OBITUARY
Arthur Lewis Pettit
December 29, 1917 – August 8, 2018
Arthur Lewis Pettit, age 100, of Cloverdale/Surrey, B.C., passed away on August 8, 2018, at Royal Columbian Hospital, New Westminster, B.C.
At Arthur’s request, no visitation or funeral will be held.
Arthur is predeceased by his parents, and 3 sisters Eva Pettit, Dora Pettit and Gwen (Pettit) Powell and his former wife Maria (mother to his 3 children).
He is survived by loving wife, of 32 years, Muriel (MacLeod, Shepard) Pettit, daughters Fury Darlington (Costa Rica), Sunita Vance (Calgary), son Glenn Pettit (Edmonton), stepdaughter Carol Shepard Conrad (Halifax), stepsons Wayne Shepard (Halifax) and Charles David Shepard (Halifax), grandchildren, step grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Arthur was born in Aston, County of Birmingham, England to Arthur Pettit and Lily (Hudson) Pettit, on December 29, 1917.
Arthur’s mother played piano for background music at the movie theatres in England. Sadly, she died at a young age. His father served as a Private 10th Worcester Regiment, in World War I, and suffered significant injuries.
Arthur first remembered living in an orphanage (where he first met his sister, Dora) and he and his sisters were later raised in various foster homes. From a young age he learned that being independent was necessary for him to survive in life. He walked dogs, learned to box and came to love music. He had strong opinions and developed a good sense of humour.
He served in World War II in the British and South African armies and was injured in a tank explosion. During his recovery, with the help of a nurse, he learned to read music and taught himself to play the piano.
Arthur married Maria, whom he met in Italy, and they had 3 children. He worked in mechanics and refrigeration fields. Art’s daughter, Fury, remembers her father to be a parent who taught strong morals e.g. loyalty, honesty and hard work. He taught his children not to fear the dark. He was devoted to the value of the arts, culture, animal welfare and education. He encouraged and expected his children to pursue their talents in classical ballet, piano, painting and mechanics.
Arthur was married to Muriel in 1986, whom he met while enjoying dancing to big bands in Toronto, and they enjoyed devoted love and companionship for 32 years, living the majority of their married life in B.C.
Arthur loved wrestling, tennis, dancing, playing Saxophone in various bands (most recently at Fleetwood Seniors Club), Lawrence Welk and riding his 3 wheeler bicycle. He was proficient in transposing music.
The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Fleetwood Senior’s Club, special neighbours Brent and Marlene Delcourt and Dr. Hernandez and staff of Emergency Department an on 6 North of Royal Columbian hospital, for the kindness and care shown to Arthur, during his recent hospital stay.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to SPCA or Greenpeace. Online condolences can be made in Arthur Pettit’s name at www.firstmemorialsurrey.com
One of Arthurs’s last favourite pieces to play was ‘Somewhere My Love’. May he rest in peace.
Somewhere my love there will be songs to sing
Although the snow covers the hope of spring
Somewhere a hill blossoms in green and gold
And there are dreams all that your heart can hold.
Show Your Support
Share Obituary
share to facebook
share by email
share link
Receive Notifications
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Arthur Lewis Pettit 2018..
Décès pour la Ville: surrey, Province: Colombie britanique
