It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we, the family, announce the passing of Arnold Francis White which occurred at the Chaleur Regional Hospital on December 4, 2021 at the age of 88. He was the son of the late Arthur White and Zita Comeau.
Arnold is survived by his wife Leona and his children: Mary Timberlake (Gary) of Quispamsis; Audrey Chamberlain (David) of Bathurst; Darlene Anderson (Leroy) of Fredericton; Christine Kenny (Ron) of Miramichi and Francis White (Nathalie) of Saskatoon.
His life was rich with 12 grandchildren: Brittany and Brandon Timberlake, Justin and Meghan Chamberlain, Cody Anderson, Courtney, Jessica and Chelsea Kenny, Gabrielle Holguin, Alesha, Matthew and Jordan White and great-grandchildren: Brody and Abigail Nini.
Arnold was survived by siblings: Pasty White (Cleo) of New Richmond and George White (Margret) of Moncton.
He was predeceased by his siblings Winifred White (Urban), Edwin White (Betty), and Theresa Assaff (John).
From an early age Arnold was an entrepreneur. Starting on the family homestead, with livestock and his love for living of the land. He was the ‘go to’ guy in New-Brunswick and beyond in the mining exploration field. Beginning with Noranda Mines and growing into his own exploration company that provided quality services for the many geological firms that confidently came his way. His amazing memory kept us all enthralled with his stories of deep woods escapades from Chibougamau, Que. to Mount Pearl, Newfoundland. His active lifestyle continued well into his senior years. Even in his late 80’s you could find him cutting wood, cleaning driveways and always helping friends and neighbours.
Arnold was most comfortable working and living on the land. His hard-working mentality, combined with his caring, generous personality was so attractable. Multiple gardens and a lifetime of firewood provided him with ample reasons to be on his tractor and 4 wheeler.
He was such a kind-hearted person as he shared the fruits of his labour with friends and neighbors. You could expect to taste his sweet tomatoes and fresh potatoes at multiple times during the year. His culinary skills successfully transformed rhubarb and cranberries into amazing jams and jelly’s, veggies into succulent soups and Swiss chard into tasteful lasagna.
Arnold’s sense of humour and generous laugh just warmed your heart. His gentle soul was seen by his affections to animals, especially chickadees, dogs and stray cats. He ensured that both animals and humans where well feed by sharing his bounty and his presence with us.
Our lives are forever better because Arnold was part of it. He will be missed.
A celebration of Arnold’s life will take place at Elhatton’s Funeral Home Chapel on Thursday, December 9th, 2021 at 2 p.m. Due to current provincial regulations proof of vaccinations and government issued identification will be required entry to the service.
Donations in memory of Arnold may be made to Bathurst SPCA, (gloucesterspca@nb.aibn.com) or a charity of your choice.
