A resident of Merlin, Ronald Arnold passed away at the Chatham-Kent Hospice with family at his side on Monday, December 30, 2024, at the age of 86. Born in Chatham, he was the son of the late Glen & Dorothy (nee Edwards) Arnold. Ron will be lovingly reunited with his late wife, Janet Arnold (nee Houston).
Loving father of Cary Jamieson (Dave), Kimberley Jones (the late Dave), Terry Haskell (Bill), Ronda Arnold (Fred Van Bemmel), Glenda “Nana” Arnold, and Julie Ogilvie (Lushane). Proud Papa to Melissa (Joe), Jason (Ashley), Jeffery (Candice), Adam (Elicia), Eric (Holly); Tabitha, Ciara; Tyler (Susanne), Quentin; Derek, Brodie (Danielle), Lisa, Jeff (Suzanne), Greg (Maddie), Darrien, Khara, Richard, Rlando, Ryker, Reyne, and River. Old Papa to Pagan, Aidan, Zoe, Noah, Abigail, Owen, Ensley, Josephine, Jack, Hannah, Sophie, Leeah, Alexis, Mia, Jackson, Aubree, Kade, and Gracelynn. Brother of Bob Arnold (Kathy) & Ruth Ann Tremblay (Louie). Brother-in-law of the late Elda (the late Howard) & the late Marilyn (the late Hilt). Also missed by nieces, nephews, friends, and extended family.
Ron retired as a Factory Worker with Eaton Yale after 36 years of service. He was a Fire Chief of Merlin and Chatham Township for over 41 years. Childhood friends, Ron & Janet married on August 22nd, 1959. He enjoyed puttering around the garden, decorating for Christmas, and was a personal bus driver for all of his grandchildren, ensuring they got to school safe. Ron & Janet loved to spend time together driving all over Canada and the United States, especially enjoying their trip to Alaska. Ron will be dearly missed by his family, friends, and community.
The family will receive friends at McKinlay Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham, on Sunday, January 5, 2025, from 6:00 – 9:00 pm. A Fireman’s Walkthrough will be held at 6:00 pm. A Celebration of Ron’s Life will be held at the funeral home on Monday, January 6, 2025, at 11:00 am. Interment to follow at Arnold Cemetery.
Donations made in memory of Ron to the Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation or the Merlin Fire Department would be appreciated. Online condolences may be left at McKinlay Funeral Home.
