Our beloved Arnie passed away peacefully on May 16, 2017. Arnie was a big man who, to his family, was larger than life. He deeply loved wife, Pat, daughter Erin (Roger), son Keegan (Stephanie), grandsons Ascher and Calder, siblings Deanna (Barry), Doreen (Clark) and Elwood, and lifetime friend, Ron.
Arnie was an exceptional athlete, excelling at many sports throughout his life. His most recent passion was golf and he greatly enjoyed the people he played with at Cottonwood Golf Course in Nanaimo. He studied every game he played and knew strategy best of all. He was an aggressive athlete, to some punishingly so!
For over 35 years, he was a math and physical education teacher in Edmonton and ever the competitor, he taught the way he played sport. He had high expectations of his students and believed kids had to have discipline and work hard to succeed. He taught with many fine teachers and delighted in his connection to them. In addition to teaching, he spent his career coaching, often seeking out seemingly untalented kids and insisting that they play. He pushed his teams to play hard and be their very best.
Arnie had a core group of friends, “the boys”. Over the years, they played sports, drank beer or rum, and re-told stories with much kidding and many laughs. “The boys” respected his raw talent, and gamesmanship. They had an enduring and fundamental bond.
He was an avid Facebook user, keenly following former students, colleagues, friends and family. This was not a frivolous activity. He was genuinely interested in them. He so loved the connection.
Arnie’s home and family were his sanctuary. The hole this big man leaves in their world is miles wide and just as deep. He is loved endlessly.
In Arnie’s memory, please donate money or time to a youth sport program of your choice.
There will be no formal service. A celebration of life will be held in Edmonton at a future date.
250-591-6644