Theodore “Ted” Joseph Arsenault, 102, passed away peacefully, Friday, May 21, in Squamish Hospice.
Ted was born in Big River, Saskatchewan, to parents Eva and Tom Arsenault on October 10, 1918. He was the middle among five children, (Mary, Genevieve, Bill, and Blanche, all deceased).
Always a hard worker, he drove a dog team, trapped and commercial fished waters in Northern Saskatchewan with his father from the early age of 13, often away from home for up to 3 months. Their main food source was bannock, fish, potatoes and pancakes.
One summer, 1939, with his brother Bill, they fought forest fires on De Laronde and Clarke lakes for 71 days non-stop.
In 1941, he joined the Canadian Army and shipped to Scotland and England to train for the offensive on D-Day 1944. As a Gunner, in the 14th Field Regiment – 3rd Artillery Division he participated in Operation Overlord landing on Bernieres-sur-Mer, France, amid very heavy gunfire. His WWII experience took him across France, Belgium, and Holland and into Germany with the Canadian Army.
He was very proud of his army service and especially in receiving the French Medal of Honor as a WWII veteran.
During his training in Scotland he met Mary (May) Connelly McMahon. They were married in Paisley, Scotland, on March 24, 1945.
Ted and May returned to Northern Saskatchewan after the war where Ted went to Saskatchewan Forestry School and became a Conservation Officer for the Department of Natural Resources and served for 43 years. This was a career he loved as it involved conservation of forests, land, animals and fish. In 1983, Ted was awarded Conservation Officer of the Year by the National Foundation for Conservation and Wildlife Officers.
He also received the Saskatchewan Government Long Service Award. Ted and May had rich and rewarding life experiences, raising a family and living in Northern Saskatchewan.
Ted and May retired to Squamish B.C. in 1984. They enjoyed being part of the community and especially the seniors walking group. They had a long and happy retirement in Squamish.
Ted is survived by his loving wife May, daughter Eileen (Michael) and sons Terry (Adele) and Darryl (Brenda). He is also survived by grandchildren (Jarrett, Bradley, and Sean), great grandchildren, nieces and nephews and many friends.
Ted’s family wish to express a special ‘thank you’ and appreciation to Dr. Miller and staff at Squamish Hospice, Dr. Aragon and care providers Jenny and Sheryl.
If you would like to donate in Ted Arsenault’s memory, please consider the Sea to Sky Hospice Society, a place of great support and peace for him in his final hours.
There will be no funeral at this time. At a later date, a celebration of life will be held with the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #277.
