LCdr (P) RCN (Ret’d) Naval Aviator
John was born in Lindsay, Ontario on May 31, 1933. He passed away on November 5, 2014 after a short battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth (Beth); his sons, John (Chantal), Bryan (Mai) and Jeffrey (Cheryl and son Blake) and was the proud grandfather of Christopher (Grandpops), Linh Sa and Gabriel (Grumpy) of Victoria. He is also survived by his sister, Elizabeth Diesing (Heinz) of Caledon East, Ontario; sister-in-law, Theresa Quartermain (Art); brother-in-law, Gerard Begley (Bernice) of Ontario and many special nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Kingsley Arnold, Lt (P) RCN.
The family wish to thank the caring Doctors and Nurses, (especially, Jeff, Sandra and Celina) on 3rd floor, North Jubilee Hospital, for their care and compassion. Thank you Rev. Canon Dr. John Steele for your presence and prayers during John’s final hours.
No service by John’s request. His cremated remains will wait for Beth to join him, then to be scattered by their sons in a few of the special places that gave John and Beth pleasure in times past.
If desired, donations in John’s memory may be made to the ALS Society or the Canadian Cancer Society.
“Once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return.” – Quote from Leonardo da Vinci
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Bros. Funeral Home
www.mccallbros.com
14 Responses
My heartfelt condolences to John’s family.
John was a great guy. I enjoyed knowing him in the Navy and working with him in the Naval Officer’s Association when we were both retired.
To the Arnold Family
It was with profound sadness that I learned of the death of John Arnold – my father called him Stretch . They both belonged to a generation of elite, brave, crazy naval pilots . They are a rare breed . My father died recently and it was during this time that I got to meet John. I will forever be grateful to John for being Dad’s wingman on his last flight and for the support he gave to my mother and my brothers and sister as we let Dad go.
On behalf of my mother Barbara, my sister Janice and my brothers David and Bruce please accept our heartfelt sympathies and our wish that you find strength in family.
Judy Rowell
Our deepest condolenses to family and all who knew John .
To the Arnold Family
Please accept sincere condolences from myself and Frona. I flew with Stretch in the back seat of a Tracker many times while at VX10. On one occasion while checking for an oscillation problem with the auto pilot, I was convinced the wings of the aircraft were going to fall off but John’s excellent professional skills as a pilot got us safely back to Shearwater. His first comment after landing “That was quite a ride”. He will be remembered as an officer and a gentleman. Sincerely Frank
Dear Beth and Family,
I wish to pass on my condolences on the passing of ‘Stretch’, one of the kindest, most generous persons I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. Over the past twenty some years, my visits to Victoria have been highlighted by visits with Stretch at the local pub with my Dad in tow. He was so good to my father in helping him out over the years. I will miss his wonderful tales of the trials and tribulations of the naval pilots in their early years. He was a true friend and will be sorely missed.
Hugh Logan
To the Arnold Family:
Please accept my sincerest condolences. Although I never served in a squadron with Stretch, I knew him as a good messmate and an excellent Pilot.
May God bless you all in this time of sadness.
Our condolences to the Arnold family.
Delightfully remembering John from my 870 Squadron, RCNAS Shearwater days: 1958-60. My prayers and condolence to an amazing famiy and relatives.
love, Ed Hallett, Capt. USN-ret
My sincerest condolences to you, Beth and your family. John was such a lovely man and you both were such good life long friends to Bette Jo. I was so sad and shocked when Bette Jo told me of his illness – you must be heartbroken. Again, my heartfelt prayers and thoughts go out to you all.
Love Judy
My condolences to the Arnold family.