WOII Robert John “Bob” Arnold (Ret’d)
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We regret to advise of the death of Warrant Officer Class II Robert John “Bob” Arnold (Ret’d) of Nipawin, SK on 12 December 2016 at the age of 96 years.
Bob was born in Turtleford, SK and moved to Ridgedale, SK as a small boy with his family. After completing Grade 12, he worked in the Ridgedale store. Bob joined the Canadian Army in 1941 and first served with the Royal Canadian Engineers in Camp Chilliwack, BC. Bob transferred to the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1943 and went overseas where he flew with No. 6 Bomber Group in 420 (Snowy Owl) Squadron and 424 (Tiger) Squadron. During his time in action, Bob once had to bail out of an aircraft and as a result, became a member of the Caterpillar Club made up of members who survived a parachute escape from an aircraft - their motto, "Life depends on a silken thread"
On returning from the war, Bob married and took a job travelling across Canada selling magazines. After a winter in Flin Flon, MB working in the mines, the family moved to Nipawin, SK in 1948 where Bob began working in the electrical trade and bought some land to begin farming. With a partner, he founded Ace Electric in 1952 in Nipawin that he ran until his retirement. Bob continued to farm with his son for many years. Bob was active in his community. He was a Life Member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #120, the United Church, the Masonic Lodge #183 and the Seniors Club, all in Nipawin.
Memorial donations in Bob’s name may be made to the Nipawin United Church or the Salvation Army. [dcSep19gd} [zbd, zsp]