Nov 12, 1930 – Nov 28, 2021
Arnold Edward Speirs, dearly beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather passed away peacefully Sunday morning November 28, 2021 at the age of 91 years. Arnold was born in Shaunavon, SK. on November 12, 1930, the fifth son to Harvey and Pearl (Summers) Speirs. The family moved their dairy farm to Calgary in 1948, where Arn completed high school. He attended Baptist Leadership Training School in 1949, the first year it opened. Arn and his brother Bob took over the dairy operation in the Bearspaw area where they farmed together for the next 3 decades. During that time, Arnold met and married Lois Sandercock (May 26,1956) at Crescent Heights Baptist Church in Calgary.
Arnold’s profession was dairy farming; however, his passion was his faith. He was one of the founders of Westview Baptist Church in NW Calgary, which began as a bible study group in the basement of his home. Arnold was a natural born story teller and often presented little life lessons for children entitled “Arn’s Yarns from the Barn” which amused young and old while driving an important biblical lesson. He loved to recant numerous rhymes and nonsensical poems.
In 1986, after Lois’ passing, Arnold moved his farming operation to the agriculture community of Olds, Alberta where he fulfilled his dream of owning and operating a large grain farm. His son Gordon took over the ownership and operation of the dairy farm on the adjacent property.
In 1996 Arn married Ann Wiberg and they farmed together for a few years before retiring to Olds. Arn enjoyed travelling with Ann, and they both truly enjoyed escaping the Alberta snow while wintering in Arizona. While in Arizona, Arn was a dedicated member of their local church, and enjoyed serving and fellowshipping. He enjoyed the camaraderie of playing in a couple of horseshoe leagues. Arn and Ann took great joy in their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Arn enjoyed going for a drive to check out the crops near Olds and in the Sylvan Lake area where he and Ann spent many enjoyable days at Bill and Norma’s cabin. Arnold leaves a legacy of kindness, and compassion from a life-time of walking with his Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Arnold is mourned by his wife Ann Speirs; daughter Norma (Bill) Webb; son Brian (Lis) Speirs, and his son Gordon (Cathy) Speirs; 8 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. He is also survived by brother Grant Speirs; Ann’s children Del (Joanne) Wiberg, and Brenda (Murray) Loewen; grandchildren and great grandchildren. Arnold was predeceased by his wife Lois of twenty-nine years; his parents Harvey and Pearl; siblings Florence, Roy, Cecil, Floyd and Robert. Due to Covid related restrictions, a celebration of life will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Gull Lake Centre. Condolences may be made or viewed at www.heartlandfuneralservices.com. Heartland Funeral Services Ltd., Olds entrusted with arrangements 403 507-8610.
