Obituary of Arnold Raymond Firby

Obituary FIRBY - Arnold Raymond. Our family is sad to announce the peaceful passing of their cherished best friend and father on July 9, 2018 in his 79th year of his rich and abundant life. He was born on the 7th of December 1939 in St Thomas, Ontario. He worked for Timken Roller Bearing Company for over 34 years, retiring in 1992. His love of gardening and flowers, birds and animals were well known by many. Arnold had many interests over his years, he was a collector of you name it and probably had two. He was a member of Scouts Canada for over 30 years, an antique car buff and a sports hunter. After his retirement he became interested in genealogy. He was the family patriarch for his family genealogy, leaving many books for future generations to enjoy. He will be sadly missed by his Coffee Shop friends and his daily “show and tell” pictures and stories of the past. Arnold lived a fulfilling and happy life with grace and beauty, and he left us with courage and bravery with his family by his side. He was the son of the late Arnold D. Firby (predeceased 1958) and Margaret D. (nee. Parkins) (predeceased 1996). We celebrate his quiet strength and his love continues to inspire us. He will be deeply missed by his love and adoring best friend Shirley Lamb, travelling companion for 26 years, his loving daughters Teresa Firby-Olivier (Mark), Michele Levesque (Troy), and extended family Kellie Geldhof (Jack) and Shawn Lamb (Nicole). He will be sadly missed by a sister Darlene Balsdon (“Butch”) (predeceased 2012). Fondly and forever remembered by his 3 grandchildren, Cody (Emilie), Connor (Kate), Erik (Erica). Extended grandchildren Amanda (Justin), Ashley (Justin), Jeff, and Andrew. Extended great grandchildren Mason, Benny and Maddy. Also survived by a niece Angie and nephew Jack. The family wishes to thank the staff at London’s University Hospital ICU Department for their never-ending compassion and commitment to our Dad and special friend’s care. A Funeral Service will be held at Knox Presbyterian Church, 55 Hincks St, St. Thomas on Thursday, July 12, 2018 at 3:00 p.m. A private family burial will be held at Fingal Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to the Shawn Jackson Funeral Home, 31 Elgin Street, St Thomas, ON 519-631-0570. In lieu of flowers, Arn wished donations would be made to Heart and Stroke Foundation. Personal condolences to the family can be made at www.sjfh.ca To send flowers to Arnold's family, please visit our floral section.