KORNELSEN, Arnold

April 30, 1946 — September 25, 2023

Arnold left us ever so quietly to be with his Beloved Lord on Monday, September 25, 2023.  Arnold was the best friend and cherished husband to Elaine for 52 years.  They were married on August 21, 1971.  He was a loving and patient dad to Nathan (Jill), Jeremy, and Jodi.  He was adored by his grandchildren Randi (Duncan), Austin, Jocelyn (Jared), Brock and Natalie.  Great-grandpa to Alexandra, Marcus, and Grayson.  Arnold will also be lovingly remembered by his brother and 5 sisters, in-laws, numerous nieces, and nephews.  He was predeceased by his parents, 3 brothers, 2 sisters, 5 brothers-in-law, 3 sisters-in-law, and 2 nephews.

Arnold was born in Winnipeg, MB, the youngest son, and the 11th of 12 children.  In 1948, his family moved to Mexico, and farming was his life.  He treasured his life and memories of Mexico. He loved his music and telling the story of his harmonica hidden in the hayloft; the story was told with a sly smile.  At the age of 19, he and his parents moved back to Canada, settling in Blumenort, MB. He started working road construction, he had an attraction to large equipment. He also began upgrading and learning English.  At age 21, God prompted him to ministry.  He continued his studies in preparation for that.  He achieved his Journeyman Diesel Mechanics in 1974 and then went on to Bible College at Briercrest receiving his BRE in Pastoral Ministries in 1978.  That was the path to serving with Village Missions.  In 1995, he graduated with his master’s degree in Christian Ministries – Biblical Counselling.  After 29 years of church ministry, he followed his childhood dream –  and went trucking.  For 10 years he embraced his love for the open road, driving for Canusa was an extra blessing!  In 2014 due to a double injury, trucking came to an end and WCB retired him, but the stories of trucking and ministry never got retired.  His laugh will be missed!

Spending time with family and friends were always cherished moments and memories.  Arnold was a true friend in every sense of the word.  Arnold had an incredibly complex health journey the past 6 years, but he was an encouragement to those around him.  During the past months, as he was in and out of hospital and hospice, he left the mark of a true gentle giant. Arnold loved and was loved. He will be deeply missed by all those whose lives he touched.

A Funeral Service will take place on SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2023, Viewing at 11:00 AM, Service at 12:00 PM (PDT), at MISSION CREEK ALLIANCE CHURCH, 2091 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC. If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online by Livestream at the time of the service (see below), a recording will be available to view after the service.

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