September 16, 1930 – November 26, 2021
at the age of 91 years
After 91 years sharing his intelligence, wit and charm with us, Arvid Earl Kendall passed away in Salmon Arm BC on November 26, 2021.
Arvid was born in Toronto ON on September 16, 1930. After two years in the US Army he put his intelligence to work for 14 years with CBC Television in various capacities, followed by six years at UBC as head of the Audiovisual – TV Department, Biomedical Communications, then as Assistant Director of Educational Planning for the BC Medical Centre and a consultant to the Ministry of Education. Shortly after marrying wife Judy in 1977 they moved to Salmon Arm where he worked as Manager for the School District Resource Centre until retirement in 1996.
Arvid enjoyed film, music, literature and theatre. He sang in numerous barbershop and choral groups, and volunteered with many Shuswap organizations both before and after retirement. His movie collection was a delight for visitors and popcorn was always provided. For many years Arvid and Judy took vacations in Mexico where he entertained the resort staff and fellow guests.
Survived by his loving wife Judy and children Vicki, Janis (Marcel), Robyn (Bob), Lori (Ron), and Dean (Melinda). He will be missed by grandchildren Melissa (Arthur), David (April), Nicole and Michael, as well as three great grandchildren. Arvid is also survived by two sisters in Ontario and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank Dr. Keith Hepburn, the Shuswap Lake General Hospital Emergency Room, and the Covid Unit staff for their dedicated care. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Shuswap Hospital Foundation or to Parkinson Canada.
I was so sorry to hear of Arvid’s recent passing. I have the best memories of working with Arvid at School District #89 (now #83), and of the laughter we shared on a regular basis. He had a sharp mind that was complemented by his wonderful sense of humour. My sincere condolences to Judy and the whole family.
To Arvid’s Family,
What an amazing husband and father he was. You were all so fortunate to have such an interesting and loving presence in your lives; as he was so fortunate to have all of you in his life,.May all your beautiful memories you have of him, help fill the void you are all feeling now.
In deepest sympathy, Lorraine Ferrari (Robyn’s sister-in-law) and nephews David and Neil Jackson.
Much love to all.
While I didn’t have the privilege of knowing Arvid, my late husband, Robert, did. They worked together and my husband thought very highly of Arvid, both professionally and personally. Most sincere condolences, Judy, and may your many years of happy memories comfort and sustain you. Betty Harris
My favourite memories of my dad:
First 20 Years – Learning to play cribbage in Parry Sound (Grandpa would beat Dad, Dad would beat me). The varied collection of albums at home (county to classical to jazz to pop). Finding out that he was in the audience at the Ed Sullivan Show when the Beatles appeared. Him making Kingston fruit cake and pfeffernusse at Christmas. Him sharing his love of reading (first “big” book was Hawaii by James Michener, still on my bookshelf). Always having a Sony Trinitron colour TV at home (thanks to the storage room at CBC). Him explaining how he was using video for long distance education for doctors (at UBC/VGH). Going to see the first Star Wars movie (with Dean).
Middle 20 Years – Him bringing me a Gund teddy bear in the hospital when I was 27 years old (still have it!). Sharing our love of computers and sharing our knowledge (he on networks and hardware, me on software). Him showing me the ARPANET and me thinking it would never go anywhere (renamed the Internet and it sort of took off). Sharing many more books and movies. Him always being there when I needed a hug or a shoulder to cry on.
Last 20 Years – Him passing on his family tree research files and us working together for many hours on all of the various lines (culminating in our father/daughter trip to Iowa and Minnesota). Listening to and going to Jesse Cook concerts (I’ll think of him when I see Jesse again on Feb. 23). Many more books and movies. Playing cribbage. So many great hugs.
I will miss him every day. Love you forever pappa!
I have fond memories of my uncle Arvid, and his great sense of humour. He would tell interesting and intellectual stories, invariably followed up by something really funny! I enjoyed talking with him about computers, programming, and other I/T stuff, as this was a budding interest of mine back in the day. He was generous in sharing his knowledge and experience. I appreciated that he took a sincere interest in me, and would patiently answer any question I might have. I felt welcome in his company, and I especially liked the twinkle in his eye when he was about to crack a joke or make an incisive remark! He didn’t have a mean bone in his body, which was calming and reassuring to me, having grown up around adults that weren’t always as nice as I wished they could be. Arvid was a good man. May he rest in peace.
I met Arvid at Biomedical Communications (UBC) where he was my manager, mentor and friend. He taught me how to get things done in spite of the internal politics and that “Can’t be done” was not an answer. He always was open to new ideas and would go to bat for you where needed. Under his guidance UBC became the leader in the use of educational media in classrooms and classroom design. Many of those ideas are used by Teaching Hospitals worldwide.
Judy our deepest condolences! You and Arvid are so generous and KIND and helped us during our darkest time. We think and thank goodness everyday
we met you. Please know we pay it forward in honour of knowing you two lovely people!
Love Barry and Tracy Middleton ❤
Dearest Aunt Judy, you have lost your husband and lifelong friend and I know there are no words that will bring you consolation at this saddest of times. Arvid was a good man, intelligent, cultured, empathetic and always faced things with great sense of humour. He lives on in my speech with his quip: “I’ll drink to that!”. May his memory be a blessing.
I first met Judy and Arvid at the Costa Sur resort in Puerto Vallarta. I don’t recall why, but all the staff there called him Poncho Villa, which, of course, Arvid relished. He was truly loved by all there. Since I was American and had been involved in a number of US political campaigns, Arvid loved to talk about whoever was President – of course, the Republicans were not his favorites. He was a smart, intelligent, caring and generous man with a great sense of humor. Doug and I always enjoyed the time we were able to spend with him. And I couldn’t ignore the soft spot in his heart forour schnauzer, Maya.
Our condolences to all Arvid’s family, but especially to you, Judy. Your love for Arvid was steadfast and never wavered even as his body began to fail him a bit and so much was required of you. God bless you.
Judy, our deepest condolences. We’re so thankful to have re-connected with you and Arvid over the last few years. May the Lord bless you and keep you and may His face shine upon you and give you peace at this sad time.
Arvid could always be counted on to rouse some stimulating conversation …. And would just laugh if opinion differed! It was our pleasure to know him during our years in Tappen! …A great friend…Condolences to the family and to you Judy.