Arnold, Captain Norman Russell - age 75 of Oyster Pond died at home on December 26th, 2021. Dad, a Master Mariner, was a Captain for the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard for 35 years. He was a member of the Ashlar Lodge No. 107 and former Worshipful Master.
He was born in Halifax to the late Norman and Velma (nee Mitchell) Arnold and was the oldest of 13 siblings. Dad met Mom, Janette (nee Thomson), at the local hole in the bar in East Jeddore where they settled and raised their family. Left to grieve are daughters, Kelly Corkery (Tony Corkery) and Jennifer Arnold (Glenn Skiffington). Affectionately known as “Cappy” by grandsons Russell, Micah, Seth, and Levi whom he adored and loved to torture. Additionally, he leaves behind a vast collection of Tilley hats and walking sticks. In Dad’s storied career, he circumnavigated the Arctic Circle, sailed around the world, fought in the Turbot Wars, and spent the best years of his life on research vessels in Northern Canada. Dad was involved in search and rescue efforts for the Swiss Air tragedy and was deeply impacted by the events. The Old Man gained a reputation as a fair man who didn’t put up with nonsense. Stormy Normy, a cancer survivor of both Amyloidosis and Multiple Myeloma, enjoyed terrorizing the nurses at the Home Dialysis Unit. He more than earned his nickname.
In addition to his beloved of almost 50 years, wife, Janette; Dad was predeceased by his brothers, Michael and Gabriel. Left to mourn is a large family including Marlene (John) Jennex, Samuel (Verna), Hiram (Phyllis), Daniel (Helen), James, Peter, Elvona, Jesse, Joel, and Gideon (Beverley) and sister-in-law, Holly as well as mother-in-law, Noreen Thomson; brother-in-law, Donald (Meridy) Thomson and many nephews, nieces, and great nephews and nieces.
His daughters wish to acknowledge with deep love and appreciation, his sister and brother-in-law, Marlene and John Jennex for their care and devotion to Dad. Their loyal service and companionship were his greatest comforts after Mom died. Without their support he would not have been able to stay at home. Dad wasn’t an easy man, but he greatly valued his good friends and neighbours, Tommy and Ann Carroll and Jim and Ellen Richardson. He recently said that there was never a harsh word spoken amongst them that wasn’t forgiven. We should all be so fortunate to have good people in our lives.
No visitation by request. A family graveside committal was held at Oyster Pond Baptist Cemetery, East Jeddore Road. Arrangements are under the direction of Arimathea Funeral Cooperative. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Old School Community Gathering Place, Souls Harbour Rescue Mission, or a charity of your choice.
The sun is over the yardarm, Captain. Rest easy.
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