Arif “Poppy” Arslanovski, age 83, passed away peacefully in his home on Saturday, May 4, 2019. Arif was born November 17, 1935, in Prespa, Yugoslavia to Istref and Salina Arslani.
Arif married Carole Christine Sterns July, 1967, in Chicago, Illinois. Arif worked as a Chef in some of the finest restaurants and country clubs in the greater Chicago area until 1985. Arif and his wife Chris had always dreamed of owning their own restaurant. In 1986, Arif and family moved to Burleson, Texas
and opened the very first Our Place Restaurant. For many years he operated Our Place with his family until his wife fell ill with cancer. He eventually decided to close the family business so they could spend as much of her remaining time they had left together. After his retirement, Arif spent his time traveling to Europe to visit his place of birth, he consulted for friends that were opening restaurants and he guided his sons in the re-opening of the Our Place Restaurants.
Arif is survived by his children, Otto Arslanovski, Salina Andersen, Richard Arslanovski and Benji Arslanovski; his daughter-in- law, Monica Arslanovski, son-in-law, Erik Andersen, daughter-in-law, Kristian Greenleaf, daughter-in-law, Samantha Arslanovski; grand son-in-law, Derek Embry. His Grandchildren, Vanessa Embry, Ryan Arslanovski, Alek Andersen, Tyler Arslanovski, Carter Arslanovski, Conrad Arslanovski and great grandson, Franklin Embry.
Family, friends and others that have been touched by the life of Arif Arslanovski attended his celebration of life at Crosier-Pearson Funeral Home in Cleburne, Texas on May 14, 2019 at 11:00 a.m.