Obituary of William Harold Arnold

William “Bill” Harold Arnold December 30, 1954 – February 23, 2023 Bill Arnold, or “Arnie” as he was affectionally known by family and friends passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on February 23, 2023 at the Whitecourt Healthcare Centre at the age of 68 years. Bill was born in Virden, MB., on December 30, 1954; the youngest of eight children to George and Gladys Arnold. He grew up in Oak Lake, MB., which is just east of Virden. After graduating high school in 1972, Bill moved to Calgary, AB., where he worked for a few companies including a cement plant. After leaving Calgary, he moved to Snow Lake, MB., and worked in the mines. Not really liking this job, he found employment on a survey crew working for Manitoba Highways, while still living in Snow Lake. In 1977 Bill joined the Canadian Armed Forces, much to the surprise of family and friends. He proudly served in the Navy aboard HMCS Kootenay for three years and was honorably discharged. In 1981 Bill moved to Whitecourt, AB., not knowing what he would do for employment. One day he walked over to Millar Western Forest Products, and tracked down some fellow who was working in the Planer and asked if they were hiring. This fellow wrote down Bill’s phone number on the back of his cigarette package. Bill figured for sure he would never hear from him again. Two weeks later, this man phoned Bill, and offered him a job. Bill thought he would stick around long enough to collect a few pay cheques, and move along. This job lasted three months shy of 37 years. Bill retired on May 25, 2018. Bill was an avid golfer, and held yearly memberships for many, many consecutive years at the Whitecourt Golf & Country Club, until his health started to decline. Up until 2007, Bill was an active member of the community. He was a Lions Club member, a volunteer Fire Fighter, a volunteer at the Food Bank, and offered his services to the Town of Whitecourt to prepare Income Tax for low income families. Bill is survived by his loving wife Mona, stepchildren Tyler Nash, Jessie (Shayne) Grieve, grandchildren Nava and Brooklyn Nash and Beckam and Evan Grieve, his brother Maurice (Verlie) Arnold of Oak Lake, MB., sisters Marlene Werner of Surrey, BC., Elizabeth Cote of Saskatoon, SK., sister-in-law Loretta Arnold of Chilliwack, BC., and many nieces and nephews. Bill is predeceased by his first wife Yvonne, parents George and Gladys Arnold, brothers Bob, Pat, Eddie, his sister Elsie Vanhorne, and sister-in-law Sylvia Arnold. The family would like to thank Dr. Andrew Halliday, Dr. Ryan Rozko, and the nursing staff at the Whitecourt Healthcare Centre for the care and compassion shown to Bill over the last two years, while he spent time off and on in the hospital. Respecting Bill’s wishes, no services are planned; cremation has taken place. A private family inurnment will take place at a later date in the Arnold Family Plot in Oak Lake, MB. If friends and family so desire, memorial contributions may be made to the Whitecourt Fire Department, Box 509, Whitecourt, Alberta, T7S 1N6. Bill did not want anyone to feel sad about his passing. He asked that everyone who knew him, have a beer or a “bevie”, and after that, have “one more”, in his memory. Arrangements in care of Mykenna Cabral at: Affinity Funeral Service #1, 4015 41st Avenue, Whitecourt, Alberta, T7S 0A3 780.778.3330