WARKENTIN, Arnold Harold

July 7, 1934 — July 17, 2025

Arnold Warkentin was born July 7, 1934 in the town of Canwood, Saskatchewan. He was the firstborn son of Johan and Helen (Adrian). He had a younger sister, Elaine, who predeceased him in 1982. Arn’s parents bought a ¼ section of land near Waldheim, SK. It was on the farm that Arnold developed self-discipline and a strong work ethic, which stayed with him his entire life. During his teenage years, Arnold met and courted Ilo Klassen, and it’s also when they both surrendered their hearts to Jesus. They were married on October 9, 1955 in Laird, SK. They moved to Saskatoon, where Arnold successfully completed his apprenticeship & became a journeyman lineman for the City of Saskatoon. He went up and down power poles the old-fashioned way with a climbing belt and spurs.

It wasn’t long before Arnold and Ilo could purchase a brand-new home at 822 Avenue U North in Saskatoon for them and their two sons, Terry and Calvin. While purchasing the home from the home builder, they negotiated a better price by painting the interior themselves. When Boris and Jeffton joined the family a few years later, they realized they needed a larger home. Their centennial project in 1967 was moving to 88 Morris Drive, where Ilo had a large garden and Arnold built an ice rink for the boys.

Even though Arnold worked for the City of Saskatoon for 15 years, he considered himself an entrepreneur and started exploring his options. In 1970, the family packed up and moved to Vancouver, where they bought Check Mate Cleaners. Arnold and Ilo worked diligently over the years & owned 5 different dry cleaning locations. Arnold considered it a great success to be able to work alongside his wife & sons.

During their years in Vancouver, Arnold and Ilo were active members at Willingdon Church, volunteered with the Gleaners and developed many long-lasting friendships. They loved hockey and had Vancouver Canuck season tickets for many years. They also loved to travel and enjoyed trips to Europe, Hawaii, Australia as well as several cruises.

Sadly, in 2004, Ilo passed away. In the subsequent months, Arn started chatting with his sister-in-law Mary (née Klassen) who was also widowed. Their relationship blossomed and in 2005 they were married. Arnold and Mary were blessed to have found love a second time. Instantly Arnold gained 3 more sons, Lorne (Debbie), Don (Elaine), Rod (Robin) and several more grandchildren.

Arnold and Mary decided to move to Kelowna in the ‘always sunny’ neighbourhood of Gallaghers Canyon. During the 20 years living there, they have made many wonderful friends. You could always find Arn tinkering in the garage or helping Mary with something, as he was devoted to and treasured her. Arn loved to talk on the phone with family and friends and was genuinely interested in others lives.

Arnold lived in several cities and many houses, but these were all temporary. He has now moved into his permanent home in Heaven, with Jesus, his Lord and Saviour.

Arnold Harold Warkentin is survived by his wife Mary; sons Terry (Beth), Cal (Joyce), Boris (Corinne), Jeff (Tricia) Lorne (Debbie), Don (Elaine), and Rod (Robin); grandchildren Mark (Laurel), Clinton (Elena), Dan (Morgan), Carson (Mika), Cody (Rachelle), Kathryn (Shane), Shelby (Markus), Austin, Rianna, Nicole, Luke (Nicole), Grace (Conrad), Matthew (Krista), Michael (Chalsey), Scott (Robyn), Nicole (Ryan), Ryker, and Brynn; great-grandchildren Jade, Levon, Clara, Theo, Titus, Wren, Jaxon, Rae, Luka, Van, Dale, Abby, Rylee, Elizabeth, Jack, Weston, Alessia, Chelsie, Jonny, Aubrey, and Lynden; and one great-great-grandson, Joseph

Predeceased by his wife Ilo, granddaughter Whitney and daughter-in-law Rowena.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Fraser Valley Gleaners.

A Memorial Service will be held on SATURDAY, AUGUST 9, 2025, at 4:00 PM, located at SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC. If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online by Livestream at the time of the service (see below), a recording will be made available to view in 3–5 days.

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area call “Condolences”.

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