It is with sadness that we announce the death of Arnold Froese, who passed away at the age of 88 at Golden Links Lodge on July 1, 2022. 

 

Arnold was born in Halbstadt, Ukraine but fled the Soviet Union and  spent three years in a refugee camp in what is now the Czech  Republic, before setting out on foot with his mother to Berlin and  eventually to Bad Sachsa, Germany. Displaced by the war and the  political turmoil in Europe, he left Germany and arrived in Canada in  1951. These childhood experiences profoundly shaped him, and he  cultivated an interest in history and politics, assiduously following the  news. He often said that some of his happiest years were spent in  Bad Sachsa, Germany, where he made friends that remained close to  him throughout his entire life. 

 

After completing his PhD at McGill University, Arnold came to  Winnipeg with a group of scientists to set up the first independent  Department of Immunology in Canada at the University of Manitoba,  where he would work as a professor and allergy researcher for 28  years. He was devoted to the graduate students who worked in his  lab, many of whom went on to successful careers and returned his  devotion by remaining in touch with him until the very end. 

 

Arnold’s favourite pastimes were listening to classical music, and  camping and hiking with his family. He used to insist on heading  straight for Manitoba’s parks on weekends and instilled this love for  the outdoors in his children. The joy at being in nature never left him,  and even when his mind was ravaged by dementia, he was happiest  strolling around in city parks, delighting in watching the deer and the  geese. He enjoyed spending time with his grandson, Mattias, who  would be his proud helper in the garden. Arnold loved to joke around,  and will be remembered for a smile that stretched from ear to ear. 

 

Arnold will be greatly missed by his wife Christa of 53 years; his  children, Joachim (Maren) of Australia, Katrin of Calgary and Oliver  (Melissa); his grandson Mattias; as well as the extended Froese  family. He will be remembered fondly by his student, Bosco Chan of  London, Ontario, who called Arnold regularly until the end of his life,  and saw him not only as a mentor, but also a father figure. Arnold will 

also be missed by his closest friend from his refugee years, Klaus  Gutsche of Berlin. 

 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Mennonite Central Committee for Ukrainian refugees or the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba.