Obituary of Arnold Milman

November 7, 1926 - Richard, Saskatchewan

February 24, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

On February 24, 2023, Mr. John "Arnold" Milman of Calgary passed away peacefully at home at the age of 96 years. Arnold was born November 7, 1926, in Richard, Saskatchewan.  He attended Prolific School and the University of Saskatchewan.  He left Saskatchewan to work for McGregor Telephone & Power where he was a part of a team who brought electricity and phone service to many rural homes in northern Alberta. Then in 1947 he moved to Turner Valley, Alberta, where he worked at Sheppard Motors as a tune-up mechanic. In 1954 he moved to Calgary where Arnold worked at Renfrew Motors for a number of years.   But in 1965, opportunity knocked and he started working for Chrysler Canada and moved the family to Red Deer. He became a District Service Manager and was on the road visiting every dealership in his territory. In 1976 he was transferred back to Calgary and eventually accepted early retirement in 1980.

Arnold had too much energy and ambition, so he went back to work trying different positions at Centaur Motors, Renfrew Chrysler and lastly as a vehicle inspector for AMA where he worked for a number of years. When he "finally'' retired in 1989, he decided he would build grandfather clocks, travel, and spend more time at Pine Lake. Pine Lake was his most favorite place to be to enjoy friends and family, and all things watersports. It was a place of peace, healing, and serenity.

He met the love of his life Ruth Gilberg in 1951 and after a long courtship, they married in 1956. Before marriage Ruth worked for Calgary Power for nine years, but after they wed, she became a full-time wife and mother. They were the proud parents to Gordon and Karin.

Arnold and Ruth were active members at Pleasant Heights United Church in Calgary, Gaetz United Church in Red Deer, and St. David's United Church in Calgary. They were also members of the Couples Club at St David's, KIK Seniors group in lrricana, Pioneer Acres in lrricana, bowling at Shamrock Lanes in Airdrie, and cards at Cambrian Heights Community Hall.

Arnold was a willing helper to anyone who asked for his time. He was keenly interested in all things boats, trains, planes, automobiles, farm equipment, photography, clocks, woodworking, skiing, and mountain climbing just to name a "few" of his many interests. His hands were always busy. As a Saskatchewan farm boy who grew up during the Great Depression, he could make or manufacture anything he set his mind to. He was creative and liked a challenge. He loved life and people and had a special gift that made a person feel valued and important when they were in his presence. He loved hearing other people's stories and also sharing his own.

Arnold was a happy, kind, loving, and dedicated family man. He is sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his daughter Karin, daughter-in-law BJ (Betty Jean), four grandchildren Christopher (Vanessa), Jennifer (Jon), Daniel, and Kimberly; and three great grandchildren, Maia, Samantha, and Denna. Arnold was predeceased by his wife Ruth in 2014, son Dr. Gordon Milman in 1997, his parents Arthur and Jennie; his three brothers and their wives Dean (Florence), Bob (Dorothy), Lionel (Gladys).

A Celebration of Arnold’s Life will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Chapel of The Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB), on Saturday April 15, 2023, at 2:00P.M. Graveside Service to follow at Queens Park Cemetery.  Following the Celebration of Arnold's Life, family and friends are invited to meet and share a story in the Reception Centre at the funeral home. Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Mr. Milman’s service streamed live (see below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted. Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Alberta Cancer Foundation, Provincial Office, Sun Life Place, 710, 10123 – 99th Street, Edmonton, AB T5J 3H1 Telephone: 1(866) 412-4222, the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 200, 119 – 14th Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 1Z6 Telephone: (403) 264-5549, www.heartandstroke.ca, the Kidney Foundation of Canada, 6007 – 1A Street S.W., Calgary, AB T2H 0G5 Telephone: (403) 255-6108, www.kidney.ca, or to the Parkinson’s Foundation, Canada, at https://www.parkinson.ca/.

In living memory of Arnold Milman, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-243-8200.

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