KOSKELA: Arno Alvar
Posted By On November 20, 2024 @ 12:00 AM In Goderich, Obituary | 12 Comments
It is with great sorrow that we say goodbye to Arno who left this world on the morning of November 20th at the Huron Hospice Bender House, Clinton. Beloved husband of Mary (née Anderson) for 70 years. Loved father of Allan(Lin),Laurie (deceased),Tracie(John), Tannis(Shawn), and September. Grandfather of Jen (Matthew), Rob(Amy), Aly(Matthew), Mollie(Ryan), Kiah(Peter), Dan(Mariko), Natasha, Hannah(Craig), Clara(Junaid), and Isaac. Great grandfather of Will, Lumi, Jason and Ossian.
Arno was a graduate of the Ontario College of Education and taught for the Toronto Board of Education for 20 years.
Arno lived his life with unequalled passion. With Mary and his kids he enjoyed travelling the world, canoeing, skiing, hiking the Bruce Trail and camping under the stars. He volunteered his teaching skills in Tanzania and Nigeria and, with Mary, crossed the Sahara desert.
Arno loved reading about history, the American Civil War and Mark Twain. He loved his annual hunting trips with Allan and Mary’s brothers Bill and John and skating back at the pond on the Anderson farm. He also loved to drive. His passion for driving extended from early MG sports cars to months long family odysseys and 20 years of 2 hour commutes to Toronto, to Land Rovers across the Sahara.
Arno’s life lessons will never be forgotten and his spirit will live on in nature-in the wind, in the trees and stars at night. See you soon. Like the moon. Love you forever.
The family wish to thank everyone at the wonderful Huron Hospice Bender House (Clinton) for your compassionate care and kindness to us all in Arno’s final days. It was Arno’s wish to be cremated and for a private farewell. Survived by sister Anna and brothers Avu, Leonard and Raymond and sister-in-law Beth (Steve).
In lieu of flowers donations to the Huron Hospice Bender House would be appreciated by the family.
Shared by Katrine Jou Nielsen
Condolences for the family of “KOSKELA: Arno Alvar”
Funny , friendly, gracious and loyal. Arno was a rock (star) to his family . Is there hockey in heaven ?
Dear Aunt Mary & Family,
Thinking of all of you with sincere sympathy.
Rest in Peace, Uncle Arno.
Love Mark & Judy
I knew Arno (and his family) from when we were all CUSO volunteers in Tanzania in the early 80’s. I really into his cynical – yet- gentle sense of humour and his pragmatic and wise outlook on life. I had many interesting talks with him and was always eager for more talks with a truly down to earth person. I sure learned a lot from him…which I guess..is part of his enduring legacy on me and others who were fortunate to meet him.
Rest in peace dear friend Arno and may the Almighty bless you abundantly and yours. A Dieu
Thanks for bring here and for what you left us.
Our condolences
Katrine, Peter and Carl Johan
Remember Arnold and Mary from years ago on Blue Lake rd. Paris as a valued fuel costumer. Condolences to the Koskela and Anderson family’s . Rest in peace.
Bruce Cochrane
I would like to offer my condolences to the Koskela Family. When I worked at Cashway, Mr. Twiga as I called him always made sure to come back to my office to see me and kid me about something. He was a great guy, hold your memories close.
We didn’t know Arno but have certainly heard of the many travel experiences and other adventures he shared with his family.
Our condolences to the Koskela family and in particular to Tracie ( Peter), Kiah, Lumi and Ossie for the loss of their loving father, grandfather and great grandfather.
May the many wonderful memories you have help you through this difficult time.
Angie and Owen
In my childhood I have fond memories of Arno’s son Allen (and his sisters) at their home on Blue Lake Road and at school we all attended at Glen Morris Central. I remember Mr. Koskela (Arno) being such a super guy and wonderful farther to Al and his sisters.
My sincerest condolences to the Koskela family.
Love Doug
I visited Arno and Mary a number times in the last ten years and was always welcomed (and fed!).
They both showed interest in their children’s friends it seems, as I was always kept well entertained and had a good few laughs. He was very proud of his children and enjoyed talking a little, about their travels and accomplishments.
He certainly lived life on his terms and did so many interesting things – travelled with the family and lived an unconventional life outside of the normal employer-employee world, leaving newly renovated homes all over Ontario! He was certainly one of a kind and knew when he had met a keeper – Mary has supported him and their kids through all the years.
He leaves them all a little “at sea”, his absence now a large gap in their lives. I wish them all the best in coming to terms with his leaving and know they are all very resilient and will do well.
Dear Mary, Allan, Tracie, Tannis, and September,
We are saddened to hear of Arno’s passing after a life full of adventures.
I have such fond memories of Arno, going back to the late 1960s. Arno and Mary were great friends of my parents for almost 50 years. Arno was always willing to help my dad with endless projects at home and at the cottage on the Severn River.
In 1968, our families travelled together to Niagara Falls (and over to the USA), a first for me. Also, I’ll always remember fun times at the Koskela home near Glen Morris: watching 35mm movies like “Born Free,” tearing around through the snow on skidoos, skating at the Anderson farm, & enjoying summer campfires, among many other activities.
Arno had such a sardonic wit, along with the gift of being able to talk with anyone and make them feel comfortable and valued.
A real family man, Arno was so very proud of his kids and grandkids.
We are honoured to have known such a true gentleman. Arno always was a class act.
With our deepest sympathies,
Jean & Craig Campbell; Joel, Claressa, Jordanna, & Caleb; Rose, Mila, & Ness.
Sending my condolences to Mary, Allan, Tracie, Tanis and September. I remember many fun times with your family at your home on Blue Lake Road.
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I would like to extend my condolences to the Koskela family in particular Aunt Mary and my wonderful cousins. I have many memories of Arno and still think fondly of the days I spent working with him doing carpentry and construction. I learned a lot from Arno and somehow the jobs we did were never just straightforward. I enjoyed his ascerbic wit and often felt the sting of his tart tongue. But it was always in good natured fun and balanced by his self deprecation and ability to laugh at himself. His wide interests and experiences always made him a great person to work with and a fun and challenging conversationalist. I know my Mom and Dad (now deceased) loved him and enjoyed his company and would have joined me in regretting his passing and giving thanks for having known him. So long Uncle Arno.
Craig Bleth