Paul Edward Arnold, DDS

May 28, 1945 - July 7, 2023
In loving memory ~
Our beloved Paul was born in Ottawa to John Edward Arnold and Muriel Sophia Paul. The family moved to Edmonton and then to Calgary. Paul graduated from the University of Alberta and practised dentistry in Chilliwack and, finally, in Victoria.
Paul is survived by his wife, Donna Curtis, and his daughter, Shannon Arnold; predeceased by his daughter, Sheena, and by Shannon's husband, Levend. He leaves stepdaughters Miriam (Greg), Laurel, Kelly, Tracy (Scott) and eight step-grandchildren. Also survived by his sister, Barbara (Adrian) from 108 Mile Ranch, B.C., and their daughters, Laura and Jennifer (Bill). Also survived by his brother, Stephen (Carynne) in Kingston ON, by their daughter, Caroline (Geoff) and children, William, Alexander, Elizabeth and Samuel; and by their son, Paul Edward John (Beverly) and children, Micaela and Madelyn. Paul is also survived by the mother of his children, Donna Porter.
A proud military family—Paul's father was an officer in the RCAF during WW2 and his brother, a graduate of Royal Roads Military College, was an officer in the Navy—so it was no surprise when Paul joined the Army through the Regular Officer Training Plan (ROTP) and became an officer in the Dental Corps, serving in Ottawa and Chilliwack. He went into private dental practice in Chilliwack, creating a loyal team and an innovative practice for 35 years. Paul was active in his community: in Chilliwack, he organized and ran the School District's "Just Say No" education program, and he was an active member of the Kinsmen. In Victoria, Paul volunteered in an effective citizen counselling program.
Paul loved life! And he could fix anything! Whether it was puttering in his barn on Gabriola, hosting Team Edgemen retreats, or planning a trip for his family, he was never one to sit still. He took his family on cycling trips around PEI, in Europe, and through the Gulf Islands, and with the family of close friends he cycled from Jasper to Banff. He even cycled to California with four amigos and organized two camping, fishing and kayaking trips in the Broken Islands with friends and family.
In 2008 Paul hiked the Old Inca Trail to Machu Pichu, Peru where he met his future wife Donna Curtis. Married in 2012, they shared a deep unconditional love and respect for each other, which helped them weather the cruelty and indignity of Alzheimer's that ultimately took him. Paul was a kind and gentle man and will be remembered for his deep friendships, adventuresome spirit, and amazing sense of humour.
A celebration of Paul's life will be held on September 23rd, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, B.C.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be mailed to Citizens Counselling Centre, 941 Kings Road, Victoria, BC V8T 1W7 or at www.citizenscounselling.com
Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mccallgardens.com
 McCall Gardens