1931
2013
June Evelyn (Kirk) Arnison
On January 27, 2013, June Arnison passed away peacefully in her sleep, aged 81.
She is loved and survived by devoted husband Ron and children Debra (Glen Sutton), Susan (Greg Olsen), Mark (Tami Cooper), and Jan (John Levenick). Missing her deeply are grandchildren Jessica and Amy Morrison, David Sutton and Graeme and Kira Arnison. She leaves a brother David (Sheila) Kirk of Coquitlam, and was predeceased by her parents George and Evelyn (Hardaker) Kirk and brother Ken (Patricia) Kirk.
June was born June 22, 1931 in Vancouver, B.C., and spent her early years in Vancouver. Always involved in school activities, she was the editor of her high school yearbook and at the University of British Columbia was President of her class, a member of the Students' Union and the Alpha Delta Phi sorority. She also enjoyed singing and ballroom dancing.
During university June became a commissioned officer in the RCAF and was a member of the Intelligence Unit in Ottawa. Her membership in the RCAF was a way for June to finance her education and provided her with the opportunity to work and travel away from Vancouver. June always had a streak of independence, much to the chagrin of her mother!
After graduation June taught junior high home economics and subsequently became a district home economist based in Wainwright, Alberta. Although she was engaged to Ron by then, she needed to hide this fact from her employer in order to keep her job.
June returned to Vancouver to be married (October 31, 1955) and then travelled and lived with Ron in northern B.C. while Ron managed road construction projects. In 1958 they moved to Banff with their two young daughters and from there to Jasper in 1961 as a family of 5. Their fourth child was born in Jasper. The family moved to Saskatoon in 1967, to Ottawa in 1971 and finally to Edmonton in 1972.
Throughout these years, June was an active member of the Order of the Eastern Star.
With a family of four children born within the space of six years, home, family and children were the focus of June's life during that time. She was always supportive of their activities, and involved with their education. They each remember the multiplication flash cards and her pencil edit marks on their hand written essays. Even as adults they have all sent her emails from work, asking for her advice on grammar and sentence structure. They also all recognize the challenge this domestic life was for June, who sometimes felt limited by the expectations placed on women of her generation.
After her children were mostly grown, June returned to university to earn her Masters degree in Library Science, and graduated in 1983. She subsequently worked for the Alberta Agriculture Planning Secretariat and did contract writing and editing work for Northern Forestry.
Once retired, June was able to indulge her passion for history and research, especially with respect to genealogy and her Irish roots, including a fun research trip to Ireland with Ron in the late 90's. She made a significant contribution to a family history publication for Kirkton, Ontario and she volunteered weekly at the Provincial Archives for a number of years organizing and cataloguing records prior to public use.
A related passion of June's was the collection of antique patterned glass, particularly early 1900's toothpick holders. With her knack for leadership, June was elected president of the National Toothpick Holder Collectors' Society, and through this association she and Ron travelled to over 20 U.S. states for conventions and meetings, often combining these trips with genealogical research.
June was also a dedicated grandmother and will be very much missed by her five grandchildren in Edmonton and Calgary.
Most of all, June was a soul mate, best friend and lifelong companion to her husband Ron. His devotion to her, and hers to him, is an inspiration to us all. In these last few years he has cared for her with an unending dedication, cementing a connection that we believe can never be broken.
The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff of Unit 5E4 of the University of Alberta Hospital for their kind attention and caring for June during her final days.
Please join us in celebrating June's life on Friday, February 1, 2013 at 2 p.m. at Hainstocks Funeral Home, 9810 – 34 Ave., Edmonton.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to the charity of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
13 Entries
February 11, 2013
Catherine Low
Dear Ron and family;
I remember June well from AGS days as we shared thoughts about our [Ron's] Cumbrian roots. June alawys had a glow and ready smile captured so well in this lovely photo. She was a lovely, kind person. My thoughts are with you all as you move through these difficult days.
Sincerely,
February 4, 2013
Susan, Greg & family,
My condolences on the loss of your mother. May you find comfort in the special memories of your Mom. My thoughts are with you.
Beverly Morrice
February 3, 2013
Elda & Fred Waters
Mark,Tami & family.
With sympathy for the loss of your mother, mother-in-law and grandma.
A mother's love is a special gift that will live forever in the hearts of her children. Please know warm thoughts of support and caring are also with you.
February 1, 2013
A person never really dies as long as they are in someone's thoughts. That " spark" that makes a body tick, goes on for ever. Love and blessings to all as you cherish your memories of June. Jim Cooper, Fort Saskatchewan, AB
February 1, 2013
Shelley Hay
Susan and family, my deepest sympathy on the loss of your Mom. She will always be close to you in your heart.
February 1, 2013
Elizabeth Jones
Deb, Glen & Family,
Please accept my condolences on your loss. I know it is a very difficult time for all of you.
February 1, 2013
Virginia Durksen
June was a valued member of the editors' association in Edmonton. I always enjoyed her warm and encouraging approach to her professional relationships. We will miss her.
January 31, 2013
Dale Thornton
I remember June mostly from our annual croquet tournaments at Glen & Deb's place. She always had a smile and a great laugh when observing everybody's craziness at the gathering of the clans! She was a devoted Wife, Mother/ Mother-in-Law and Grandmother who will be sadly missed. Fortunately, those who are left behind will each have their own fond memories to reflect back on to keep her memory going and to comfort them from this great loss. Our thoughts are with you all. Love, Dale, James and Deirdre Thornton
January 31, 2013
Norma Brekke
Dear Debra, Glen and families.
So sorry to read about your loss, it is so hard to say good bye to your Mother, but we must think of all the wonderful times you must had together, and let the fond memories give you all strength during the days to come. God Bless
January 30, 2013
Ron, Debra, Susan, Mark and Janice
Thinking of you all at this difficult time, our thoughts are with you in the loss of your wife and mother. We have many fond memories of your family when you lived in Jasper.
Sandy (Naffin) and Barbara Key
January 30, 2013
Whenever I met Mrs. Arnison, she always had a warm smile and humour in her eyes. She was a kind and gentle soul and will be missed.
With condolences,
Gail Olmstead
January 30, 2013
Joanne Levenick
Jan & family,
The loss of a mother is like no other. Time may dull the pain but for now, on this sad day, find comfort in knowing your mother lives on eternally through the love in your heart, fond memories of days gone by and via her most important legacy - her children.
With heart felt condolences...
January 30, 2013
Diana and Steve Nuttall and Schroeter
She was always smiling and cheerful when she brought Kira to lessons. I hope those wonderful memories will be with you at this time to comfort you. Condolences from both of us.
Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results
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