It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of William Fred Arnold, age 93, of Amherst, NS. Bill passed away on Monday, May 11, 2026 at the Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre, Amherst.
Born in Fort Ellis, NS, he was a son of the late Fred and Ivy (Cove) Arnold.
Bill spent his early years driving trucks for various companies, eventually getting a job at Canadian Tire in Halifax, where he spent 29 years and retired as Department Manager in Hardware. He worked at maintenance there for 5 years after retiring.
Bill spent many summers in the Springhill and Oxford area when he was a boy visiting his grandparents, aunts, and uncles. Bill met the former Margaret Mattinson in January of 1996 and by November they were married. He sold his house at Kearney Lake and in June of 1997 they moved into their new home in Beckwith. Bill enjoyed working with wood and the beautiful things he made were a testament to his patience and skill.
Bill and Margaret spent summers traveling with their travel-trailer and taking in many events during that time. However an accident in 2005 which resulted in the amputation of his left leg caused them to make many changes in their lifestyle.
Bill was a member of St. James Presbyterian Church in Oxford, NS where he was a trustee and also served on the Board of Managers.
Bill will be dearly missed by his wife Margaret; daughter Deborah (Blair) Morgan, Kinsac, NS; sister in law Renie, Fort Ellis, NS and sister Ruth Curran, Lower Sackville, NS; step sons Arthur (Linda) Ervin, Pictou, NS, Reg (Anna) Mattinson, Lower Sackville, NS, Allan (Nancy) Mattinson, Kingston, NS, Larry (Beth) Mattinson, Milford, NS, and Dale (Lisa) Mattinson, Beckwith, NS; many step grandchildren and great grandchildren
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his first wife Verna; brother Elmer and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Arrangements are under the care of Jones Family Funeral Centre, Amherst, NS, 902-667-8777. Cremation has taken place. There will be no visitation or funeral service.
Sharing of memories and condolences may be sent to Bill’s family by visiting his online memorial at www.jonesfamilyfuneralcentre.ca or through the Jones Family Funeral Centre Facebook Page.