Arnold Charles Austen
August 14, 1930 – March 3, 2019

Arnold Austen: beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed on peacefully in the early hours of March 3, 2019 after a day surrounded by family.

Arnold was known as a respectful man with a loud, boisterous laugh and an incredible work ethic. He was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, only son to Amanda (née Sparks) and Charles Austen. His love for business was evident from an early age, working a paper route in elementary school.

The proud recipient of the Governor General’s Gold Medal on his final examinations to become a Chartered Accountant, he traveled across Canada in his early years, eventually settling in Kitchener-Waterloo. Arnold went on to become Chief Financial Officer, Executive VP of Finance at Greb Industries, a manufacturing company of Bauer ice skates, Kodiak boots, and Hush Puppies shoes. Later, he purchased Frid & Russell, a small stationery business in Oakville. He successfully grew the business into what it is today – still under the Austen name.

Ever the math wiz, he always did his taxes and all calculations by hand. This methodical and precise nature echoed in all aspects of his life from his speech to his business decisions; all except his desk, which was notoriously buried under a mountain of papers.

No matter the occasion, Arnold dressed his best, and could always be found in a collared shirt, cardigan, pressed pants, dress socks, and Hush Puppies.

There was little that made him happier than spending the morning reading the Globe and Mail. Arnold always had time for an engaging conversation, especially about business or hockey, and had a way of making people feel important and heard by devoting his full attention to them and giving carefully considered replies.

A man who made all sweets run for cover, Arnold was behind many a missing pie on the counter and cookies from the jar. He knew the most important part of any meal was dessert!

His favourite place in the world was Muskoka, he loved to spend time with his family, water skiing and boating around the beautiful lakes, or golfing with his wife and friends.

Arnold and his family would like to thank all the medical professionals and support workers who were involved in his care, especially Celine Illescas and the home nursing team, who worked so hard to keep him at home despite his illness. Arnold was a fighter who had a great joy for life and never gave up. He will be dearly missed.

Loved and cherished by many, Arnold now watches over his wife of 58 years, Signy Lynn (née Petursson), his four children, Allyson (Joe), Eric (Marie), Lisa-Marie, and Kirk (Sandy), his grandchildren, Isha (Jordan), Amanda (Justin), Christina, Chehalis, Eleni, Alexander, and Athena, and a single blessed great-granddaughter, Skylar, 4 months old.

Funeral services will be held at Bay Gardens Funeral Home in Burlington at 1:30 pm Sunday, March 10, 2019. Visitation from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm and reception will follow directly after the funeral at 2:00 pm. In lieu of sending flowers, Arnold wished for donations to be made to Operation Smile or the Salvation Army.

Your infectious and distinctive laugh will echo in generations to come; we love you Arnold, and pray you rest in peace.
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Bay Gardens Funeral Home
1010 Botanical Drive
Burlington, ON
L7T 1V1