It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Frederick Peter "Fred" Arsenault Sr., 85, of Truemanville on Friday, June 19, 2026, surrounded by his family at his bedside at home. Born in Amherst, NS, Fred was a son of the late Clarence and Martha (Purdy) Arsenault.
Fred was an avid fisherman and enjoyed hunting, camping and spending time out doors. He loved his family and was a fantastic father, grandfather, great and great great grandfather. He enjoyed spending time on the CB and Ham radios and was known as "Papa-Bear", a proud member of the Northumberland Radio Club. Fred loved hitting the local yard sales, always on the hunt for a bargain.
Fred had been a jack of all trades, having been a truck driver, a labourer with Enamel Heating and in the woods, as well as having built mobile homes during his career. As well, he worked clearing the brush from the sides of the highways, drilled wells for a period and worked in various other jobs in and around Amherst.
Fred was a loving and caring husband to his wife of 64 years, Sarah (nee Ripley), of Truemanville; his daughters, Debbie (Albert A.) Ripley, Truemanville, Anna Greeno, Truemanville, Sandra (Norman) Wright, Lloydminster, SK, Janey (Leon) Chapell, Amherst, Susan (Brian) Hawkes, Warren, Bobbi-Jo (Randy) Hammerschmid, Maple Creek, SK; a son, Freddie (Lisa) Arsenault, Truemanville; 47 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren and 6 great great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Marie Smith and many nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, Fred was predeceased by his sisters, Rita Gates, Kay Simpson and Rose Chapman; his brothers, Vic, Bill, Borden, Joe, Laurie, as well as an infant grandson, Glen St. Peter, and a step grandson, Cpl. Justin Morgan.
The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to the Medical Unit B Ward, the Palliative Care Team, Truemanville Volunteer Fire Department, the paramedics with EHS, as well as the VON and Home Care staff for their compassion and care. The family would like to extend their heart-felt gratitude and appreciation for being their through then and and his exceptional availability and attendance.
Arrangements are under the care and guidance of Jones Family Funeral Centre, 70 Church Street, Amherst, NS (902-667-8777). Visitation will take place at the funeral home on Sunday, June 28, 2026 from 11 am until the time of the funeral service at 1 pm. National Evangelist Malcolm Read presiding. Interment will follow in the Truemanville Cemetery. A time to share memories and stories will be held following the burial at the Truemanville Volunteer Fire Dept Community Centre.
Donation in memory of Fred may be given to Palliative Care Cumberland, the Truemanville Cemetery or a charity of a donor's choice.
Sharing memories and condolences may be sent to the family by visiting the online memorial at www.jonesfamilyfuneralcentre.ca or through the Jones Family Funeral Centre Facebook Page.