Arno Alvar Koskela Obituary

In Loving Memory of Arno Koskela It is with great sorrow that we say goodbye to Arno who left this world on the morning of November 20th at the Huron Hospice Bender House, Clinton. Beloved husband of Mary (née Anderson) for 70 years. Loved father of Allan (Lin), Laurie (deceased), Tracie (John), Tannis (Shawn), and September. Grandfather of Jen (Matthew), Rob (Amy), Aly (Matthew), Mollie (Ryan), Kiah (Peter), Dan (Mariko), Natasha, Hannah (Craig), Clara (Junaid), and Isaac. Great grandfather of Will, Lumi, Jason and Ossian. Arno was a graduate of the Ontario College of Education and taught for the Toronto Board of Education for 20 years.

Arno lived his life with unequalled passion. With Mary and his kids he enjoyed travelling the world, canoeing, skiing, hiking the Bruce Trail and camping under the stars. He volunteered his teaching skills in Tanzania and Nigeria and, with Mary, crossed the Sahara desert. Arno loved reading about history, the American Civil War and Mark Twain. He loved his annual hunting trips with Allan and Mary's brothers Bill and John and skating back at the pond on the Anderson farm. He also loved to drive. His passion for driving extended from early MG sports cars to months long family odysseys and 20 years of 2 hour commutes to Toronto, to Land Rovers across the Sahara. Arno's life lessons will never be forgotten and his spirit will live on in nature-in the wind, in the trees and stars at night. See you soon. Like the moon. Love you forever.

The family wish to thank everyone at the wonderful Huron Hospice Bender House (Clinton) for your compassionate care and kindness to us all in Arno's final days. It was Arno's wish to be cremated and for a private farewell. Survived by sister Anna and brothers Avu, Leonard and Raymond and sister-in-law Beth (Steve). In lieu of flowers donations to the Huron Hospice Bender House would be appreciated by the family.

Condolences from family and friends.