Arnold passed away in Kelowna, B.C. March 7, 2017. Born June 1, 1938 in Rock Dell, Sask., he is survived by his wife of 58 years, Elsie, his daughters Linda (Dave), Brenda (Sean), Pat (Wade) and grandchildren Troy (Tempal), Kianna, Erin and Kate (Josh), and his brother Bradley (Loretta). He is predeceased by his parents Mike & Margaret, brother Don, sisters Marlene & Eileen.
After graduating from Notre Dame College in Saskatchewan, Arnie and Elsie started their married life in Tisdale where he began a 25 year career as a linesman with Sask.Power. Building their family in the towns of Melville and Gull Lake, the family moved west to Sorrento B.C. in 1969, where they became the proud owners of the Sorrento Gulf Service.
Arnie loved Sorrento and was a true leader for the community. He successfully led a team of community volunteers establishing the Sorrento Fire Department where he proudly served as Fire Chief for 19 years. He was one of the founding members of the Sorrento Lions Club serving as President several times as well as participating in numerous other community organizations. He later joined Interfor Forest Products in Adams Lake as a Heavy Duty Mechanic until his retirement.
In addition to his fame as a wizard in all things mechanical, his many other interests included animals, reading, fishing, gardening, tractors, snowmobiling, motorcycling, boating and spending time with friends. Everyone will miss Arnie‘s smiles, laughs and teasing at the twice daily coffee breaks and Biker Breakfasts in Sorrento. He was an incredibly patient, trusting and forgiving man, willing to help anyone in need of an ear, a big bear hug a warm meal or a warm bed to rest.
We loved him with all our hearts. His encouraging, inspiring and courageous spirit will be dearly missed.
Special thanks to staff at Salmon Arm ICU, Kelowna Hospital Cardiac Unit and to Craig at Bowers Funeral Home for their kindness. An extra special thank you to friends and family for all your love and support.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the South Shuswap First Responders, Box 555 Sorrento, BC, V0E 2W0. A Celebration of Life will be held at Sorrento Memorial Hall, Saturday, March 18th at 2 pm.