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WALLACE ARNOLD
Born: Jun 14, 1927
Date of Passing: May 23, 2011
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WALLACE ARNOLD 1927 - 2011 Jolly Wally slipped away from us on Monday morning, May 23, 2011. He spent the last week of his life surrounded by his loving family while in the care of the kind staff at Riverview Medical Centre. Throughout his life Wally made it a goal to never leave a room without putting a smile on someone's face. As the end approached, he still managed to tell a joke or a funny story to his doctors or nurses and earn a special place in their hearts. Family was his first love, music his second. Wally could often be found sitting in his favourite chair, eyes closed, singing along to Frank Sinatra. Singing, dancing and laughter were some of Wally's greatest gifts to the world. He touched many hearts over the years with his special brand of kindness and thoughtfulness. He never hesitated to go the extra mile for his staff, friends, and family. Everyone who came into contact with him felt loved and valued. Melvin Wallace Arnold entered this world on June 14, 1927, the fourth child for Jim and Violet. Bill was his oldest brother, Gordon his earliest playmate, sisters Doris and Joan his first dance partners. Family and friends were always very important to Wally. When he was a young boy he met his lifelong friend and partner in many of his early adventures, Dick Flemming. As the years went by Wally's circle of friends grew and so did the list of people touched by his charm. When he married Helen in 1953 he put all his energy into being the best husband and, later, father he could be. Embracing his new role as Dad , Wally made each of his daughters Robin, Tracy and Jay feel special. When he became a Grandfather all of his grandchildren felt they too had a unique bond with him. In his career with the Manitoba Hydro, he earned the respect and admiration of his fellow workers and employees. Upon retirement, many remained his close friends as he and Helen travelled between Winnipeg, Westhawk Lake, and Pharr, Texas. Wally lived his life to the fullest and will forever be a mentor to his grandchildren Krista and Jamie, Katey and Brit, Dylan and Bryce, his great-grandchildren Caden, Brooke and Anna, and his nieces and nephews. A memorial service celebrating Wally's life was held at 6:00 p.m., on Friday, May 27 at Neil Bardal Funeral Centre, 3030 Notre Dame Avenue (across from Brookside Cemetery). In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to CancerCare Manitoba at 1160-675 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0V9 or the Palliative Care Ward of the Riverview Health Centre, One Morley Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3L 9Z9. NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE (204) 949-2200 nbardal.mb.ca
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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 25, 2011
Condolences & Memories (1 entries)
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Jolly Wally, this is so true. As a son of one of his friends (Jack McMahon), I had the privilege of knowing Mr.Arnold since childhood. He had the rare gift of being able to engage and entertain you regardless of age. It didn't matter if you were 9, 19, 29 and beyond, he made you feel good and you wanted to be around him. I have many fond memories of my time with him, all of which were lake related. One of the earliest was one sunny winter day, he hosted a group of friends on the dock. I'm there in my snow suit and from up the hill we hear him announcing he's coming down. What made it memorable as a boy was he had his red shorts on and just exited the sauna. All eyes turned to the steaming Wally as he proceeded to lay run onto the frozen lake, drop and started making a snow angel! Seconds later he gets up and heads back into the sauna. That same day he had a pipe, and I stood beside him while he went to pound it into the ice. He hit it too hard breaking the elbow off and the pipe slips under the ice. He just looked at me and said, "well I guess I'll get that in the summer." And let out his wheez-like laugh. I really enjoyed talking with him over the years, and I miss him. I can't believe it's approaching 9 years. I last saw Wally at his home, some months before he died. It was the first time He never laughed, or made a joke. Just told me he's falling apart, and the sadness was evident. The walk to the elevator was very somber, for I knew that I probably would not see him again. He had a great life of work rest and play, and I can't help but think how much better the world would be with more Wally's in it. Don - Posted by: Don McMahon (Friend ) on: Jan 06, 2020