Donald Arnell

ARNELL, Donald Thomas (Don)
Born June 27, 1931
Died May 11, 2018

It is with great sadness that the family of Don Arnell announces his passing on Friday, May 11, 2018 after a brief illness, at the age of 86. Don will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 60 years, Anne, and his children, Brent (Brenda), Karen (Doug) and Doug (Emma). Don's gentle spirit will live on in his grandchildren, Stephanie (Jesse), Katie, Patrick, Kristen, Ali, Evangeline and Vivienne, and his great-grandchildren, Jace, Shea, Layla, Lily and Easton. Don was born in Drumheller, and raised in East Coulee, Alberta. His working life in construction and the energy industry began in Calgary (where he met Anne), and eventually took him to Whitecourt, Wetaskiwin, Saskatoon, Regina and Vancouver before returning to Calgary for the remainder of his career. Don had a rich life, full of family, friends and travel including a dedication to skiing which lasted until the age of 80. He was a longtime member of the Kinsmen Club, an active member of McDougall United Church and Choir and was passionately involved in fundraising for United Way. Don was happiest surrounded by family and remembered by all who knew him as the kindest, most optimistic guy you could ever hope to meet. The bumps in life never affected his amiable disposition and nor prevented him from greeting all with a smile and his signature cheery wave. A celebration of Don's life will be held 1:30 p.m., Thursday, May 17 at the Eden Brook Funeral Home.