Anthony Arnold

1928 - 2015

Anthony "Tony" Arnold

June 7, 1928 - October 8, 2015

Born in San Francisco and raised in Kentfield, grandson of William Kent, Tony Arnold died peacefully in his sleep Thursday at Villa Marin in San Rafael. After studies at The Thacher School in Ojai and Yale University, and a career in the CIA that took him to many postings around the world, including Germany, Sweden, Burma, Japan, Afghanistan, and England, he returned from far-flung travels to spend the last 36 years of his life cherishing his views out over the rolling, golden hills of Marin.
The youngest son of the late George Stanleigh Arnold and Elizabeth Kent Arnold, he was preceded in death by sisters Elizabeth and Evelyn and brothers George Stanleigh Jr. (Stan) and Kent. He is survived by his brother Peter of Grass Valley; by his wife of 59 years, Ruth, of San Rafael; their four children, George, Bill, Kent and Elizabeth; and eight grandchildren: Peter, Katie, Kathy, Elizabeth, John, Jennifer, Matt, and Derek. He is sadly and dearly missed by all of us.
Fluent in five languages, Tony was also a compelling writer and speaker, publishing numerous books and articles and making presentations on a range of topics close to his heart, including Afghanistan, Lake Tahoe, the Suisun Marsh, and his lifelong love, bird hunting. His dedication to the conservation and protection of wetlands and open spaces was reflected in long-lasting service to the California Waterfowl Association and to the Suisun Resource Conservation District. He was also a stalwart member of the Marin County Friends of the Library, in particular helping organize and run the annual book sale fundraiser.
In the early years of their marriage, Tony and Ruth were amateur rally racers, and his enthusiasm for fast cars infected all of his progeny. He was also a creative tinkerer around the house, happy at his workbench coming up with unique solutions to household challenges. But his true, lifelong passion was always the outdoors. Though an avid hunter and fisherman from early childhood, he wasn't overly concerned with the outcome of a hunting or fishing expedition; he just loved spending time out in the elements, preferably with one of a succession of faithful Labrador retrievers by his side.
Unfailingly kind, warm, thoughtful, generous and courteous, Tony was always ready with a funny (true) story often involving improbable adventures in unlikely places. His upbeat nature was contagious, bringing out the best in others. It is very sad that he's gone, but he lived life to the full and made a positive difference while he was here.
A memorial gathering will be held at 3 p.m. Thursday, October 15, at Villa Marin, 100 Thorndale Drive, San Rafael 94903.