Obituary of Robert John Arnold

On the bright sunny morning of September 1, 2006, Bob passed away in the loving presence of his family at the Colonel Belcher Care Centre at the age of 81 years. Bob was born in Calgary on May 14, 1925, with an adventurous spirit. He spent his childhood in Blackie, AB, where at the age of six, he decided it was time to expand his horizons. He and a friend packed a lunch bag with bologna sandwiches and cookies, put on their backpacks, and headed for Africa. The journey ended after a few miles when they were found by a local farmer who was curious about who was in his wheat field. Bob’s love of travel led him to join the Navy in 1944 where he became certified as an Engine Room Articifer. After his discharge he earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Saskatchewan and worked as an Engineer until he retired. He and Wilda enjoyed travelling and made it a family affair. Whether it was camping in Alberta and BC, or hotels in Mexico and Hawaii, family trips were always exciting. As time went by, Bob wanted to make sure he and Wilda would have something to do when they retired. It took ten years to build SeaDreamer, a forty-four foot steel Ketch, in the backyard of his Calgary home. SeaDreamer was transported across the Rocky Mountains and launched in Vancouver in 1984. After cruising the BC coast for several summers, Bob and Wilda sailed to Mexico and then on to New Zealand. Their journey provided many wonderful memories to friends and family who joined them at different ports along the way, and for ten summers in Sidney, BC after their return. SeaDreamer was a gathering place where “Happy Hour” was enjoyed by all. Bob loved his Crown Royal! In later years he enjoyed spending time with his close friends, playing bridge and going to the Glencoe golf course for Sunday brunch with his cherished family. Bob was a quiet man and was known for his patience and gentle humour. He enjoyed the challenge of figuring out how things worked and could fix almost anything. He was member of Jubilee Lodge # 173 A.F. & A.M., a past patron of Acacia Chapter # 56 O.E.S. and a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Centennial Branch # 285. Left to extend his legacy of love are his wife of fifty-four years, Wilda; his daughters Gayle and Janet; granddaughters Keara and Shavone Hayes; and close nephew Wesley Arnold. He is also survived by his brother Frank. Funeral Services will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S, Park Memorial Chapel (5008 Elbow Drive S.W.) on Wednesday September 6, 2006 at 2:30 p.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to The Alzheimer Society of Calgary, Suite 201, 222 – 58th Avenue S.W., Calgary, AB T2H 2S3, Telephone: (403)290-0110, www.alzheimercalgary.com., or to Vets Angels c/o the Calgary Health Trust, Telephone: 403-943-0615. Our family would like to thank the staff at the Colonel Belcher Care Centre (Strathcona) for the loving and compassionate care they provided to Dad, and for the support they gave us over the past eighteen months. Caregiver Glenn Cameron was a special friend who gave Dad companionship, took him on outings and to the woodworking shop and also had a sense of humour that made Dad laugh. We are grateful to have known that Dad was being treated so well. In living memory of Bob Arnold, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403) 243-8200.