a car for someone who needed a break, even when it wasn’t the safest financial decision. Sometimes it bit him, but that didn’t stop him. He was always there for people.”

Tyson Gamblin grew up hearing stories about his grandfather’s adventures:

“Grandpa Art was full of life. From shooting out streetlights with a potato gun as a kid in Idaho, to serving in World War II and spending time in New Orleans after the war, to his days as a teacher, coach, and sports referee—he lived a full and exciting life.

“One of my favorite stories is when my dad Alan and my uncle Mike were at a basketball game where Grandpa was refereeing. They were in the stands, playing a game of tag that got out of control. Next thing you know, they ended up on the court. Grandpa Art had to stop the game and drag them off!

“His ability to remember names was like a superpower. His giggle, the sound of his sweatpants swishing as he walked around, and his presence in the stands at every sporting event—he was simply the best.”

A Life Well-Lived

Art Gamblin was more than just a businessman—he was an Enumclaw icon. Whether he was rolling dice with customers to settle a deal, paying for someone’s haircut before selling them a truck, or making his employees feel like family, he left an indelible mark on everyone he met.

It feels fitting that his anniversary falls on St. Patrick’s Day—a day known for good times, good drinks, and good company. If Art were here today, there’s no doubt he’d raise a glass, roll the dice, and find a way to turn the day into another legendary story.

Here’s to Art—his laughter, his legacy, and the countless stories that still make us smile. Cheers to you, Art!