Henry Stuart Arnold

Henry Stuart Arnold, 85, passed away peacefully on May 31st, 2026, in San Diego, California, surrounded by family. Born on September 17, 1940, in Los Angeles, California, Henry spent his childhood in Orange, California, before moving to Rio, Wisconsin, where he graduated from Rio High School in 1959. He later attended the University of California, Santa Barbara, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology in 1963. Following graduation, he entered Officer Candidate School in the United States Navy, graduating in 1964. His first tour of duty was as a communications officer stationed at Lajes Air Base in Terceira, Azores, where he met Olinda Bertao Dias. They were married on November 6, 1966, in Santa Barbara, Terceira, Azores, beginning a marriage and partnership that would span nearly sixty years. After completing active duty, Henry continued his service in the Naval Reserve for more than two decades, retiring honorably at the rank of Commander in 1985. Alongside his military service, he devoted more than forty years to building and operating Henry S. Arnold Insurance Brokerage with his wife, who was his partner in both work and life. Beyond his professional endeavors, Henry found satisfaction in working with his hands and spending time outdoors. Gardening, tending fruit trees, and backyard building projects brought him quiet enjoyment. In retirement, he expanded these interests into vineyards and winemaking. He also cherished time spent in nature, from frequent trips to Borrego Springs and Mount Cuyamaca to longer trips to the Grand Canyon, Lake Louise, and Death Valley. Henry lived with intellectual curiosity, quiet generosity, and deep devotion to his family. A lifelong reader with wide-ranging interests in history, science, and politics, he approached the world thoughtfully and with genuine interest. Friends and family valued his dry wit, calm presence, and steady integrity. Though private and reserved by nature, he expressed his love consistently through his actions, reliability, and quiet care for those around him. He is survived by his devoted wife, Olinda; his daughter, Belinda; his son-in-law, Paul Larson; and his grandchildren, Nick and Natalie, who brought him great pride and joy. He is also survived by his siblings, Norman, Susan and Christine. He was preceded in death by his parents, Emmer J. Arnold and Ellen Elizabeth Shea. Henry’s legacy endures in the family he loved, the values he lived by, and the many lives he touched through kindness, integrity, and steadfast love. We take comfort in knowing he is now enjoying the rewards of heaven, reunited with friends and family who passed before him, and resting fully in the presence and peace of Christ.