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Arnold Pohs Obituary
former CEO of CommNet Cellular, died at age 82 on April 2, in Scottsdale, AZ. An early pioneer in the wireless industry, Arnold led CommNet Cellular in the 1980s and 90s, and the company quickly became the premier rural wireless telecommunications provider in the US. Arnold was the first chairman of the Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Association (CTIA) Wireless Foundation and he also served as chairman of the CTIA. During his tenure, he received the 1994/95 President's Award and the 1999 Industry Achievement Award for outstanding leadership, and the Public Relations Society of America named him CEO of the Year in 1996. Arnold served as a member of the executive board of directors of the Barbara Davis Foundation for Childhood Diabetes, and he was a member of the Children's Hospital Foundation executive board, and the American Diabetes Association Colorado Chapter board of directors. Arnold is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Constance, who he met as a student at the University of Michigan. A University of Michigan graduate, his love for the Michigan Wolverines was only surpassed by his love for the New York Yankees; Arnold was an avid New York Yankees fan his entire life. Arnold is also survived by his daughter, Wendi Pohs, her husband, Mike Kilgore, his son Glenn Pohs, wife Jill Degen Pohs, and by his grandchildren, Meghan Taevs, Erin Chapman, and Lara, Jamie, and Jacob Pohs. Services will be held at Messinger Pinnacle Peak Mortuary 8555 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale, Arizona, on Wednesday, April 6 at 11 am. Donations can be made to the Children's Diabetes Foundation of Denver (http:// www.childrensdiabetesfoundation.org/support/index.html) or the American Cancer Society (https://www.cancer.org/involved/donate/) in lieu of flowers.
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Memories and Condolences
for Arnold Pohs
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Cindy
Cindy Ross
June 1, 2016
I worked with Arnold at Commnet Cellular for 10 years. I was always amazed by his kindness and ability to remember everyone's names! Such a great mentor and amazing business man. I had much respect for him.
I don't know if you remember me Connie, but I remember you!! You could see the love that Arnold had for you and visa versa! Childhood sweethearts for sure. I'm sure you miss him terribly. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Cindy Conner-Ross
Frank Davis
February 3, 2015
Connie
Words can not express the loss.
June 4, 2013
vw=Arnold was my couisin. I thought highly of both Arnold & his wife Connie.. However, Our lives went in diferent directions.
I am sorry we never were close. Geography seperated us as I settled in Florida.
Col, Shepard "Shep" V Sloane
May 1, 2013
So sorry, but our thoughts as always are with you all. Ann and Dick
Robert Spalding
August 11, 2011
Arnold was one of the most inspiring people I ever met in my life. He was willing to sacrifice his own comfort and security to pursue his dreams, and never had an unkind word for those who aspired to do well. His motto "Onward And Upward" has continued to inspire me throughout my career, and I will dearly miss his indomitable spirit!
May 15, 2011
my grandfather was Jacob Pohs, born in mid 1860's, resided in Brooklyn, N.Y.
Anne Pohs Heldman
[email protected]
Chuck & Joy Robbins
May 10, 2011
Connie and Family,
I was sorry to hear today of Arnold's passing. He was a true mentor and leader to many of us who had the opportunity to work with him at CommNet. I have many fond memories of Arnold's engaging personality, quick wit and personal interest in those that he led.
Please accept our sincere sympathy and kindest regards.
Annita Menogan
April 20, 2011
Dear Pohs Family,
I was a young lawyer who briefly worked with Arnold years ago. He was one of not only my favorite clients at the firm, but also one of the most elegant, kindest men I ever knew. I actually had no idea, at the time, who he was or the high level of success he'd had because he was always so down to earth, easy to talk with and such a great teacher. I am so sad to hear about him as I have often thought of him over the years with great fondness. I'm sorry I won't have a chance to thank him for his kindnesses, but I will always remember him. Sincerely,
Louis Zerobnick
April 12, 2011
We have lost a great man. You taught your lessons well and many benefit from listening! You went out of your way to mentor me. You succeeded in putting me on the right path. Your kindness could never be repaid and will surely, never be forgotten.
Rest in Peace!
April 11, 2011
Dear Connie: We all had so much fun together especially at the Golden Ball's. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and we love you! Cathy and Ted Rinker
I am a walking testament today
Waynette Yarmer
April 7, 2011
Arnold was a very special man to me. He was always pleasant and open. He gave me a surprise party when I left Commnet on a Medical in 1999. I am still here today because of God's blessings and my awesome Dr.'s. I am very fortunate to have known him and to have been a part of the Commnet Cellular Family. My best wishes and prayers are coming your way Connie, to you and your family.
Joy Weddle
April 6, 2011
Arnold's luminous personality and exemplary work ethic were intrinsic to the success of CommNet. Persistently driven, intensely sharp, and quick to see the humorous side of a situation, his legacy will live on in the kindness he showed and the opportunities he bestowed upon his employees. Connie, Wendi, and Glenn - I ask for God's kindest blessing on you.
John Closs
April 6, 2011
Dear Connie and Family,
I was very sad to hear the news of Arnold’s passing. I had the honor of working with Arnold for over 10 years at CommNet Cellular and those years remain the most memorable and rewarding of my career. One special memory I have of Arnold is when he lost a bet he made with me and several other University of Colorado Alumi in 1994 when CU beat his beloved Wolverines on a last second hail mary pass into the end zone. Arnold graciously satisfied his part of the bet when he sang the CU fight song to the entire CommNet office. Arnold was a very special man and will be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family during this difficult time. God bless.
Carol Ann Secord
April 6, 2011
Dearest Connie,
My heart aches for you at the loss of your love and best friend, Arnold. Mere words cannot express my sadness and loss. I wish Tommy and I could be there with you today in celebration of Arnold's incredible life, for he truly was a wonderful, loving and generous man in so many ways. May you find strength in god's love and infinite kindness, and know that you are in our prayers today and always. I know Arnold is smiling down upon me today and I can almost hear him say .."Stinky, nice Yankees jersey!" I wear it to honor this man I love so dearly. God bless you Connie.
Carol Ann (Secord) and Tommy
April 6, 2011
Dear Connie:We met you and Arnie about 47 yrs. ago at Camp Seneca when our children were there..Milton was a camper with Arnie & Murray Borska....we were so very sorry to learn of the loss of your beloved Arnie in the N.Y. Times..our very sincere sympathy to you and your dear family...Milton & Selma Polevoy
Tim McConnaughhay
April 5, 2011
I am truly saddened to hear of the loss of Arnold Pohs. If every person working for a company could have had a boss like Arnold, then I believe those employees would be so happy and content in their work. Though many years have passed since I left CommNet Cellular, the memories are still fresh in my mind, as well as the friends from work who still remain in my life. I remember him personally handing everyone a 100 dollar bill as a Christmas gift. A generous and kind man who truly loved us all! My deep sympathies to those he left behind.
Eleda Graham
April 5, 2011
Dear Connie & family:
My sincerest & deepest sympathy to you on the great loss of your husband, father & grandfather.
Arnold was a man with a great big heart. I still remember him taking time out of a busy day to talk to me when my niece was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes.
He cared so much about his employees by having the best Holiday Parties & making sure that the folks workig Christmas Eve & other holidays had meals.
I remember 1995 to 2000 being the best years of my working career
My Thoughts & prayers are with you all.
April 5, 2011
Connie and family,
As many have already expressed Arnold was one of kind. He created not just a company at CommNet but a "family". He was truly a great leader and mentor. I am saddened by your loss but greatful that I had met and work for him. May you find peace knowing that he was loved and respected by more than you know.
My deepest sympathies,
Ann Schroeder- Schwartz
April 5, 2011
For those who are interested, there will be a webcast of the service tomorrow at 11:00 pacific time at:
http://ArnoldPohs7129.MessingerPinnaclePeak.ezwebcast.com/login/user/user868249/password/7681edefc66669ffdcc1c7c82465ebbf
Rob, Lynn, Cameron, Kyndal Carolus
April 5, 2011
I treasure all the years we spent together building a communications business where the river is or was, where the railroad is or was or where the interstate is. When I think of Arnold I remember the greatest of times that I can only smile about. He had the gift of making every one feel important and part of the team. Connie, Wendy, Glen, thanks for sharing this wonderful man. Our thoughts are with you.
Theresa Brewer Hobbs
April 5, 2011
Dear Connie and family,
My sincerest sympathies to you and your family in your time of grief. Arnold was a prince to every person he met. He made CommNet a family for us and our bond has remained strong over the years. I am blessed to have known you both. Sending love and prayers across the miles.
Arnold, the best is yet to come my friend.
Rob Carolus
April 5, 2011
Kendra Kaiser
April 5, 2011
What an honor to have known Arnold Pohs! I'm sad to hear of his passing, as he left an impression on so many of us. I've never met another CEO that was so willing to get to know his work family, as Arnold was. He knew all of us by name, and knew our families by name. He took the time to make each one of us feel special and that we were REALLY part of his team. Peace and love to the Pohs family. He was truly a great man and a great leader.
Stacy Wiley
April 5, 2011
I had the sincere pleasure of working with Mr. Arnold Pohs at CommNet Cellular. He was hands down the best boss I have ever worked for. He was kind and generous to everyone. Several of us from CommNet still get together and we alway have fond memories of Arnold. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Brenda Sievert
April 5, 2011
My dearest sympathy for the loss of a wonderful man. When working at Commnet he took the time to always stop by my desk and ask how each of my family members were doing by name. He made it feel like you were apart of something. He will be missed.
Craig Biesterfeld
April 5, 2011
Dear Pohs family,
I met my CEO for the first time as he came throught he call center of CommNet. I appriciated that he took the time to get to know a little about me. And everytime he visited he knew who I was. As an impressionable kid out of college I was amazed at how this small gesture increased my pride of CommNet. I have yet to meet any CEO like him. I am sorry for your loss and I am glad to have known him.
CRBIE
Carolyn Garrison
April 5, 2011
Dear Mrs. Pohs,
I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Mr. Pohs. I will have you and your extended family in my thoughts and prayers.
All my best
Carolyn DiRico Garrison
Terri Hammer
April 5, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Mike Flanagan
April 5, 2011
Dear members of Arnold's family:
My name is Mike Flanagan, and I got to know Arnold through our two companies working together. Since I am in communications, I had the good fortune of working with Arnold on a big feature article, and then for a speech honoring his extraordinary contributions to the wireless industry. From those experiences we became good friends. Arnold was obviously very sharp and astute in the business world. But he was also a great joy to be around and to talk with. While I have not been in touch with Arnold for some time, I will always have a special place in my heart for Arnold. I extend my wishes to his family and friends. He was a great man. He will be missed. But I believe we are all better people for having known Arnold Pohs.
Sincerely,
Mike Flanagan
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