Michael John Arnum

Michael John Arnum, 54, of Lancaster, passed away unexpectedly on February 26, 2023. Born October 27, 1968 in Cambridge, MA to Martha (Thompson) Arnum and the late Malven Arnum. Michael had a deep passion for gardening, plants and all things green working many hours on home vegetable and flower gardens. He loved history, gadgets and bird feeding often attracting hummingbirds to the yard. He was a fantastic cook and baker, well known for his culinary skills, sharing goodies with all he knew. Mike was also a prolific writer and avid reader. Mike enjoyed travel as he was fluent in French and perfecting his Norwegian. Proud of his Norwegian heritage, Michael was a long-time active member of Sons of Norway. Fascinated by weather phenomena and astronomy, Michael was an ardent comet and eclipse watcher and he loved to watch thunderstorms and snowstorms too. An incredibly hard worker, Michael took adversity in stride and persevered. A kind and gentle man with a unique sense of humor, he had a keen ability to pick out the most distinctive gifts for friends and family. A wiz with technology, Michael was always helpful to those of us who were technologically challenged. A graduate of Lincoln-Sudbury High School Michael furthered his studies and received a BS in Horticulture Science at Cornell University. Later he earned his Masters of Business Administration from Boston University and recently received the prestigious Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) certification. Michael served many years as Marketing Director for Tower Hill Botanical Gardens in Boylston before taking a position as Marketing Director at Old Sturbridge Village in Sturbridge. His most recent title was with Shrub and Tree Sales at Weston Nurseries in Hopkinton where he would often make valuable contributions to the Marketing Department. In addition to his dear Mother, Michael is survived by his loving sisters Karen Mitchell and Anita Arnum, three Nephews Ryan, Nicholas and Jake Mitchell and two beloved cats “Chase” and “Ozzie.” Michael also has several relatives in Norway. A smart, sweet and gentle man, Michael left us way too soon and will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Funeral Service will be held in Duckett Funeral Home of J.S. Waterman & Sons, 656 Boston Post Road Sudbury on Saturday March 4th, 2023 at 10:30 AM. Visiting Hours will be held in the Funeral Home on Friday March 3rd, 2023 from 4-8 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Michael’s memory to the Audubon Society or your favorite cat rescue, horticulture society or any of the many organization to which Michael belonged. The Arnum Family is inviting you to join them virtually at Michael Arnum’s Memorial Service on Saturday, March 3rd at 10:30AM Join Zoom Meeting https://actonma.zoom.us/j/86040850857?pwd=N1c2TkZKeUUwQWFLNE1RSENmR25jdz09 Meeting ID: 860 4085 0857 Passcode: 233951 One tap mobile +13126266799,,86040850857# US (Chicago) +16468769923,,86040850857# US (New York)