Obituary of Walter David Arnold

It is with great sadness that we announce after a brief sudden illness, Walter David Arnold passed away at the age of 80 years at Winnipeg, Manitoba on October 20, 2023. 

Left to cherish Dave’s memory are his three children Gary (Tracey), Chris (Charlene) from Winnipeg, Manitoba and Jennifer (Lee) from The Pas Manitoba.  Papa Dave will also be lovingly remembered by his six grandchildren Haley, Alexis, Jasmine, Sydney, Cory and Dannon.  Also mourning Dave’s passing are his in-laws Gwen (Terry) McLeod and numerous nieces and nephews.

Dave was predeceased by his father Edgar; mother Margaret; sister Virginia Arnold; and his loving wife, Lucille Katherine Arnold (Nabess).

Walter David was born on July 31, 1943 in Melfort, Saskatchewan.  Dave grew up and travelled to many small Saskatchewan communities including Melville, Estevan, Bean fate, The Battleford and Carlyle where he shared many stories with us kids.  At an early age Dave played hockey and baseball which he excelled at, playing competitive Junior hockey with the Estevan Bruins. Dave graduated from Manitoba Teacher’s College in 1966 and took his first teaching job in Riverton, Manitoba.  Teaching was not Dave’s passion but following in his father’s footsteps, he found his love for trains and pursued employment with the Canadian National Railway and worked as a station operator in Prince George, British Columbia, Atikokan, Ontario, Churchill and Wabowden, Manitoba.  This is where he met the love of his life, Lucille and they were married on March 1, 1969 in Wabowden where they raised their three children. 

Dave was active in the Wabowden community, participating on town council, and was active in supporting minor sports, including being a fair and passionate referee. Dave played fastball with The Trooper’s, old timers’ hockey and was an avid curler. 

Dave and Lucille lived throughout Manitoba including Thompson, The Pas, Wabowden and Winnipeg.

Dave had a passion for reading and was always knowledgeable and up to date on media and current world events.  One of Dave’s favourite hobbies was building model trains and developing miniature townships around the tracks. Dave loved watching sports, his favourite past time was watching the Toronto Blue Jays and the Winnipeg Jets. Dave also loved betting on the ponies and his family feels so fortunate to have spent his 80^th birthday celebrations at the track doing one of his favourite things.

A big thank-you to the doctor’s and nursing staff at Victoria Hospital and St. Boniface Hospitals during his short stay and to the EMS attendants for their prompt response, professional attitude and action.  A celebration of life for both Lucille and Dave will happen in The Pas, MB.in Spring 2024 to allow time for grieving, planning and warmer weather. 

Dad, thank-you for taking us kids on multiple family vacations, exposing us to the greater world beyond our small perfect town.