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Bill grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He graduated from Ottawa Hills High School and attended Grand Rapids Junior College. He joined the tennis team at Grand Rapids Junior College, where his team won the state championship and got their picture in the newspaper. He graduated from Western Michigan University where he studied Business and Economics.
He spent the following 6 years in the US Marine Corps Reserve. While fulfilling his military obligation, he moved to Denver Colorado, where he met his loving wife Donna and started a family. He was offered a job as a senior financial analyst at the largest bank in the Rocky Mountain states. He excelled in his career and was promoted to the commercial and residential real estate department. This led him to eventually starting his own mortgage company. He worked hard, was successful, enjoyed life, was honest and trustworthy, had a good sense of humor and played a good hand of poker. He loved spending time with family and friends, playing cards (especially Texas hold'em, bridge and hearts), playing golf, skiing, biking, fishing, hunting and hiking. He described a perfect day as being at the top of one of Colorado's fourteen-thousand-foot peaks (he summited 24 of the 58 Colordao14ers). His legacy will carry on reminding us of the importance of honesty, having God in our lives, working hard, living conservatively, doing the right thing, never giving up on things that are important and enjoying life.
Bill is survived by his wife of 53 years Donna (McKelvey) Arkin, his three children, Greg Arkin, Dawn (Arkin) McCoy and Jamie (Arkin) LeMaster, his two son-in-laws Aaron LeMaster and Frank McCoy and his five grandchildren Chase Battaia, Amber Battaia, Ramona LeMaster, Calvin LeMaster and Josphine McCoy.
A memorial and Celebration of Life for Bill will be held on Monday August 11, 2025, at 10:30 am, at 8050 E. Jameson Dr. Centennial, CO 80112.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Reva Caton
August 11, 2025
Dear Donna & Family
I want to extend my sympathies personally on the passing of our close friend Bill and how much our friendship has meant to us over the past 40 years.
It was always Bill & Donna & Reva & Bill when we were talking about us. We all took our wedding vows seriously. Donna, you were by his side to the very end. Bill greeted you with a kiss & a hug and was always happy to see you. The deadly disease took his brilliant mind first and then his body but he always knew there was a connection between the two of you.
May God help you through this period of grief and we will be here to help you whether it be my daily phone calls, Judy and I taking you up to the hill, or all of his girls going out to lunch.
Attach are some pictures of some of our times together, NY Eve 1999 (Bill and his Cheers sweater, standing at Four Corners on our trip to Vegas, your retirement party Bill organized and dancing at our daughter Heather´s wedding. Just a few of the special moments among so many we shared together over the past 40 years.
Rest in peace Bill. Now you can play bridge again and go hiking.
Love, Reva
Bill & Reva Caton
August 10, 2025
To Donna & Family
Both Reva and I have so many great memories over the past 40 years of friendship with Bill & Donna. My wife, Reva, first met Donna back in 1985 at Cottonwood Elementary where they both worked. Since that time we all became very close friends over the years. A very special memory for both Reva and I was on on 40th birthday (we are both born on the same day, same year) Bill & Donna joined us for a trip to Las Vegas an on the way to the airport Bill had put a series of signs along Dry Creek and 225 wishing us a Happy 40th as we drove by each one there was a special message on each.
From softball games to poker games and trips around the Southwest, we enjoyed so many special times with you both. Bill always had a keen sense of humor to make our times together so much fun and enjoyable. He was always competitive be it when we were playing cards, on the men's softball team for St. Thomas Moore or playing golf. In most cases, he usually won when we competed against each other!
We will always cherish those special years of our lives and send out condolences and sympathies o you Donna and all your family.
Alain Patrick VEUVE
August 10, 2025
My wife Monique, our children Barbara, Albane and Luc-Olivier, and I are greatly saddened to learn of the passing of our friend Bill Arkin. Our two families first met for the World Youth Day in Denver in 1993, then in France in 1994 and in 1998 for our daughter Barbara's wedding. The last time we were together was in 2009 in Aurora.
We send to Donna and her family our warmest love and deepest sympathy in their loss.
Alain, Monique, Barbara, Albane, Luc-Olivier VEUVE
12, rue Paul Couderc
92330 SCEAUX
FRANCE
Alain Patrick VEUVE
August 10, 2025
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Laurel Baker
August 7, 2025
Ron and I moved to Colorado in 1980. Bill as the first neighbor we met, knocking on our door 3 days after we moved in, with our newspaper in hand welcomed us to the neighborhood. We became fast friends with him and his wonderful family. We will miss him greatly. It is comforting to know he's in a wonderful place now.
Laurel Baker
Linda and Steve Strobeck
August 7, 2025
Rest in Peace Bill. What a sweet man and good friend to my parents for many many years. Donna and family my prayers are with you as you hold tight to your memories during this difficult time. Heaven has gained a beautiful angel and I´m sure you´ll continue to feel his presence as we will all be celebrating his life.
Linda and Steve Strobeck
Garry Schubert
August 6, 2025
Rest in peace Mr. Arkin. A life well lived
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7261 Washington Street, Denver, CO 80229
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