Condolences on the passing of John.  He was the AV guy when I was at Churchill, and I ended up working with him in the same profession 10 years later in 1990, before I became a teacher.  I was not made aware of his passing till last week.  He was a great guy.  Rip.

Sorry it took me a long time to write about John Arnold. Just now I heard about John passing away. I am an Israeli living in Israel. I knew John from high school Westview Cenntenial
John was my best friend he helped me with my English. He was my boyfriend. We had a great time together and with our friends from the Ad Commity. We loved music he introduced me to David Bowi and others
John was kind and funny. After graduation from school I left Canada and John and returned to Israel. It was heartbreaking for me


I was good friends with John at Westview Centennial Secondary. We were part of the 'Advertising Committee',  a close knit group assembled to promote bands and other events happening at our school. 

 I recall his enthusiasm for music; we went to so many concerts together at Massey  Hall and Maple Leaf Gardens. 
He went to the UK one summer and returned a huge fan of 'glam rock'. He was sooo excited by David Bowie, T Rex and others. 

We would take turns having parties when our parents were away. John had one great party where I found myself kissing my very first girlfriend. 

John had a great arm for throwing a football. In the fall of Grade 13, we played touch football almost every day after school til the snow fell.  I was useless, being a Brit but John had great skill. I am not surprised he coached later in life and I'm sure he was loved by his players. 

John was a warm friend, optimistic and had a great spirit of kindness. I send along, belatedly, my condolences. 

Keith Nickson, Westview Class of 73.

Was going down memory lane on the Churchill FB page when I came across dozens of pictures of John. Clicked on one only to find posts left by people mourning his passing. I can't believe John is gone. He was a bright light at WWCI, and as many have said, his office was always open and he was always full of fun. We spent many hours laughing at The Goodies and Monty Python sketches. One of the good ones is gone. Belated condolences to his family. I only wish I knew about this at the time, I would have defiantly come to the funeral.

A wonderful , gentle man and a proficient work mate. Gone too soon. RIP.

I'm so sorry to hear of John's passing.  My heart is full of sorrow for you and your kids.  Although I'm no longer in the department, John was always very friendly with everyone.  He was well respected and known for his kindness.
May your memories bring you some comfort....

Katina Papulkas

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Rest peacefully John

Certainly one of the most important and influential people in my life.  I had just started reading The Road, a book you recommended to me only days before hearing about you passing away. In school I remember you getting fed up with me talking about all the things I wanted to do and telling me like the advert to just do it! Something I found myself once telling another friend and commenting on how it was you who first said it to me.  Return visits back home just aren't going to be the same anymore.

Anita, deepest sympathies to you and your children on the loss of John. Thoughts and prayers to you and your family and the strength to get through this very difficult time. God bless. xx

Anita and family my deepest sympathies for your loss. May loving memories guide you during this time of sadness now and in the days to come

Sincere condolences to John's family, especially Anita, Kieran and Aislinn. John was a friend and mentor to so many young people at Churchill and his legendary AV office was always a safe haven for us. So many fond memories of him from these times, I am sad that he is gone but happy to have known him.

Hi Lawrence,
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your brother.  I know he meant so much more to you. It was with mixed emotions that I watched the slide show; good to see you guys again, sad to acknowledge John has passed. I would have been at the service, had I known sooner.
Sending you light and love, 
Mary T. Canavan

John you always had a kind word and caring heart.  It was great to see picture of your couch in your office, sharing your wisdom.  I am grateful that I knew you.  You changed many people's lives.  The couch and the table we used to scribble on are iconic.  Well done John  THANKYOU for being you and letting all off us be ourselves when we were learning to grow.  There will be no one else like you. A great mentor and friend  If I ever had to I knew you would do what you could to help me out

I always knew that if I was "down" at school I could rely on John for a kind word and caring heart.  I have told my partner about his couch and table.  The table we all used to write and scribble on.   It was awesome to see a picture of him sitting on the couch , sharing his wisdom.  To me John was like our secret councilor.  I am sad too know he is gone but grateful I got to know him.  John you changed many lives, all for the better!!

I'm saddened to hear of the passing of Mr.Arnold. His contribution to the life of WCCI is something that I will always respect and appreciate. Rest peacefully John.

I was John Arnold's next door neighbour on Laura Rd. in Downsview, Ontario.  We grew up there in the 60's and the 70's.  It was a long time ago.  Judy and Lawrence, I'm sorry for the loss of your brother John.  I have many memories of those simpler times. He was too young to pass away.

My sympathy goes out to the family, John was a great help to me throughout my time at Churchill; you will be greatly missed.

Dear Anita and family. I will always remember John when  he was at  Churchill. He took the most unique photos and stepped up to be the rookie coach of the volleyball team.   My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Anita,
My,deepest sympathy to you and your family
Barb Kent

WITH DEEPEST SYMPATHY    TO  THE ARNOLD FAMILY

RIP Mr Arnold!! Damn, you were a really cool addition to Churchhill C.I. My condolences to all family.

I will miss John.  I know everyone will miss him.  He was brilliant and kind and an inspiration.  He taught me darkroom and photography skills I carry with me through life.  I always thought I had more time to invite him out for dinner or something.  It was too short.  I think he is with his friends and family that have passed on but peaking over a cloud at us when we don't know.

With our heartfelt sympathy to all of our canadian family at the sudden passing of john, you are in our thoughts. With love from Paula Michael and all the family, whittlesey England xx

Mr Arnold it seems a life time ago when I entered grade 9 at Churchill. You were a great friend to all. You will be greatly missed. Someday we will meet again in your office. RIP

God bless ur family in this time of need....RIP John Arnold. Xo

I have such wonderful memories of chatting with you. You will be missed my many. My you rest in peace.

In loving memory of our cousin John, we are all saddened to hear of your passing. Although we are many miles away we have very fond memories of our visits to Canada over the last few years, and of course your visit to England all those years ago. I always thought we would see you over here in England one day. Our thoughts are with Kieran, Aisilin, Lawrence, Judy and their famililies. Aunty Rita will be looking out for you. Judy, family and friends from England x

John was a wonderful colleague and I always enjoyed our chats about life and family.  He was always willing to help and was always so positive and welcoming.  John was a true gentleman. May his friends and family find comfort in memories.

You taught me alot at WCCI thank you for such wonderful memories.  May you rest in peace.

I owe a lot to Mr. Arnold. I wouldn't be in the industry I am in if it wasn't for him taking my under his wing and showing me the ropes. So many great memories from my time at W.C.C.I hanging in John's office. From the awesome photos, slides shows, and great music selection John had a great talent. R.I.P. John

Thanks for the memories at Crerar, and Churchill John...You changed so many young lives.

John, you were the anchor for so many WCCI Bulldogs.   Working with you, Stage Crew and Camera Club made my work as Assembly Coordinator so much, much easier.  After life, it is how we are remembered that is important. You are being remembered well.  Rest in Peace John Arnold.

As Admin Asst. to the Principals, D.Peacock and N. Stein at WWCI, I had the pleasure of working with you.  Always ready to help, so efficient and assistance always with a smile.  All staff and students who worked or attended WCCI  will be saddened by your passing.  A.Craig.  RIP John.

Ever since you got the job as AV technician at WCCI, I felt very honoured to have you as my friend and when being transferred to the "Shorting" building due to "new" TDSB, your presence was sorely missed by me and others at WCCI.  Thanks for great memories! My deepest sympathies to Anita, Kieran and Aislinn. Ruth Simpson (former secretary in WCCI main office)

RIP Mr. Arnold.  I'm so thankful to have known you.  Although high school was so many years ago, the solace I found in your office has left an imprint on me forever.  Thank you for being a friend to everyone who entered your space.  I hope You are smiling down on us all as we remember you.
Thoughts and love to your family.

Thank you for the wonderful memories at W.C.C.I. You made an impact on all who knew you.

My condolences to John's family & friends for such a great loss. I was a student at Churchill and Mr. John Arnold was a mentor and friend, giving his precious time & guidance to so many kids. His happy & friendly nature will always be fondly remembered! RIP John.

Always a joy to talk to about music and photography. Strength and sympathy to the family

Always with a camera around your neck, I'm sure you will have some awesome pictures to take in heaven that you can show us when we meet again. You were an incredibly genuine and caring person and father, who is a model for how we should all live our lives. Rest in peace John

A great man and I am very glad to have had the opportunity to meet him. Will always remember his great attitude towards life and his touching and funny sense of humour. Always one to lend a hand or listen to a problem. I will always have a fond memory of you.

From the first moment I walked in your office, as a minor miner, you made me feel comfortable and like WCCI wasn't such a scary place after all. RIP my friend. Your memory will live on always. Thoughts and prayers to your family. Xo

I remember John fondly. He always had positive comforting words. I have never forgotten his promise to take a pic of my smile post braces, because he just knew having them on all 4yrs at Churchill was frustrating. Little things like that.. God Bless you John

He had a spirit like no other - kind, honest, a delight to be around, never for a moment dismissing us as wild teenagers, John was there for everyone.

Our condolences to all - sent with fond memories of a gentle soul who brought much to the lives of others , always given freely without expectation. Certainly gone too soon.

Craig Johnson ( Vancouver Island )

John's Office at Churchill was like Facebook before Facebook, but better! And John was the founder and CEO.

John, you were a friend to us all at Winston Churchill. 
Rest In Peace.

John (J-swag) our family truly loved you. Your warmth and friendship will be missed.  The fun, laughter and smiles we shared watching the kids grow and play will be forever cherished. With love.

This makes me very sad. Too soon. That said it is clear now if there was ever any doubt that John has had a profound impact on many many lives. We should all be so lucky. Without the limitations of a proper teachers rules and subject matter he was free to dispense wisdom, culture and intellectual guidance with kindness and empathy. My own experience had all of that with along with a good measure of fun. I have nothing but the fondest memories that have enriched my life. I am grateful to have passed within his vast realm of wonderful influence. The next time the Churchill boys and I are together there will be much toasting and laughing in memory of a fine man.

My sweet, kind, gentle brother. You left us too soon and we are all brokenhearted. You will be missed by all every minute of every day. Love Judy

More than just a great man. Someone who had enriched the lives of so many people is a very important human being. Like so many others, John provided friendship and guidance when it was most needed. And he introduced  us to some amazing things.  Ive missed him these past 25 years almost, and will always remember  and miss him.

John, you touched so many lives just being the man you were. Your office gave me shelter and at the same time was that home away from home. You helped me through my mothers 3 years of cancer and her death while I was at WCCI and taught me how to use a camera and capture light.  My travels and life are shared because you. Wish your family peace in this time. Thank you for everything.

John you were my best friend through high school, you guided me through so many difficult times, and provided such mentorship.  You inspired me into photography and reading and formed the basis of who I am today.  I miss you.

John, the fact that you are being remembered so fondly by people who have been out of highschool  for 27 years, speaks volumes about who you were.  Rest In Peace

You were a friend to many, John, and I count myself as one of the blessed ones.  Thanks for helping make my high-school years bearable!

                              Janet Heath WCCI

We lost a friend that influenced so many student of Winston Churchill C.I.  John always had an open door to his office that many of us used to hangout.  He made everyone feel welcome and would always help you when you had problems...  My heart goes out to his family and friends...  You will be missed but never forgotten...

Thank you for teaching me how to see thru the camera lense. With the way I grew up around art...and the people I was nurtured by about art...for that i thank you....ill take a camera and shoot something special.rip

I was a misfit and you made me like I fit 
In your office you let me just sit

I loved Judy Garland and you understood why

It is so sad to say to you Bye

John...Watching Coronation Street will never be the same buddy! You will be missed my friend.

So very very lucky to know, and spend so much time with you. Your support, your guidance, your friendship. You did that for everyone you met. 
My condolences to the family, and friends.

As a former student of Churchill, John was a big part of my high school years.  He was always someone to turn to in the rough times.  His office was the place to be.  He will be missed.  He touched so many people.  Thought and prayers to his family.

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

John, I adored you. You were such a bright star in my years at Churchill. I was so overwhelmed when I was offered the position of Yearbook Editor in my final year. You told me that you would be with me every step of the way. I relied on your humour and never ending energy to get me through some very late nights and sticky fingers trying to get the layouts perfect. You taught me how to take a proper picture and to not be afraid to crop!! I haven't seen you since high school but you are one of my fondest memories of my time spent there. The hallowed hallways of Churchill will always have the reverb of your voice and smile and wonderful spirit. Rest in Peace John. We miss you already. My condolences to your friends and family.

John, I will always remember how you took care of all of us crazy highschool kids. You were kind, generous with your work space and always around when someone needed an ear. You will be missed....Anita, you had a good man. I hope you can find peace and joy again soon. Hugs

John, you will always live in our hearts and prayers.
Anita, Kieran, Aislinn and John's Parents & Family, we are so sorry & saddened by your loss.

The loss of someone so close is difficult to bear. We share your grief.
Anita, Kieran Aislinn and The Arnold's Friends & Family.
May John rest in peace and watch over his family from the Heavens and shine bright in the night sky.

I will never forget John from our years at Winston Churchill CI,  and I am very sad to hear of his passing and my condolences and sympathy to all his family and friends who will miss him in their lives. Great times John, thank you.

For all the hours you let all of us kids hang out in your office, becasue of this alot of friendships were founded !! THANK YOU

John, you touched many lives and hearts. You provided so many of us a safe and accepting place to "hang out" in high school. You listened and you most of all you made us laugh. Thank you. Wishing you peace, and deepest sympathies to your family.

I love you, Brother.I thank you for your guidance and your friendship.

I assume you'll have your own cool room to hang out in on the other side and where you can catch us all up on whats cool. Save me a seat.

John you left us too so soon. Rest in peace and know that you were a great friend and role model to so many of us. Anita, Kieran and Aislinn, I am sorry for your loss. I hope it is some consolation that he was loved by many and touched so many hearts.

John, you were a mentor to some and a friend to all of us. We feel so much more enlightened knowing you and we'll miss you very much. Rest in Peace.

Rest In Peace John.  Your kind heart touched many.

He was such an influential part of my high school years. His door was always open and I think he provided a lot of unrecognized support to kids on the fringe. Thank you for being so awesome, John. You will be dearly missed by many past students and friends.

You were always a great friend to so many students at Winston Churchill CI.  We always knew we could go to your AV office to hang out and talk to you.  You provide guidance to lots of us when we needed someone to talk to.  You will be greatly missed by many people.  My heart goes out to your family and everyone who heart you touched....

John made high school for me a much happier and better place.  His office was a safe haven and he was so kind and funny.  I am so sorry for his family and their loss. He was a great man.

Rest In Peace John...thank you for all the times you listened and cared during my angsty high school years. You touched so many hearts. Rest...until we meet again.

So so sad John...Known you for over 30 years, and you were just beginning your new life as a retiree. Sleep well my friend.

OBITUARY

John Stephen Arnold

6 August, 1954 – 2 March, 2015

Thompson Funeral Home

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