Arney Winston Falconer

Arney W Falconer was the loving husband of wife Norma and the father of two girls; Tara (McNeil) and Jody (O'Rourke) both of Calgary and loved with fondness his three grandchildren; Cuyler McNeil; Cale and Tessa O'Rourke. He was predeceased by his parents; Tordis and Cuyler Falconer of Calgary, and his brother, Cuyler Falconer of Victoria, BC.

Born at the Holy Cross Hospital, started his adopted life in Rockyford Alberta. In 1946 his parents moved to Calgary which he called home. He attended elementary and junior high at Rideau Park and completed his high school at Western Canada High. His pursuit of a science education and background took him to Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado and later to UCLA and the California College of Mortuary Science from which he graduated Magna Cum Laude. While attending classes in California, he worked nights and weekends for Forest Lawn Mortuaries and later full time for the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office. After attending University in the United States, he returned to Calgary and decided to supplement his education and, enrolled in the SAIT School of Business from which he graduated with Honors.

After his return to Canada, he worked as a paramedic in Calgary for Associated, Stars and Universal Ambulances; the predecessors and foundation of the current EMS. He further Supplemented his school driving for Greyhound and Trimac. After his marriage and graduation from SAIT, because of his background he was hired by Ortho Pharmaceutical and McNeil Laboratories detailing and working with medical practitioners, hospitals and pharmacies in Calgary, Southern Alberta and into British Columbia. From there, he was a part of several businesses that were successful and some not so successful. He was driven and optimistic and no matter what challenges were thrown at him, he put his head down and overcome all difficulties with grace, humor and a strong work ethic that many appreciated and admired. His later years were mainly spent in the insurance business, specializing in hiring, consulting and placement of domestic, cross border and international benefit coverages and pensions.

He was very musical, successful and talented as a pianist and organist. He grew up in the Anglican Parish of Christ Church in Calgary, assisted as an altar boy and crucifer, was a member of the boys' choir and assisted as a sub organist. As a Master Mason, a member of the Scottish Rite and Royal Arch he continued to play the pipe organ.

In 1976, he became a Shriner, then joined a riding-member of the Al Azhar Mounted Patrol. For the next 18 years, he actively rode and participated as needed with a leased tractor, and the unit's trailer, hauled the horses to various events, and then like all others served as President in 1984.

He loved to golf, and travel, and he and his Norma were fortunate to see much of Europe and the UK several times and spent over 25 years as "Snowbirds in Nevada and loved it there!"

He lived in Faith and Love of Our Lord God and His Beloved Son, Christ Jesus and tried his best to serve his Jehovah-Rohi (The Lord is my Shepherd).

"God saw the road was getting rough and the hills were hard to climb. So, he closed your weary eyes and whispered, "Peace be Thine."

As per his wishes, no memorial service will be held. Kindly remember him with fondness, in happy times, and as it should be!

If you would prefer to make a donation to honor Arney’s memory, please do so at the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Thank you!’