We Remember
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), Chelsie, Jonny, Nicole (Ryan), Ryker, and Brynn; great-grandchildren Jade, Levon, Clara, Theo, Titus, Wren, Jaxon, Rae, Luka, Van, Dale, Abby, Rylee, Elizabeth, Jack, Weston, Alessia, Aubrey, and Lynden; and two great-great-grandchildren, Joseph and Molly.
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”.
Arm was a great person and we always enjoyed visiting with him and Mary whenever it was possible. Our deepest condolences to all the family. Henri & Dianne Briere
Arnold is my first cousin. His mom and my mom were sisters from the Adrian side. We spent a lot of time on his folks yard south of Waldheim. Sending my sincere condolences to all and especially Terri, Calvin, Boris, and Jeff. As those are the ones that I knew. Arnold lived a good life and was an example of a good father.
Dearest Mary.
Our hearts are broken, but our faces fill with huge smiles when we remember our times together with you both. Arn was such a caring giving person. He was always interested in stories from our travels and our life in OZ. Our next visit to Kelowna will not be the same without him there.
Thinking of you and all the family at this time.
Love, Rita & Cliff
Our deepest sympathy to Mary and Arnold’s family. Arnold was a great neighbour and friend for over 20 years.
We always enjoyed his company and stories of time spent as a lineman in Saskatchewan, his dry cleaning business and the many cruises we took together with Arnold and Mary. I will always remember the trip we took together across the border to buy a car there and bring it back to Canada. We had fun. Arnold was always ready to help when needed and will be sorely missed.
Dear Mary and Warkentin Families, Thank you for the livestream to celebrate the well-lived life of “Arnold”. He was deeply loved and honored. I only knew him awhile but enjoyed his friendship and our special occasions together. I’m overjoyed with his relationship with his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Loved hearing these good ole gospel songs. May God comfort you with His presence and peace. Lovingly Maxine