Arnold Polvi
February 14, 1932 - July 30, 2016
As published in the August 22, 2016 World-Spectator
Arnold Polvi of Whitewood, passed away Saturday, July 30, 2016 at the age of 84 years.
Arnold Albert, the youngest son of Isaac and Amalia was born February 14,1932 on the family farm in the New Finland district.
Arnold attended school at Convent Creek. After finishing school he attended a welding course in Saskatoon. He then returned to the family farm where he farmed with his father.
When Isaac passed away Arnold took over the family farm, working hard raising cattle and growing grain. Arnold was a member of the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool and Bear Creek Wheat Pool, he served as secretary/treasurer for many years. Arnold also served on the church council over the years held the position of president, treasurer and secretary, as well as singing in the choir.
On July 7, 1989 Arnold married the love of his life, Dorothy Smith. They were very well matched, both strong personalities that meshed very well. They lived on the family farm and continued to farm until 1995 when they retired and moved to Whitewood. Arnold and Dorothy enjoyed retirement, playing horseshoes, golfing, fishing, playing card games and spending time with family and friends. Arnold always liked being close to home, never travelling too far.
Arnold loved his grandchildren. When he had hair, he would let Sushan put little ponies in it and stick stickers all over his face and hair. Not only did he turn the shed into a playhouse for the girls, he insulated the walls and floor, made plexi glass windows that slide open, put down linoleum and put wallboard on the walls; it turned out quite cosy. When the girls needed a swing set, Arnold was the one there to set it up.
The following are memories from family members: Vi remembers how before Arnold started school it was his chore to bring in wood - he would put the small dog in a wooden box and his sister Alice on the sleigh then and off they’d go. He had made a very long path through the woods to the wood pile and back. Even if they went for two sticks they would go the whole trail. When Arnold started school Alice missed him so much she would sleep all afternoon. Alice remembers how he would never play dolls with her but she would have to play boys games with him. Debbie remembers when they would stay at the farm how “Gma” would call up to John and Arnold to get up for chores and if they didn’t move fast enough she would bang the wooden spoon on the wall yelling GET UP GET UP! Deb also remembers that Saturday night after chores John and Arnold would get cleaned up in the sauna, get all spruced up and head out to the dance with Allan Polvi. The nieces and nephews remember how he referred to himself as the FAVOURITE UNCLE. Thelma remembers Arnold as always having strong views on subjects and somehow having us related to Margaret Trudeau?? Lorraine remembers how when she would stay at the farm Gma would always have to have lunch over by a certain time so Arnold could watch his favourite soap, The Edge of Night ? Or was it All My Children??
If you knew Arnold you knew he was a skilled woodworker. Many in the family were fortunate to receive one of his creations. There are many pieces in the church and he made loonie banks for his great-nieces and nephews, boxes for treasures, end table, clocks, oak chests, bookcase, entertainment centres, scrabble turntables, and the list goes on. He made everything with incredible skill and spent many hours enjoying his hobby.
He was always willing to help out a neighbour and will be missed by his many friends.
Arnold is survived by his sisters, Viola Johnson, Wilma Polvi, and Alice Thomas; sisters-in-law, Isabelle Polvi and Elina Eskelinen; step-children Tracy(Vinnie) Morgan, Laurie Smith and Brad (Carmen) Smith; grandchildren Sushan and Lilei Smith, Celeste and Carl Morgan; nieces, nephews and their families. Arnold was predeceased by his parents Isaac and Amalia, his beloved wife Dorothy, brothers, Wilfred, Leonard and John, brothers in law Charlie Thomas and Art Johnson. May he rest in Gods care.
Arnold’s funeral service was held Friday, August 12, 2016 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, New Finland with the Rev. Darlene Harrison officiating.
Participating in the funeral were: ushers, Allan Polvi and Wesley Sippola; guest book attendant, Lorraine Kentz; bell ringer, Wesley Sippola; organist, Jean Dancsok; readers, Elvie Denet and Laurie Smith; eulogist, Nina Johnson.
The hymns for the service were “How Great Thou Art”, “Amazing Grace” and “What a Friend We Have in Jesus”. All those who touched Arnold’s life were considered honorary pallbearers. Interment followed in the new St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery, New Finland with Norm Johnson acting as the urn bearer. Arrangements were entrusted to Matthews Funeral Home, Whitewood.
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