In his 90th year, Arnold passed away peacefully after a short illness with family at his side. He is predeceased by Beulah (Ecker), his wife of 61 years and his sisters – Blossom Rochefort, Alice Knight and Shirley Knight.
Born in Dunnville, Ontario to William and Ethel Glennie, he was known as Arnold because there were too many “Roberts” in the neighbourhood. Arnold and Beulah were married in Dunnville in 1943, prior to him being shipped off to England with the RCAF.
Arnold is survived by his five children: James (Courtenay), Rory (Parksville), Shelley Sidel (Victoria), Penny (Victoria) and Timothy (Toronto). As well as Gaylene, Dahnalda, Sherrey, Aonghus, Roderick, Jacob, Jaymee, Nikolas, Magnus, Rachel, Hannah, Arianna, Quentin, River, Wilder, Isla, Rhys and Archer - his ten grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren who all live in BC and Ontario.
Arnold was an exceptional archer, winning championships right through to the international level. Some of his top scores remain the best to this date. His working life saw him turning his hand to many things including over 33 years at the John Deere Welland Works. This company was also the reason for the family moving from Dunnville to the Welland suburb of Dain City in 1965. After retiring in 1982 Arnold and Beulah looked to the west and Vancouver Island British Columbia became their home.
In their twilight years as members of the Parksville Golden Oldies Sports Association they spent much of their time enjoying activities such as floor curling, bocce, and horseshoes. Arnold also enjoyed lawn bowling and mini-golf.
The family wishes to thank all of the staff at Victoria’s Royal Jubilee Hospital, especially Dr. Maskey and Amy Todarian. Arnold is to be cremated and interred alongside his wife during a private family ceremony in Parksville, BC. In lieu of flowers, donations can be forwarded to the
Royal Jubilee Patient Care Centre.