On Thursday, October 8, 2015, Frank Arnie, 87, passed away in Canora Hospital with his wife, Bessie at his side. Frank, one of four children, was born August 15, 1928 to John Peter (Pete) and Annie Rita Arnie (Antonio) on the family farm outside of Okla, Saskatchewan.
Frank spent his early years attending Silver Springs District School where he completed Grades 1 through 8. His love for hunting started in his early years, as did his love and respect for nature and the environment.
Grades 912 were spent at Okla school. In 1946, Frank attended Teachers College in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, which sent him on a rewarding career path for the next 35 years. It began at Hazel Dell country school, followed by Waler in 1950 and finally Preeceville in 1956. He attended the University of Saskatchewan for his Bachelors of Education (1974). Frank excelled at teaching and truly loved his chosen career.
He earned the respect of fellow teachers and students alike. He retired from the Vice Principal position in Preeceville in 1984. Frank donated his time and expertise to many organizations, including: the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation (President), the Canadian Wildlife Federation, and Ducks Unlimited. He served as Chairperson on the Board of Directors for Preeceville Union Hospital (19911993) and was appointed by Colin Maxwell, Minister of Parks, Recreation and Culture, to the Board of Directors for the Western Development Museum (1988).
The Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation honoured Frank with the “Gordon Lund Memorial” award in recognition as the ‘Most Outstanding Conservationist in the Province of Saskatchewan’ their highest award (1986). Premier Grant Devine appointed Frank to the ‘Round Table on Environment and Economy’ to recommend ways in which a provincial conservation strategy could be established (1991).
Throughout all, Frank was Captain of the 606 Squadron Preeceville Air Cadets for 25 years. Despite his busy life, Frank still found time to pursue his passions for hunting, fishing and spending time with relatives and friends in the community. He was well liked and respected by his peers and the community. It must be said, his greatest joy came from spending time with his wife, Bessie. Married 64 years, they were an example of love and respect to many.
To his three daughters, Frank was a loving father who was always there participating actively in their lives. Frank was predeceased by his parents, Pete and Annie Arnie (Antonio), his brother Neil Arnie and his soninlaw, Byron Jack Dobbs (Jack). Survived by his wife Bessie Arnie (Cook), sisters Francis Marshall and Audrey Brooks, daughters Lois Dobbs, Kathy Arnie and Rachelle Bell, grandchildren Derek Dobbs, Jason Dashney, Nicole Noel (Rick), Erin Dashney, Robyn Bell, Alison Bell and Tom Bell, great-grandchildren Ember and Matrim Dashney, Logan and Leland Noel. Funeral service took place at Trinity United Church, Preeceville, Saskatchewan Wednesday, October 14, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. Interment immediately following the service at Preeceville Cemetery. Preeceville Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
