ARNOLD JOSEPH GAVEL

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ARNOLD JOSEPH GAVEL May 22, 1942 June 12, 2011 With a forever broken heart, Helen Gavel must announce the unexpected passing of her rock, her eternal love, her constant, Arnold Gavel. It was a loving privilege to be allowed to hold him as his soul took flight. Arnold Joseph Gavel on Sunday morning June 12 at 5:39 a.m. at St. Boniface Hospital died at the age of 69. Besides his loving wife of 46 years his surviving daughters encircled him, as the attending priest anointed him, while we prayed. He is survived by three daughters and four grandchildren, Christine Laura Gavel; Wendy Arlene (Charles) Thomas, and Ethan Charles Arnold; Karen Penny Gavel (John) Pitsanuk and Megan Rose, Heather Elizabeth, and Joseph John. Also surviving is his mother, Mildred, age 93, his siblings Budd, Edward, John, Allister, Kenneth, Carroll, Jane, Charles, Brenda, Leo, Cathy and Mary. He had many nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles. Also surviving is his brother-in-law James William Thacker and wife Gabrielle. Arnold was predeceased by his father Arthur C. Gavel, grandparents Charles and Catherine Brow, Budd Gavel, and several aunts, uncles and cousins. At the age of 17, he left home and joined the Army and was stationed at Shilo, MB. Shortly after, he moved to Winnipeg with the RCHA. All fell neatly into place when he met his forever love Helen. He insisted on love at first sight, it only took four years for Helen to believe him, and they married joyously and quickly started their family. One baby girl led to three and through a house full of girls, he taught tolerance, love, forgiveness and generosity. After two years of marriage, Arnold started working with Helen's Uncle Bill who owned and operated Wescan Hydraulics. His ability to quickly learn helped to expand the business. After the sudden death of Bill, Arnold became the owner and proceeded to prove to be a very capable businessman. His carefree manner and desire to ensure the job was done to perfection brought many happy smiles to satisfied customers who proclaimed and promoted his profession. As all things in his life, he did everything with Helen and together they brought the business to be a very productive company; he doing the bull work and Helen running the office. The hydraulic repairs became his niche in life and his desire to produce solutions left many in awe. After 35 years, he took his retirement and now had the time to spend time with his grandchildren which became his new goal in life. They were the sparkle in his eyes and the spring in his step and the source of the sudden glowing smiles. Arnold was a kind and gentle soul with that touch of mischief, always leaving a piece of himself with others. As a last gift to Arnold, he was able to spend his last day at home with the complete family doting on him and giving him the love he richly deserved and in return each member received his love on the last day of his life... Thanks to Health Sciences Centre, CancerCare Manitoba, all the doctors, nurses, residents and other staff who worked CCU, Ward 5A and Emergency Resuscitation at St. Boniface Hospital. In lieu of flowers we would appreciate, in Arnold's memory, a donation to CancerCare Manitoba, with the hope they can get it right one day. Service will be held at 1:00 p.m., June 20 in McIvor Church, 200 McIvor Ave., (behind the McIvor Mall). Lunch and refreshments to follow in Church gymnasium.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 18, 2011