Arnold 'Arnie' Friske

ARNOLD WILLIAM FRISKE

It is with sad hearts that the family of Arnie Friske announce his passing at the Geraldton District Hospital Hospice Unit on May 28, 2023 at the age of 82, after a lengthy battle with cancer.

Arnie was born in Sutherland, Saskatchewan on May 23, 1941 and came to Geraldton in 1952. He attended Geraldton Public School and the Geraldton High School and after graduating, went on to Lakehead University for Business, North Bay Teachers’ College and Laurentian University for his B.A.

During the summers, he ran a trolley underground in the mine and worked for American Can as a clerk. After Business College, he worked for finance companies in Southern Ontario.

From 1969 – 1971 he taught at the Beardmore Public School before transferring to B.A. Parker Public School in Geraldton for the remainder of his career. He met Dorothy while at Teachers’ College and they were married July 4, 1970. Sheldon was born in 1974. Arnie retired from teaching in 1998 and loved his retirement.

During his career, Arnie coached Minor hockey, school sports, ran travel groups, played baseball, played men’s hockey until age 62, golfed right up until last year, and went fishing for pickerel.

Arnie and Dorothy enjoyed travelling throughout Canada and the United States, to the Caribbean, South and Central America and Europe and especially enjoyed cruises.

On May 18, 2013, the love of his life was born. Paige Mackenzie Friske was always on his mind, and he saved all is coin and $5 bills for her, and in his words, “She kept me broke”!

Left to mourn Arnie’s passing are his wife, Dorothy, son Sheldon and daughter-in-law Wendy, granddaughter Paige, brother Ken Friske (wife Sandy), niece Kharli (Ike),  brother-in-law Steve Kosowick, niece Dana (Jason), nephew Brian (Nicole).

The family is grateful for the compassionate care shown to Arnie during his final weeks.

A Celebration of Life for Arnie Friske will be held on Friday, June 2, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at the Kenogamisis Golf Club, Geraldton with a lunch to follow. Those who would like to be included in a golf tournament following the celebration, please contact the course at 807 854 1029.