It is with great sadness that the family of Kenneth H. Arnott announce his peaceful passing on Tuesday May 10, 2022 at the age of 95 years.
Ken was born in Sheffield, England to (John & Gwendiline). He worked at Butterley Steel & Engineering in Ripley, Derbyshire while he studied for his Engineering Degree. It was there he met Evelyn who worked as a drafter. They were married in 1952 and emigrated to Canada shortly after.
After a few stops along the way, they ended up in Victoria, where Ken worked for the then Department of Highways as a Bridge Engineer. He retired in 1987 from the Government and went on to work as a Consulting Engineer into his 80’s.
As young kid’s we remember the many parties they had with their friends and workmates, dancing and singing in the downstairs English pub displaying his love of music and entertaining.
He took us to endless lessons, swimming, skating, tennis, gymnastics…., as well as coaching us and others in soccer and track and field.
He continued coaching soccer after his retirement and made many special friends along the way.
His love of running started around the age of 45 and continued until a few years ago.
He participated in many 5k, 10k and half marathons winning countless medals over the years. One of his proudest moments was going in the Senior Olympic Games in Tucson in 1997, where he was asked to carry the flame for a leg to the stadium. His biggest achievement was training for and completing the Honolulu Marathon in 1999 at the age of 73.
Ken will be lovingly remembered by his beloved wife of 70 years, Evelyn; Children Jacqueline (Allan), David, and Jeffrey (Lindsay); Grandchildren Candice (Paul) and Matthew (Hayley); Great-grandchildren Evelyn, Malachi, Theodore, Greta, and Charles, Step-grandchildren Emily (Jacob), Brendan (Rachel), and Duncan (Melissa); and Step-Great-grandchildren Liam, Penelope, Emma, Peyton, Sommar, Kayon and Kendrick.
The family wishes to send a special thank you to the doctors, nurses, and staff at Sunrise of Victoria Care Home for their care and compassion.
A Celebration of Ken’s Life will be held on June 12. An open house at the family home at 3431 Woodburn Ave will be held between 2:00pm and 4:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, donate to your favorite charity, or just pass along a favorite memory of Ken.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
13 Responses
So saddened with the news of Ken’s passing. He was a run friend many years back; our token male in our run group. Ken’s selflessness in sharing his knowledge and support will be always remembered with a smile. He hosted our group in Parksville and was a true gentleman with a wry sense of humour. Our deepest condolences to Evelyn and family. Bobbie and Laura
Dear family, as a dear friend to Candace I pass on my sincere condolences to the whole family.
Warm regards, from Ron
We have many fond memories of lovely times and interesting conversations with Ken during Ken and Evelyn’s visits to Australia.
Sending our love and deepest condolences to Evelyn, Candice and the Arnott family.
Love from the Klinko family.