Obituary of Arthur William Peal

October 27, 1934 – Newbury, Berkshire, England

April 10, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Arthur Peal, beloved husband of the late Anna Peal (nee Anneliese Molzahn), of Calgary, AB, passed away on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at the age of 89 years.

Arthur was born in Newbury, Berkshire, England on October 27, 1934. For many years he lived in Camp Close, Newbury with his brothers, Colin, David, Archie, Robert, and Norman, and sister Mabel.

Arthur attended Park House School until the age of fifteen. He was stationed in Gibraltar as an army cook during his national service.

In his younger days, Arthur enjoyed cross-country running, tennis, and bike racing, as well as being a very good cook. His favourite singers were Mario Lanza and Gene Autry, and he loved watching George Formby movies. He trained as a butcher, eventually opening his own shop in Didcot, Oxfordshire.

Arthur met Anna in Didcot and they married in 1975. After closing his shop, Arthur worked for many years with British American Tobacco in their warehouses nearby.

Prior to leaving England, and well into his 70s, Arthur had a part-time job in the Broadway Butcher’s shop (Didcot), owned by Ken and Colin. On one of his UK holidays, at the age of 86, Arthur found time to return to work with his dear friends Ken and Colin. He popped on the apron and looked like he had never left. He spent the day serving customers, making sausages and burgers (which he later enjoyed in a meal or two). Ken had been Arthur’s apprentice butcher many years ago and their long friendship was something very special to them both.

After retirement, Arthur and Anna moved to Calgary, Canada, in 2011. They joined the choir at Calgary JCC and loved singing. The fellow choir members became the nucleus of their social group and Anna and Arthur loved the many outings and activities, especially to the local casinos. They even met the then Prime Minister of Canada, Stephen Harper, before the year was over.

Anna passed away in 2020. Arthur remained in Calgary and was well-known, bustling around the neighbourhood with great energy; gardening and helping everyone. He especially enjoyed walking Pickles, the dog of his dearest friend Minnie.

Even in the later years of his life, Arthur had the energy to make two trips back to the UK. He spent precious time with his children, Nicola and Patricia, and his grandsons. He enjoyed family time together with his very dear brother Colin and his wife Jane, niece Trudie, and nephew Andrew, along with their families and his brother-in-law Jimmy. Arthur surprised everyone by getting to grips with FaceTime, although sometimes the Calgary/UK time difference would be a little confusing for him with some of us receiving a call at some unearthly hour in the morning!

Arthur is survived by brother Colin (Jane), his beloved daughters, Nicky and Patricia; and grandsons, Lewis and James, all living in Britain.

Arthur was much loved by Anna’s children, Phyllis, and her daughter Sophie of Canada; her son David, and his children of France; Alice (predeceased), and Simon and Madeleine (Peigney). Arthur was truly delighted to be a great-grandfather to Lino.

His UK family and friends would like to take this opportunity to offer their thanks and love to his Calgary-based family and very dear friends who surrounded Arthur with endless love, kindness, and support.

Arthur made so many friends, and in Calgary, he was devoted to Minnie, Anko, Bea, and Glenise who helped him so much during his final illness.

We would like to extend thanks to the staff at both Rockyview General Hospital and South Campus Hospital. Thank you to all the people who helped Arthur in his wish to stay home; from CBI, Meals on Wheels, and his night care staff, Brigette and Rio. We owe a huge “Thank You” and love to Glenise and Minnie who made it possible for Arthur to enjoy his home during his illness.

Funeral Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB) on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. Graveside Service to follow at Prairie Sky Cemetery. Reception to follow at Calgary JCC (1607 90 Ave SW, Calgary, AB).

Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Mr. Peal’s service streamed live (see link 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 may be shared and viewed with Arthur’s family here.

In living memory of Arthur William Peal, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.

Click to Sign the Video Guest Book and Watch Arthur's Funeral Service