William Eugene Arnott
August 28, 1937 ~ July 20, 2008
Resided in:
Pueblo, CO
William Eugene Arnott peacefully passed from this world on July 20, 2008, in the loving company of family and friends. He was born August 28, 1937, at Mt. San Rafael Hospital in Trinidad, Colo. and was baptized in his grandmother's hospital room. His early years were in the farming community of Hoehne, Colo., where his Murphy grandparents had homesteaded. The family moved to Pueblo when he was six. He graduated from Pueblo Catholic High in December 1955, attended Pueblo Jr. College, and graduated from Western State College in December of 1959. He married Elaine Imblum that same month. He later earned a M.A. in education from Western State College at a time when he had six children.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Benedicta (Murphy) and William Alexander Arnott, and sons, George Eugene in 1982, and Joseph Paul in 2007. He and Elaine helped start the Pueblo Chapter of Compassionate Friends in 1982, and have since tried to provide comfort and information to families whose children have passed away. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Elaine; children, Patrick (Guadalupe), Dennis (Shelly), Brian (Amy) Arnott and Laurie (Ed Krall); grandchildren, Leanna, Christopher, Bridget, Jonathan, Bryson Arnott and Elaina Krall; daughter-in-law, Tonya Shelton; sisters, Mary Pat (Allan) Kaletsky and Lynne Richardson; brother-in-law, Norman (Lila) Imblum; sister-in-law, La Quita Imblum. He is also survived by his 'second mother,' Aunt Charlotte Murphy, age 101; his 'second' brother, Bud Murphy; and sisters, Marion Dalvit, Marge Butler and Skip Simons; many nieces, nephews, beloved cousins and college buddies.
His professional career as an educator was devoted to the families of District 70 in Pueblo County, both as a biology teacher and counselor at Vineland Middle School and Pueblo County High School. He also coached football and basketball at Vineland. He loved being around the young students and influenced many of them to further their education. He was proud of his former students who sold their produce at Farmer's Market.
He was a beloved husband, father, brother, teacher, counselor and friend, and we will especially miss his favorite hobby, talking with family and friends. His grandchildren brought great joy to his life. He was a man who was at times slow to speak, but was full of wisdom when he did. He was active in Christ the King Parish community as a lector and helped train lectors for many years.
Visitation, with the family present, from 2 to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Jul 22, 2008, in the Montgomery & Steward Chapel. The Vigil service will be held 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jul 22, 2008, and funeral mass will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 23, 2008. Both services will be held at Christ the King Church, 1708 Horseshoe, with Msgr. Thomas Adrians, VG as Celebrant. Interment will follow at Roselawn Cemetery, in Pueblo. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Montgomery & Steward Funeral Directors. Online condolences can be made at www.montgomerysteward.com. In lieu of food or flowers, please send donations to the Sangre de Cristo Hospice, Christ the King Church or the Pueblo Chapter of the Compassionate Friends through Montgomery & Steward Funeral Directors, 1317 N. Main St., Pueblo, Colo. 81003.
RIP dear Bill!
Alas, one dear person that I knew…rest your soul in peace dear Bill!
Family,
I did not know William personally but he was obviously a great man because he has a wonderful daughter, Laurie. I went to high school with her and, what a great person she is. I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with the family.
Lisa
Dear Elaine & family,
With sadness I learned of Bill’s passing. He was a nice man and it was a pleasure knowing him. Please know that you are in my thoughts at this difficult time. You have all had more than your share of losses.
With sympathy,
Ellen Tomoser
Zinger,
You are in our thoughts & prayers.
Memories keep those we love,
close to us forever…
With deepest sympathy.
Riki
Dear Laurie (Zinger),
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your father. It must be such a difficult time for you and your family. I remember all the times your father and mother would pick us all up after skating or the movies. Your father will be missed by many, but in the hearts and memories of us all. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Mr. Arnott. To the person that I feel most responsible for my love of science. He was my teacher in the 7th grade and left an impression upon me that will never fade away. Unfortunately, I was out of town this week and and unable to attend Mr. Arnott’s service, but my heartfelt condolences go out to the Arnott family. He was one of a kind and touched so many lives.
May he rest in peace.
Bob Pritekel
Vineland Jr. High 1965-66
My rememberance of Bill as a classmate was of a very quiet, sincere student. I enjoyed visiting with him at the Class of ’55 Reunion and marveled at his accomplishments.
My sincere condolences to you and your family Elaine. I am sure they are a great comfort to you.
Mary Nell Maloney
PCH Class of ’55
Plano, Texas
Neil & I were sadden by the passing of Bill. Our condolences and special memories goes to the Arnott Family.
Dear Elaine & Family,
Our hearts go out to you & hurt along with you. Geno has always been an inspiration to us and through all his (& yours) trials he maintained his wonderful sense of humor. We cherish all the visits we’ve had and will miss his encouraging words and his stories. We’re so sorry we couldn’t be there during this difficult time but will always remember our last visit with him 3 weeks ago. We love you all and pray that God will give you strength & Peace.
In Love, Deb & Dan Hawley
Dear Dennis (Bip),
Just wanted to send some peace & comfort your way….thinking of you always.
Kim
Dearest Elaine and your most precious family,
May God bless you and give you peace in this very difficult time of grief and loss.
Bill and Elaine, a special loving and spiritual union with God, family, community, and friends.
I had the special gift of sharing our friendship after graduation with
this remarkable, spiritual and dynamic loving couple. They were at daily mass and every Sunday, Bill personally greeted my parents and me without fail, and blessed us with communion. ( My mother was wheelchair bound). Both Elaine and Bill were a model family dedicated to sharing the word of God by their example of love.
As a Fellow Shamrock (1955), I treasure the friendship and unselfish works of mercy that they both gave. Bill, you will be missed, but your legacy will continue on. The heavens are brighter today because Bill is there.
I celebrate your life and thank you and your precious Elaine for all that you do and have done for others.
Love and prayers,
your friend and classmate
Lillian Luna, 1955
We’re sorry for your loss, our prayers are with you!
Elaine,
I know that words cannot express the sorrow you must feel during this time of grief at the loss of Bill. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. Dick Micklich, Class of 1955 PCH
Elaine and family,
God Bless you and your family during this difficult time. I will miss seeing Bill at church and will miss listening to his readings, but I’m sure his presense will be felt there forever.
Peggy
CTK parishioner
My Prayers are with you, I hope you find comfort, knowing how many people he touched in so many ways! He was my counselor in Vineland Jr. High, though he felt more like a friend, he has and always will hold a special place in my memory and in my heart, I feel blessed to have known him. He is greatly missed!
Our prayers go out to the Arnott family. Bill was a great man with unlimited compassion. Bill was my teacher as well as coworker, and was a constant source of guidance and inspiration. Bill touched the lives of many, and will be missed.
Mr Arnott was my 7th grade teacher in 1961 at Vineland Junior High. He was tough but always fair. I remember as I was walking home from school he would sometime stop and give me a ride. A good man has left the building.
My deepest regrets to his family,
DSMauro
Elaine and family,
I have memories of Bill as a quiet, honorable young man. Just having lost my husband of 48 years, my heart is with you.
Loosing a companion of 48 years is almost as tough as loosing a child.
Remember, we are all given a task and when that task is finished, God calls us home. May he rest in peace. My deepest sympathy. Joan Logan Hunke
I want to send my deepest sympathy to the Arnott Family. Mr. Arnott was a man who was deeply compasionate about his students while he was in the education and outside as a friend. He was my counselor in Middle and High school but a great friend even after. Mr and Mrs Arnott brought me a water globe for my daughter after I became ill. My mom asked Mr Arnott to come and visit me and he did, I still have that globe and today I held that globe today after I received word from my mom that Mr. Arnott had passed away. I look at that globe and remember his warm smile and gentle voice has he gave us advice or consoled us. God has wonderful individual in heaven to look out for us and guide us in the right direction, May god bless you and guide you through the days to come.
Signed,
Katherine Gonzales-Lynch
and Family
Mr Arnott was such a wonderful man and raised a beautiful, caring, loving and giving family. I remember being in the classes on wednesday night church with him and Elaine during high school. I was so influenced by him and his generosity during those years. ALso, for their support during my tragic times. My deepest condolences go out to the entire family. My prayers are with you all during this time.
OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU ELAINE AND ALL THE FAMILY. BILL IS NOW IN HEAVEN WITH LOST LOVED ONES. HE WILL CONTINUE HIS BEAUTIFUL TEACHING AND HIS LOVE WILL SPREAD THROUGHOUT THE HEAVENS AS IT DID HERE ON EARTH. WE HAVE A CANDLE NOW NEXT TO COREY’S IT IS BILL’S CANDLE. GOD BE WITH YOU AT THIS DIFFICULT TIME BILL WILL ALWAYS REMAIN IN OUR PRAYERS.
Bill was the counselor at Vineland Middle School while I was a teacher there. His warmth, compassion, and sincere interest in all of Vineland’s students was unparalleled. Bill was the epitome of a true educator whose life was dedicated to the success and happiness of others. His patience, gentleness, and sincerity were just a few of his attributes. I am grateful to have known and worked with Bill Arnott during my teaching career. He touched hundreds of students’ lives, but he also, unknowingly raised the bar for many of us who worked along side him. Though we will all miss him very much, Heaven surely is celebrating the arrival of Bill! My thoughts and prayers to his family and close friends. May the memories of all the good times give you all peace!
Mr. Arnott was my science teacher at Vineland Jr. High, and over the years Bill and his family became a members of our family. It is hard to find the words to express my sorrow for the loss of this wonderful man. Bill and Elaine have helped our family and me during and after the loss of my daughter Angeline four years ago. The time and energy that you both have dedicated to the Compassionate Friends ministry is invaluable. Bill’s love, and memory will continue to live on in his children and grandchildren, as well as all of the lives that he touched. My prayers are for strength for Elaine, and may GOD continue to bless your family.
It was a pleasure to have met Mr. Arnott he is resting in a better place we will keep your family in our prayers. Sorry for your loss. This is from Carol at the Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers.
My prayers are with you and your family at this time of loss, Elaine. May God Bless You.
Mary Grace (Biondolillo) Dremel
Castle Rock, CO 80104
Bill was my teacher and coach at Vineland in the 70s. I knew George also back then. The world has lost a rare person in Bill. He inspired young people to do more than they thought they could. He was the best teacher and coach I ever had. I can’t remember the science or the football plays anymore. But he taught me that playing and working hard and being kind to everyone is the important thing. I am going to miss seeing him around Belmont when I visit my folks. God Bless you and your family. He was a great guy and a good man. What a legacy.You should be very proud of him.
Our prayers are with our family. Precious memories will make the days ahead easier to bear. Like others, we enjoyed the wonderful e-mail messages – the center of which was most often family.
Gene – you were always on our minds.
We wish you godspeed
God’s blessings!
Rick, Kathye and Aunt Tida
Mr. Arnott influenced my life since being my teacher at Vineland Middle School. I gave him a blue blanket for baby George at his birth, and at Goerge’s passing he brought it out to show he had saved it when I visited him and Elaine when he was grieving so hard. He and Elaine organized the Compassionate Friends organization to help many other parents of deceased chldren. I had tremendous respect and a deep devotion to this man of learning. He and Elaine are tremendous people. He will be greatly missed. He always seemed to be the same, never aged always kind and listening kindly. God Bless Elaine and the family. I hope Elaine remembers my visit. I was just a student and he was so gracious to me. His passing really gripped me. I’ll pray for all his family . Always Linda Devendorf Allphin allphinfam@yahoo.com from Vineland Middle School. Year? I am being treated for thyroid cancer matastasized, 7 years I’ve made it. I have great respect for hospice, they helped my mother also. God Bless.
Our hearts and prayers are with the whole Arnott family. We will miss the beautifully written emails Mr. Arnott would send out. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.