Obituary of Arleigh Dale Nordstrum
Arleigh Dale Nordstrum P.Eng
“I am home sick for the prairies the place where I come from”
In our hearts on May 10 2022 our Dad Arleigh ( Arch) returned home to the prairies. Arleigh was born April 19 1932 in Saskatoon as the only child to Hilmer and Elfreida Nordstrum. As a child of a police officer and a nurse Arleigh had a wonderful upbringing with many adventures with his cousins Merla and Gary and childhood friends. After high school Arch travelled to Summerside PEI to train as a RCAF navigator . He was always extremely proud of this accomplishment. He continued on to the University of Saskatchewan and graduated in 1956 with a Bachelor of Science and Mechanical Engineering. His Engineering degree took him across Canada allowing him to work in the building industry and eventually landing on a long career with Dufferin Concrete.
Our father began his family with June Gisby in 1954. Their three children arrived in 1964 , Steve Nels (Andrea) …1965 Judith Ann (Rusty/Peter) and last but not least the loudest baby ever 1966 Lisa Marie ( Kirk).
Growing up our dad taught us “work in the morning so you can play in the afternoon”. There were camping trips, bicycle maintenance lessons, hiking on the Bruce Trail, endless trips to the tennis courts and countless swim meets and car pooling to 530 am lessons. No matter what the event or sport our dad volunteered his time, support and love. Our dad encouraged us in all of our endeavours and loved to offer his “free advice”. We could sure some now DAD.
In 1984 Arleigh began a new life with Lois Davis and her family, Michelle, Kevin and Maureen. They shared a life together that included beautiful summers in Muskoka . Together they were very active with the much loved Muskadasa Tennis club and had a great circle of cottage friends. Arch and Lois had 30 years together before Lois became a resident at Linhaven. However Arleigh went every day to spend afternoons chatting with her about the updates on family, making sure she was cared for and their visits always ended with a favorite song. He never said good bye…just “see you later sweetie”.
After retiring Arch was fortunate to spend more time at the cottage but continued to support the Oakville community by volunteering with several organizations including Habitat for Humanity, Meals on Wheels, Oakville Trafalgar hospital, Red Cross, Canadian Cancer society, Bruce Trail and Life line. He continued with his volunteer efforts when he and Lois moved to St. Catharines in 2016.
Grandpa and his infamous lunches at Wendy’s and Friday night spaghetti dinners will be very missed by his grandchildren, Hannah and Gregor, Dynika Alyssa Thomas Dana, Andii David jr. Brian , Riley Mikaela Jake, Mathew Jessica Gillian and Chris. Not to mention a long growing line up of great-grandchildren who he loved to whistle and squeeze their cubby legs.
As we reflect on my dads well lived life I cry from sadness and loss but then we laugh and remember the songs, the jokes and the lessons he taught us. Be strong, be healthy, be educated and kind. Be friendly, be thoughtful and useful and be a good person. Dementia stole the last year of our dad's life but we chose to remember the kind and wonderful man who is our dad.
Our family will be hosting a Day To Remember on Sunday May 22 at 1:00 at 59 Yates St , St Catharines. This will be a casual afternoon of dads favorite music, food and stories. Everyone is welcome to come and share a memory and to create new one.
As only my dad can sing it….
You are my sunshine, my only sunshine
you make me happy when skys are gray
you’ll never know dear
how much I love you
please don’t take my sunshine away
Arrangements entrusted to George Darte Funeral Home, 585 Carlton St., St. Catharines. If desired, donations to Linhaven would be appreciated by Arleigh's family.
