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Geoffrey ARNOLD Obituary

GEOFFREY WALTER ARNOLD Sadly, we share that we have lost our Geoff, our Dad, our Grandad, our Great-Grandad. He died peacefully at St. Mike's on January 29, 2022. Geoff was born in England (September 7, 1933), moved to Canada in 1939 where he grew up in Rodney and area and then spent his adult life in Toronto, a city that he loved and enjoyed with his beloved Rae. He retired from his career with the North York Board of Education in 1988 and threw himself into an active retirement which for many years included the LIFE Institute. Geoff loved his family and his many friends. He loved to cook and to share his kitchen creations with others. He loved to travel with Rae and was so sorry when health issues made further travel adventures impossible. He loved a good debate, a challenging puzzle and was at loose ends if he didn't have a knitting project on the go. He loved traditions. We all have many memories that will keep Geoff alive in our hearts. For the grandkids, Geoff and Rae wrote the book on grandparenting - special weekends at Simpson Avenue, trips to NYC, annual theatre outings, time in Gooderham. Missing him are Rae, their children and spouses, Heather and Brian, Hillary and Ted, Martin and Valerie, the grands Eric (PJ), David (Mimi), Colin (Laura), Kate (Dave), Spencer and Damian (predeceased, 2021) and the great-grands, Zoe, Riley, Bennett and Rae-Lynne. For over 65 years Rae was the love of his life and she his. He was my North, my South, my East and West, My working week and my Sunday rest, My noon, my midnight, my talk, my song; I thought that love would last forever: I was wrong. W.H. Auden In lieu of flowers, please get together with family, friends and neighbours. Often. Talk about important stuff. Talk about unimportant stuff. Laugh. Share food. Raise a glass.

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Published by The Globe and Mail from Feb. 2 to Feb. 6, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Geoffrey ARNOLD

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9 Entries

Debbie Powers

February 3, 2022

Through the years that Laura has been a part of your family I have heard so many stories about Geoff. He was a family man that liked traditions. He enjoyed telling his great grandchildren jokes and performed a few magic tricks. The sweaters he created with love will now be passed down to next generation. I am truly sorry for your loss. Sending my love.

Rosanne Bernard

February 3, 2022

Dear Rae and family.
Please accept my heartfelt condolences on Geoff's passing. I had the pleasure of working with Geoff for many years at The LIFE Institute, and admired his passion for learning, hilarious sense of humour, as well as his adventurous intellect. I also appreciated his delicious spirits-infused jam, views on education, exceptional curiosity, and philosophy of life. On a personal note, I treasured our woolly tête-à-têtes, which were veritable show-and-tells when Geoff would pop in with his latest knitting project. One year, I organized a grassroots knitting project with some Toronto school groups, including The Chang School; I knew Geoff would be one of the first to cast-on for this worthy cause. Master knitter Geoff created not one, but TWO bears: Zofia and Walter. There are some lovely photos of Geoff and his teddies here: http://knittishisms.blogspot.com/2010/11/la-danse-des-oursines-pt-2.html
I´ll miss him terribly and will cherish my memories of his laughter always. May the memory of your cherished husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather bring you comfort at this difficult time. -rb

Peggy macLellan

February 3, 2022

Condolences Spencer and family, I heard so many beautiful stories and know you have many beautiful memories, May he Rest In Peace!

Charles Patrick O'Riordan

February 2, 2022

How fortunate your family is to have had a patriarch so well respected by all who encountered him. There was nothing he wouldn't do to entertain you, make you smile, laugh, or have a great conversation.

A treat for Max was left at our door every day except when Geoff was away but an email addressed to Max let him know for how long.

It was a privilege to be a neighbour to both Rae and Geoff. He will be sorely missed.

Scott, Patrick and Max.

Wink

February 2, 2022

Loved your Dad. Remember in Portugal being invited to a party walking up the stairs hearing this great laugh. Thinking that sounds like Geoff Arnolds laugh.not expecting him to be there .Sure enough it was him.Again in Portugal arrived back to our hotel and there on the steps a jar of home made Marmalade made by the man himself.Fond memories of Thanksgiving in Haliburton. Hugs Wink and Tom

Jeff Parsons

February 2, 2022

A man who was convinced that when he woke up in the morning, it was going to be a great day. He lived, laughed and it was a great day. Upon reflection, I knew him for more decades than I realized yet just about every memory involves food, drink and lots of laughs with a bit of repartee thrown in for good measure. What could be better? This is how he should and will be remembered. Carry on sir, we remember, food and drink in hand, naturally.
Condolences and best wishes to all who will miss him.

Michael Miners

February 2, 2022

I am so sorry for your loss. I will always remember Geoff with a smile and cherish the many happy memories I have of him. At our Candle Light Dinners and Roof Top Picnics, Geoff could always be counted on for a joke and poem or topic of conversation that would make the evening very lively. I will miss my Dear Friend

Chris Walker

February 2, 2022

I remember a very kind man growing up across the street from the Arnold's on Munson cres. His son Martin was my best friend as a child. Geoff called every Christmas eve as Santa Clause without fail for years. I am very sorry for your loss. I know you must be heartbroken.

Jacqui Detmar

February 2, 2022

My deepest sympathy on the loss of your husband, dad, grandfather and great-grandfather. I will always remember the vim and vigour of Geoff and the endless debates and cooking at the cottage at Thanksgiving. You are all very much in my thoughts right now and Richard and I will be sure to raise a glass and toast his memory while wishing you all the time and comfort you need, to ease your pain.

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