Born July 17, 1939 at a farm near Kipling, SK, Arnie was the youngest of John & Ottilie’s nine children. He loved the freedom of the farm and spoke fondly of his constant canine companion, “Brownie”. At age nine he and his parents moved to the McKernan district of Edmonton. City life was a big adjustment but he soon became known for his escapades that included card playing, raising & “selling” homing pigeons, and trapping & hunting with his buddies. While still a teenager he managed the community ice rink and coached the bantam hockey team to the city championship. Dad often reminisced about those days, saying they were the best days of his life. Arnie went on to work construction for several years before moving into sales. He was a successful life insurance salesman with Prudential for thirty years.
Arnie married Darlene Enfield in 1962 and they had three daughters together, Cindy Wakefield (Bill), Sharon Stares (Colin), and Gloria Noren (Carl). In 1980 Arnie married Cheryl Noren. Many nights were spent with her brothers singing around the bonfire or enjoying one of Arnie’s infamous BBQ’s. Arnie was predeceased by his wife Cheryl in 1988, and siblings Bill, Art, Leonard, Elmer, Elna, Alma, Martha, and August.
Arnie loved to bet the horses and co-owned many race horses over the years. This passion also led to the shared purchase of a horse farm near Nisku called “Friendship Farms”. Throughout his life, the “track” or “off-track” betting parlours were where he could be found (unless he was on the couch watching hockey of course). Arnie loved to tell stories about his colourful past, as those that knew him will appreciate.
Arnie spent the last decade living in Beaumont, AB. He passed away Dec 8th at age 81. The family will plan a gathering in the New Year when a toast can be properly raised.
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Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Arnold Wilfred John Gerhardt July 07 1939 December 08 2020..
Park Place Funeral Home Chapel & Crematorium Ltd
Décès pour la Ville: Sherwood Park, Province: Alberta