May 19, 1929 - May 28, 2020
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Arnold (Art) Broster on May 28, 2020 at the age of 91, at Mountain Lakes Seniors Community in Nelson BC. Arnold was born in Elko BC at his grandmother's house on May 19, 1929. He was second oldest of 13 children.
After graduating from Fernie High School in 1947, he joined the Royal Canadian Navy in November 1948 and had a 25 year career taking him across Canada several times to Halifax Nova Scotia and serving in the Korean War. He married his High School classmate, Jean Broster (nee Tully) on July 30, 1954 in Vancouver BC and soon after they moved to Victoria, closer to Naden Naval Base.
After spending the later part of his navy career in Victoria, he retired in November 1973 as a Warrant Officer, with an unblemished service record. He began his second career as a Deputy Sheriff in Vancouver BC in 1974 and retiring again in 1990 as the Manager of the Sheriff's office in Nelson BC.
After his second retirement, Jean and Arnold spent several winters as "snowbirds" traveling to Sun City Arizona to enjoy sunny activities for a few months away from the Canadian winter. Here was where Arnold began to paint and he created paintings for members of the family of scenery, wildlife, ships, flowers and animals.
Arnold was known for his volunteerism in the community, having served as a 22 year member of the Nelson Kiwanis Club, as President, Area Lt. Governor and a committee member for planning and implementing the building of the Kiwanis Villas. He also served as President of the Eagles Lodge for 3 years. He headed the Nelson Leafs Hockey Security Team for 14 years and served as a volunteer in other capacities for over 25. He was awarded the Jim Kienholz trophy for most dedicated volunteer in March 2017. Other associations he volunteered for over the years were the Canadian Cancer Society, Royal Canadian Air Cadets, Security for the 1988 Winter Games, Red Lion's Girls Drum Corp, and the Vancouver Island Square Dance Association, and he was a 90 pint blood donor for the Canadian Red Cross.
Arnold enjoyed painting, wood working, sign making, traveling, calligraphy, square dancing and tinkering in his garage. He was also known for a corny joke, or a funny story. He was an excellent speech poetry writer and had no difficulty in being in front of a crowd, no matter how small or large.
Arnold is survived by his wife of 65 years Jean, daughters Linda Kurtz (Jim), Cathy Robinson (Jeff). Also five grandchildren, Sharleen Kurtz (Laura), Shannon McMichael (Jeff), Shelley Methorst (Mike), Tyler Peitzsche (Rebecca) and Erin Mason (Kevin) and eight great grandchildren, Brooklynn, Logan, Paige, Emma, Bella, Chloe, Iver and Charlotte. Brothers and sister Margaret (Tom) Paul, Salmo BC, Roy (Edna) Broster, Kimberley BC, Norman (Donna) Broster, Morrison Colorado, and George (Linda) Broster, Union Bay BC and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents Phillip and Florence Broster, sisters Catherine Broster, May Pascuzzi, Doreen Bossio, Dorothy Pachara, Inez Dyck, Audrey Broster, and Beverly Coulam, and brother Lloyd Broster.
"Wave goodbye to me from the jetty, and when the sun is over the yardarm, raise a tot to send me off on my next adventure"
Many thanks to Dr. Kirsten, Dr. Janz, the staff and health care workers at Mountain Lakes Seniors Community for their care and support in the last year and a half. There will not be a service or memorial at Arnold's request.
In lieu of flowers in memory donations may be made to the Chief's and Petty Officer's Association, C-1253 Esquimalt Rd, Victoria, BC V9A 3P4 and would be sincerely appreciated by the family. Sarah Stevens of Thompson Funeral Service has been entrusted with arrangements.
To leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit
https://www.thompsonfs.ca/obituary/gordon-broster/
Thompson Funeral Service Ltd.