ARNO DONEL NIELSEN
Arno Donel Nielsen 83, of Kamloops, BC, succumbed to cancer at the comfort of Hospice and surrounded by love on January 26, 2022. Arno is survived by his wife Rosella of 62 years, daughter Debra (Hank) Heppner, son Brad (Rachann), brother Allen (Donna), sisters Helen Parker and Carol (Reo) Shanks, grandchildren, Erik (Christina) Heppner, Ian Heppner, Brooke (Chris) Nielsen, Quynn Nielsen and Ty Nielsen, two great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews and extended family.
Born in Brooks, AB, where he received his education, worked on the family farm and, met his beautiful bride, Arno decided at the age of 28 to pack up the family and move to BC. For the next 23 years Douglas Lake Ranch was home, allowing Arno to do what he did best. Following Douglas Lake Ranch, Arno had the opportunity to combine his love of the earth with his love of golf, purchasing and operating the Nicola Valley Golf Course with partners Rosella and Brad for 5 great years. During winter months, Arno and Rosella enjoyed golfing and fishing throughout the States and Mexico where they spent many years with dear friends from Merritt and Kamloops and other great friends made over time.
Semi-retired, Arno and Rosella built their dream home and lived at St. Andrews by the Lake near Penticton, BC, where Arno once again, found his passion for farming working at Freding Feed Lot in Oliver, BC, along with operating Nielsen Irrigation Repair until retiring in Kamloops in 2019.
Arno was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend to many. He loved telling stories and giving speeches, loved family gatherings, and always had something to say. He was forever filling the grandkids with adventures of growing up on the farm and of his travels, and most recently, the great grandchildren showing them how to eat bugs and sharing stories of survival. He was always there to help family and friends, including many active years of Boards and Community volunteering such as 4H and High School Rodeos.
“And my heart is sinking like a setting sun. Setting on the things I wish I’d done. Now the last goodbye is the hardest one to say. This is where the cowboy rides away…”
– George Strait
A special thank you to Dr. Choi and Kamloops Hospice for their loving care, understanding and support during his final days. Also, the family would like to extend their gratitude towards Alternatives Funeral & Cremation Services for being accommodating during this difficult time.
Condolences may be expressed to the family from
www.myalternatives.ca
