MR. LEONARD ""VERNON"" ARNOLD of Foremost, beloved husband of Aldean, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, June 9, 2010 at the age of 70 years.

Vern was a loving father of Dean (Wendy) Arnold of Foremost; Donna (George) Newman of Calgary; Doug (Tami) Arnold of Warman, SK and Danny (Lindy) Arnold of Taber. Adored Grandfather to Mack and Cade Arnold, Jack, Tim and Mitchell Newman, Devyn Arnold and Blake Andrus, Tanner, Ashlynn and Amy Arnold. Vern is also survived by his Mother, Pearl Arnold of North Battleford, SK and siblings Keith (Diane), Carol and Norma (Wally) as well as many sister and brother-in-laws, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father, Leonard in 1979.

Vern was born on November 15, 1939 in Maple Creek, SK. Raised on a farm in Golden Prairie, he moved with his family into Medicine Hat where he completed his high school. He received his diploma in agriculture from Olds College in 1960 and took a job as the first Agriculture Fieldman for the County of Forty Mile, residing in Foremost. This is where he met and married Aldean (nee Wolfe) and raised his family. He retired from the county in 1995 and began a second career selling vehicles for Murray Auto Group in Bow Island.

Dad's passion for his communities led him to volunteer for numerous organizations. He served on the executives of Foremost Fish and Game, Ducks Unlimited, Alberta Big Game, Foremost Theatrical Society, Foremost Lions Club, Alberta Hockey Association, The Forty-Mile Park Association, and the RCMP Victim Services Unit to name but a few. Dad was awarded the Order of the Bighorn Award by the Alberta Govt. in 2002 to recognize outstanding contributions to fish and wildlife conservation in the province. He was instrumental in helping establish many of the Ducks Unlimited projects in SE Alberta from the early 1960's onwards. He was one of the founders of the Pronghorn 4-H beef club in the area. For many years, Dad also announced rodeos for the Chinook Rodeo Association.

Vern was, above all, a loving husband and father. He took immense pride in his wife's, his children's and grandchildren's accomplishments and supported them in all their efforts. He was a wonderful example of what leadership and volunteerism can achieve. We are grateful to him for his teachings and the legacy he has left behind.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects between 3:00pm and 4:00pm on Sunday, June 13, 2010 at MARTIN BROS. RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 - 4 Street South, Lethbridge.

A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00pm on Monday, June 14, 2010 at the FOREMOST COMMUNITY HALL, with Rev. Terry Shillington, officiating. Inurnment to follow in the Foremost Cemetery.

If desired our Dad would appreciate donations in his memory to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of Canada (Alberta/NWT Chapter) 3100- 246 Stewart Green S.W. Calgary, AB T3H 3C8 or the Bow Island-Foremost Victim Services Unit P.O. Box 955 Bow Island Alberta, T0K 0G0.