Veinot, Arnold Wayne – Age 83, of Melvern Square (Wilmot), passed away peacefully at home on January 11, 2022, surrounded by his family. He came into this world quietly and left the same way, but his life was fully lived.

Born in Berwick, Nova Scotia, Arnold was the eldest son of the late Clarence and Muriel (Gates) Veinot. Growing up in Kingston, he left school at 16 to work with his father. At the age of 21, together with his mother and father, he started the family business C.K. Veinot & Son Ltd. After more than a decade learning and working as a carpenter, Arnold began working with the Department of National Defence as part of the Construction Engineering section at CFB Greenwood. Everyone was happy to have such a pleasant, competent man complete new installations and make needed home repairs. Arnold greatly enjoyed his numerous work trips to Bermuda, working for DND for over 25 years before retiring at age 60.

As well as a highly skilled carpenter, woodworker, and mason, Arnold enjoyed the challenge of building and fixing just about anything. He did all his own work, building the home he lived in and milling the lumber and beams to build his cottage. He also built a unique car camper and roadworthy dune buggy that drew lots of attention. Other projects included a snowmobile camp, canoe, portable sawmill, generator, and wood splitter. He was always available to help with building and woodworking projects and shared his extensive experience with anyone who would listen, offering advice and opinions.

Arnold was full of life with numerous hobbies including competing and winning trophies in four-wheeler pulls, sawing logs on his mill, woodworking, and four-wheeling. In his earlier years, he spent many weekends at the Meadowvale Racetrack as a designer and mechanic on stock car #14. He travelled throughout the US as part of a local drag race support crew and had a passion for the sport of NASCAR as Jeff Gordon's biggest fan.

In the winter months, he enjoyed snowmobiling, clearing and dragging trails, and visits to Cloud Lake Hilton where conversations were shared over food and Arnold's "homemade" cookies. Arnold spent summers at his cottage on Zwicker Lake, and cherished time with family and friends.

Arnold loved being a grandfather and delighted in videotaping special events and holidays; Christmas Day couldn't start until he arrived with his camera to record the opening of presents. He was a devoted father and grandfather and was so proud of his children and grandchildren for their knowledge and eagerness to learn new things.

He was a keen conversationalist, making sure you didn't have to lead the conversation or fill any silence. A stoic, strong willed man, Arnold was known for his willingness to help those in need. He will be remembered as a soft-spoken man with incredible strength and a genuine heart and was a true friend to many.

He beat the odds in 2016 showing his stubborn nature by recovering after a surgery complication when the doctors said he would not. Two years later he faced a second diagnosis but refused to let it slow him down. Although he struggled in the final months of his battle with cancer, Arnold showed courage and faced these challenges with determination. Despite the pain, he bravely accepted his fate, staying strong until the end. His wish was to leave the world in the house that he built, and his family made this happen.

Arnold will be deeply missed by his son Jeff (Kirsten) Veinot; daughters Angela (Cary) McIntyre, and Debbie (David) Saltzman; granddaughter Blair (Harry Hussain) McIntyre; grandsons Devan (Brianna Welch) McIntyre, and Colton (Andrea MacMurtry) Saltzman; sister Judy Raiche; brother Neil (Sheralyn) Veinot; soon to be born great-granddaughter; chosen daughter Mona (Yong ho Kang) Theriault; and special friend Regan Galloway; as well as many extended family members and friends. He was predeceased by ex-wife and close friend Dianne Galloway.

As per his wishes, cremation has taken place. Arnold will be honoured in a family lakeside celebration of life this summer. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to CATS "R" US Rescue (catsrus@eastlink.ca) or a charity of one's choice. Online condolences, memories, and stories can be shared at www.middletonfuneralhome.com