Obituary of Arnold Edward McDonell

McDONELL: Arnold Edward McDonell, late of the city of Brandon, MB, was born February 26, 1923, on the family farm near St. Eustache, MB and passed away peacefully on Monday, November 14, 2011 at the Brandon Assiniboine Centre at the age of 88 years. He was predeceased by his wife Grace in 1996 and his daughter-in-law Heidi (Roger) in 2008. He will be lovingly missed by his sister Celestine Nott of Portage la Prairie, MB, and his six children, Mary Buchanan (Ken) of Vernon, BC, Donald of Brandon, Jean Biehler (Wayne) of Winnipeg, MB, Roger of Campbell River, BC, Jim (Marilyn) of Winnipeg, MB, Chris of Vancouver, BC, also his grandchildren, Barb Buchanan, Kelowna, BC, Rik Biehler, Regina, SK, Chrystal Holman (Brent), Fort St. John, BC, Rhonda Cooper (Jeremy), Winnipeg, MB; great-grandchildren, Tara McInnes (Matt), Vernon, BC, Emma Goodman, Vernon, BC, Ethan Cooper, Winnipeg, MB, Aiden Cooper, Winnipeg, MB; great-great-grandchildren Tyler McInnes,Vernon, BC, Madison McInnes, Vernon, BC. Arnold will sadly be missed by numerous relatives and friends, especially Scotty, Irene and Lorna. Arnold served his country in the Second World War and the Korean conflict and continued his military commitment until his retirement in 1968, when he and his family took up residence in the city of Brandon. Upon his retirement, he became active for many years on the executive of the A.N.A.F. and was honoured with a life membership. He was also a member of the Royal Canadian Legion. The family would like to express our sincere thanks to Dr. Butler and Dr. Caplan, and all those at the Assiniboine Centre for the care our Dad received, and to Rev. Joe Ball for his prayers and support during our time of need. A Celebration of Arnold's life will be held at the Brockie Donovan Chapel, 332-8th Street, on Saturday, November 19, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Joe Ball officiating. Interment will follow at the Brandon Cemetery. Donations in memory of Arnold may be made to the Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation, "Palliative Care", 150 McTavish Avenue East, Brandon, MB R7A 2B3 or to a charity of choice.