Arne Simonsen

It is with deep sorrow that the family of Arne Stanley Simonsen announces his death. He passed away peacefully at home on April 28th with family by his side.Arne was born in Port Arthur Ontario, on May 6th, 1922. He was raised by hardworking Norwegian immigrants Ragna and Gustav Simonsen, Arne and his siblings helped with the family business, Simonsens's Grocery Store, including delivering groceries with a horse-drawn wagon. His early education started at St. James Public School and his Secondary School was Port Arthur Collegiate Institute. As a teenager, Arne was a natural athlete and played many sports including: basketball, football, track and field and hockey. During WWII Arne served in the Canadian Army and the Royal Canadian Air Force. After the war, Arne continued his education at Queen's University graduating in 1950 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Arne then commenced his Engineering Career with the consulting firm of C.D. Howe Co. LTD. In 1970, Arne co-founded Newport Metal Industries, a company involved in designing and manufacturing equipment for various industries with strong emphasis in the grain trade. After retiring in 1986, he continued to assist Brayshaw Steel with his engineering expertise.Following in his father's footsteps Arne entered the Masonry in 1957. As a member of the Thunder Bay Masonic Lodge A.F. and A.M. he served as its Master in 1967. Arne became a member of the Scottish Rite in 1987 and also a member of the Khartum Temple. Arne became a member of the Lakehead Shrine Club and later served as President in 1996. He had many good years with the Shrine Drill Patrol Marching Band, playing the symbols in numerous parades. He also enjoyed assisting with the Shrine Circus along with his wife Molly and they went on many trips together with the Shriners. He was director of the Shrine Circus Committee in 2004. In 1998, Arne was honoured by receiving the 33rd Degree as recognition of outstanding work in the Rite. In 2010 he became a member of Connaught Lodge A.F. and A.M. Arne was also a member in good standing of Branch #5 Legion. Arne met Molly, the love of his life, at Loon Lake during the summer of 1938, and the romance began. They married in 1946 and recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. Arne's favourite place, of course, was the family camp at East Loon Lake. He always welcomed family and friends, entertaining all with saunas, swimming, sailing, canoeing, playing horseshoes and cooking delicious barbequed dinners. In his adult years he loved golfing, sailing and swimming during the summer and skiing in the winter. He joined the Ski Patrol when he was 50 and later became the Patrol Leader and taught First Aid. He could also be seen jogging 5 miles a day in his 50's and 60's. He continued to enjoy swimming laps at the Volunteer Pool with Molly right into his eighties. Arne looked forward to a good game of cribbage, liked to play the harmonica, and loved to read. A soft-spoken gentleman, Arne was known for his witty one-liners and his charm. Arne took pride in and adored all of his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Family was everything to him. He felt very lucky to have such good friends and to have such a loving family. Arne is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Molly, son Robert (Sherri), daughter Susan (Randy), grandchildren Sherry (Greg), Kirsten, Melanie (Paul), Jonathan (Kaleigh), great grandchildren Kyle, Molly, Simon and Samuel, sister Ruth Hopping, sister-in-law Susan Simonsen and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Ragna and Gustav, brothers Erling, Leif and two infant sisters. The family would like to extend their thanks to Dr. Kennedy, CCAC, Veterans Affairs Canada, Superior Elder Care and the staff at Com-Care and Bayshore. Arne and his family appreciate the support of Monika, Debbie, Judy and many others who were a blessing in his time of need.Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held on Thursday May 5th, 2011 at the Dease St. Temple, 1600 Dease St. at 1 pm with a reception to follow. Donations may be made toThe Shriner's Travel Fund for Sick Children ORTo the Heart and Stroke FoundationArne will be forever missed by his loving wife and family.Papa, you will live on in our hearts forever.Online condolences may be made throughwww.nwfainc.com"