Fraser "Bruce" Arnold
December 29th, 2023
Fraser “Bruce” Arnold
(July 22, 1939 – December 29, 2023)
With broken hearts we announce the passing of Bruce Arnold, unexpectedly but peacefully at Langley Memorial Hospital on December 29th, 2023, with his family by his side. Predeceased by his parents Elmer and Bessie and his brother Norris. He is survived by his loving wife Gail, sons Kevin (Kim) and Darrell (Louise), his grandchildren Keira and Jackson, and his sister Shirley (George) Rudolph.
Born in Aldergrove, BC on July 22nd, 1939, in a small home at the corner of the Trans-Canada Highway (now Fraser Highway) and Coghlan Road (256th). Bruce grew up on a dairy farm at that location. Bruce attended Otter Elementary (which was apparently 12 miles one way between home and school and uphill both ways) and then graduated from Langley Senior Secondary in 1957. Bruce started work at Otter Co-Op before he could legally drive but that didn’t stop him from driving trucks at work and on the farm. At 17, just weeks after graduating from LSS, Bruce started work at BC Tel where he worked for over 40 years, retiring in 1997.
Bruce met Gail in 1964 in Vancouver when Gail was stealing his newspaper. Bruce and Gail married in 1965 and were married for over 58 years. Son Kevin was born in 1971, followed by Darrell in 1973.
Bruce loved being a grandfather to Keira and Jackson, who he regularly commented were better kids than his own sons. Bruce always loved having dogs and is predeceased by his loyal companions Snoopy, Cam, and Rebel. Bruce also cooperated with the addition of many cats (Rusty, Ginger, Rascal, and Kilo) to his home with Gail.
Bruce and Gail lived in Vancouver after getting married and bought their first home on West 22nd Avenue. Bruce and Gail moved to Cloverdale in 2014 to be closer to their Grandchildren.
Bruce was dedicated to his family and coached soccer for many years for the Dunbar Soccer Association, and was a leader with Beavers, Cubs, and Scouts Canada. His favourite pastimes included, walking the dogs, bowling and golf.
A private family celebration of Bruce’s life will be held at a later date.
Messages:
Jackie and I were sorry to hear of Bruce's death, especially after receiving your card saying that all was well. His loss must have been a terrible shock to you and the family. I remember our get togethers on Thursday nights to play cards with Johnny and Rod. We are thinking of you. Bill & Jackie
Very sorry to learn of Bruce's death. As a good friend of sister Shirley, I remember Bruce as a kind and helpful brother to Shirley. He had a dry wit and often teased her. Peace to Gail and family.
My sincere condolences on the loss of Bruce. Bruce was one of the good guys that I had the honour if working with for many years.
I worked with Bruce at BC Tel for many years. He was such a lovely man - honest, hard-working and always willing to smile. And he was great at his job too! I enjoyed chatting about Dunbar soccer (I coached there too) and almost persuaded him to come out of retirement to help my ailing team! Please know that Bruce was highly respected by EVERYONE he worked with - not something I would say about many people. He was a special man. Rest in peace, Bruce.
Your Dad was. Best Man at our wedding in 1962! Was always friendly with a good joke or quip! Our condolences to Gail and sons plus Shirley
Gail, Shirley & Family: Had telcon with brother Norm Andrews Jan 25. He informed me of Bruce's sudden passing. I will inform brother Wayne (Laurie) in Prince George. Very sad. Another one of the Coghlan Rd / TCH neighbours from the 1950s/60s has crossed the fence to join their parents. A great neighbour. How fortunate that we grew up in that area when it was still rural. God bless & treasure those memories. Neil & the Andrews Family fvxgty