Obituary of Arne Matiisen

June 25, 1939 – Tallinn, Estonia

May 31, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Arne was born in Tallinn, Estonia, to Voldemar and Rita Matiisen. In 1944, the family escaped to Sweden, as Arne’s dad was a government minister and therefore wanted by the invading Soviets. After four years in Sweden, they immigrated to Western Canada and began farming, west of Sylvan Lake.

Arne attended the University of Alberta in Edmonton, and then began his career in the oil and gas service industry. He married Carolyn in 1966, and their daughter Janet arrived in 1969. Arne took a transfer to Germany in 1970, where the family enjoyed a new culture for two years, and then spent five years in London, England. They returned to Calgary in 1977 and Melanie was born in 1978.

Arne and Carolyn enjoyed the RV lifestyle for several years, travelling throughout most of the US with a group of friends. They settled down in Gold Canyon, AZ, for nine years, where Arne could indulge his passion for golf.

Arne loved spending time with his friends, where he always had a new joke to share, and he also took joy in being with his family. He had a great laugh and sense of humour.

Arne is survived by his wife Carolyn, daughters, Janet and Melanie (Loren Dewar); granddaughters, Arabelle and Lucia; sister Eda McClung, and nephew Michael Kothke. He was predeceased by his parents and older brother Hendo.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. In Arne’s memory, donations are welcome to be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of Calgary, 800-7015 MacLeod Trail SW, Calgary AB, T2H 2K6 Telephone: 403-290-0110, www.alzheimercalgary.ca, designated to Club 36; the day program that Arne enjoyed very much.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Arne’s family here.

In living memory of Arne Matiisen, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.