Tribute

Arnold (Arnie) was the first surviving son of Louie and Margaret Krenz. He was born in a farmhouse in Alberta, 9 miles north of Chauvin, NW ¼, Sec 24, T-44, R-2, W-4^th. His parents came to Canada from Germany in the 1920’s. The family grew to include his beloved sisters – Edna, Florence and Elke.

They were a farming family – this meant hard work. Being the eldest and the only boy, his chore list was long and grew longer as a result of the endless tricks he played on his sisters, like scaring them when they fetched water from the outdoor pump (then that job became his too!).

It was tough being of German heritage in the 1940’s. To avoid the school bullies, horse Topsy was engaged for transportation. Arnie attended a one-room country school (often being called upon to teach math to fellow students), and then Camrose Lutheran College for his senior grades.

At 18, he went to work as a hard rock miner for the Eldorado Mining and Refining in Port Radium NWT. At 21 he joined the RCMP, graduating from the Academy in ‘59. It was during a dance in Regina that he met the love of his life, Roberta Read. They fell in love, married and had 4 children (Kathie, Janet, Michael, Mark).

Raising 4 kids on a Mountie’s salary was tough, but he and Roberta made sure the kids got what they needed, and more. There were family vacations to Disneyland (driving in a car from Mica Creek to California with 4 kids, no seatbelts, no ipads), Hawaii (camping on Makena Beach), skiing/camping throughout BC, and trips to the prairies. He supported school trips abroad, car purchases, post secondary education, and house down-payments.

Arnie was an RCMP member for 28 years. Stationed first to Dawson Creek in 1959, then to Kamloops in ‘65. In ‘71 he was promoted to Corporal and transferred to Mica Creek. In ‘74 he transferred to Duncan where he remained until ‘85 when he retired.

Arnie was a Mason for over 60 years and a Shriner for 59 years, helping to raise thousands of dollars for sick kids. He was also a member of the Eagles. He served in many positions within these organizations, creating enduring friendships along the way.

Arnie had many passions and talents: nourishing family and friends with his smoked salmon, cabbage rolls, pork & beans; gardening (oh his raspberries and tomatoes!); helping family with the harvest; contributing time and money towards his kids’ endeavors; building a cabin on Nootka Island; giving generously to education funds for grandchildren and great grandchildren; cooking on the Shriners’ cookwagon, and “inviting” people to support other Shriners’ campaigns.

The theme of Arnie’s life was service. He was dedicated to his family, friends and community. Like all of us, he made mistakes, but he did his best to learn and make amends.

Arnie, predeceased by his son Mark, is survived by his wife Roberta, his children Kathie, Janet and Michael, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He is deeply missed.  Auf wiedersehen Dad (until we meet again).

Arnie’s Celebration of Life will be at the Eagles Hall in Duncan on Saturday, November 1^st, 1-4pm. All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Cowichan Valley Shrine Club (https://www.cowichanvalleyshrineclub.org/supportor) or the Cowichan District Hospital Foundation (https://cdhfoundation.ca/how-to-make-a-donation/)  are warmly appreciated.