Born Surrey B.C. on March 2, 1967, four minutes after her twin brother Loyd. Her early years growing up were on a small hobby farm with Mom, Norma and Dad Fred and her older brother Mark and sister Linda. She played amongst the cows, chickens and pigs. Helping in mom’s giant veggie garden. Sadly at the age of 4 years, our parents divorced and life became a little more complicated.
In her early years she also spent time visiting our Dad where he lived in Gibsons, BC. Most often in the summer. She enjoyed going for horseback rides with her sister Linda, and Arlene also enjoyed playing baseball and was very good at it!
In 1976 our stepfather Paul came into the picture and this opened up a new world of adventure. Camping, fishing, snowmobiling and dirt biking.
Arlene met her boyfriend Duncan at a young age, resulting in the birth of beloved daughter Christine. Born December 29, 1989. Sadly, Christine ended up being raised by her father Duncan after just a few years.
Arlene's second beloved daughter Nicole was born June 23, 1993. Father Dwayne being Arlene's boyfriend at the time. Nicole was raised by Arlene's mom, Norma and Stepdad, Paul, and other close family Even so, all through the years Arlene was still involved with her children and they loved her dearly.
Arlene spent the first 30 years of her life in Surrey, then moved on to Langley for the rest of her life. All through the troubled years help was always offered in the form of going to drug rehabilitation stays, etc. Her heart was not ready for this fix so she each time returned to her lifestyle of drugs.
In Langley around 1994 Arlene met very caring and loving Rob who she spent 7 or 8 mostly happy years living with, common law. She managed to get off drugs and did very well! It's during this time she discovered her talent for painting amongst other arts. She gifted these pieces to family members. In these years she was able to spend quality time with her daughters. Unfortunately, with the death of her daughter Christine in 2002 Arlene suffered a great set back and returned to her life on the street and to drug addiction.
Around 2008 she meet Doug. Doug became a very good friend to Arlene. He was always there to offer help when she needed it. He was very patient and compassionate towards Arlene and became a good friend to Arlene's Mom, Stepfather and her daughter Nicole. He continued to be there for Arlene right up to her passing.
Arlene still managed to make it to a few family gatherings. We know it was difficult for her but were always glad to see her join us when she was in a good way. She even managed to make it to our Dad’s 80th birthday party.
Over the years to follow Arlene's health began to fail. She still managed to attend our stepfather Paul's funeral but on that same day entered the hospital because of her lung problems. Her life on the streets was not easy. Brother Loyd visited her and tried to arrange places for her to live but she had a strong will and would not take these offers. Our mother was as involved with Arlene as Arlene would allow. Mom made sure she had food, and took her to her appointments. They shared meals out and time together. Mom even made sure Arlene had teeth to eat with when her false teeth were stolen. Mom was always there, never giving up hope. Before her passing she had the opportunity to have her daughter Nicole's company for a few weeks and the rest of the family got to see her recently, like it was our chance to say goodbye.
The RCMP say Arlene was amongst one of the friendliest and most respectful of the Langley street people.
We like to think Arlene is in a better place and finally found peace with in.
Arlene, you have always been loved and your absence is surely felt. We’ll miss your sense of humor, and amazing stories.
Arrangements under the direction of Henderson's Langley Funeral Home, Langley, BC.
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