Arnold Beatty IRWIN

ARNOLD BEATTY IRWIN March 4, 1926 - August 12, 2021 The Irwin family mourns the passing of our family patriarch who passed peacefully surrounded by his loved ones in his 96th year. Arnold was the beloved husband of Lynn who was the love of his life for 65 years. Together they raised four loving children: Scott (Heather), Craig (the late Darlene), Grant (Carol), and Marylynn (John Boyle) who will dearly miss him as they do their mother, Lynn who passed away in 2015. Arnold (Papa) will be missed by his 12 grandchildren: Courtney (Julian), Adam (Melissa), Jake (Caron), Brenlay (David), Brayden, Calynn, Grant (Channelle), MacKenzie, James (Laura), Keegan, Madison, and Jacklynn. Arnold had the pleasure of knowing and loving his 9 great-grandchildren who gave him immense joy in the later years of his life. He will be missed by, Max Arnold, Louise, Charlie, Millie, Bella, Collette, Frida, Piper, and Fox. Arnold is survived by his sister, Marilyn Boynton, and brother, Bryan Irwin (Betty). Arnold was predeceased by his brother, MacDonald (Mac) and his parents, Samuel and Beatrice. Arnold had a gift for making everyone he met in life feel special. This was shown in the enduring lifelong friendships he fostered throughout his life. From the group of trouble-makers from his Forest Hill School days, who were inseparable their whole lives, to the neighbors turned travel companions. Arnold joined the army after high school but mercifully the war ended before he could be deployed. He played a season of semi-pro hockey in Scotland, where he was known for his sharp elbows. Arnold attended the University of Toronto before joining his father Sam in his fledgling toy business, Irwin Specialties, later known as Irwin Toy. As a passionate and innovative businessman, Arnold grew the family business into an iconic household name with international reach. As President, Arnold took Irwin Toy public in 1969 and became Chairman of the Board. Even in business, lifelong friendships were made including the Steiner family of Cincinnati, which led to Irwin Toy introducing famous toy brands such as Care Bears and Star Wars into Canada. Arnold was a well-respected and liked leader in the toy industry. As important as the business was to Arnold, family was more important. As the family grew exponentially, Lynn and Arnold perfected the family trip. All were invited and nothing made Arn and Lynn happier than to experience the wonders of the world with their family. They travelled on a Russian Icebreaker through the Canadian Arctic, skied the mountains of the world, rode gondolas through Venice, and went on catamaran sailing voyages through the Caribbean. Closer to home, they welcomed and entertained countless friends of their kids and grandchildren at "The Ranch" near Thornbury. Arnold was a founding member of the Craigleith Ski Club and the longest serving member of the Toronto Kiwanis Club. Arnold and Lynn were dedicated to giving back to their community. But in keeping with his business acumen, Arnold didn't just want to give to a hospital; he wanted to fund specific research projects, meet with the doctors and medical researchers and understand what their donation would achieve. They gave particular focus to Cystic Fibrosis clinical research at Sick Kids Hospital, the Guided Therapeutics Surgical Oncology Program to enhance care for cancer patients at Princess Margaret Hospital, Alzheimer's research at Toronto Western Hospital and the Lynn and Arnold Advanced Perioperative Imaging Lab at Toronto General Hospital to help cardiac patients. The family extends their unwavering gratitude to Arnold's caregivers Demi, Lucita "Tiger", Noralyn, Jenifer and Jansy, who brought joy, friendship and dignity to Arnold's final year. In lieu of flowers, donations to Arnold's memory may be made to Cystic Fibrosis Canada which was close to his heart.