Arnold Walter Cowper (1954 - 2023)

Born 15 Apr 1954 in Woodstock, Carleton, New Brunswick, Canada

Ancestors

Died 15 May 2023 at age 69 in Waterville, Wakefield, Carleton, New Brunswick, Canada

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Biography

It is with profound sadness that we, the family, announce the passing of Arnold Walter Cowper, who passed away at the Upper River Valley Hospital on May 15, 2023. Arnold leaves a huge hole in the hearts and lives of his family and friends who were always entertained by his stories, awed by his beautiful paintings and his hilarious sense of humor. His love of life was evident in the way he lived, and Arnold truly brought life to the party; sharing kindness with everyone he met.

Arnold was born on April 15, 1954, in Woodstock to George Henry Cowper and Edith Grace (Porter) Cowper. Arnold’s much-adored father passed away suddenly of a heart condition when Arnold was only 2 years old, and his older sister Grace took on the role of surrogate mother to help raise him at the young age of 12. A closer bond between brother and sister cannot be found.

Arnold was drawn to art and painting almost as soon as he could hold a pencil in his hand and was always found sketching and drawing. His talent was noticed very quickly by his uncle, Rev. Randolph Nicholson, a well-known artist who was most famous for his artwork for the Saturday Evening Post, Irving Calendars, and oil paintings depicting life in the early Canadian lumber camps. Randolph became Arnold’s mentor and teacher, and he quickly learned to create beautiful and realistic landscape sceneries in charcoal, watercolor, and oil paintings.

As a young lad in elementary school, his teacher encouraged him to submit a design for the new Canadian National flag, and his drawing was stylized and selected in the top three contenders. His design is featured in Canadian history books and school textbooks even today; a flag featuring a sprig of 3 red maple leaves, inspired by the national coat of arms, on a white background bordered by 2 blue stripes. Members of Parliament voted on the flag design, and Canada’s iconic red and white flag with a single maple leaf was declared the winner. Arnold was indeed disappointed, but equally disappointed was Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson, who wrote Arnold a personal letter thanking him for his concept and assuring him that he indeed voted for Arnold’s design, which was named the “Pearson Pennant.”

Arnold began his very first job stocking shelves at the original Woodstock Canadian Tire store, a small brick building located downtown, at the age of 14. Arnold’s work ethic, artful signage for store displays, and knack for finding any single item in the store gave him purpose and he was beloved by so many customers. He was promoted to store manager but chose to return to the sales floor where he enjoyed the interaction with customers. Arnold continued to work for Canadian Tire for his entire career, achieving the unprecedented award for longest-serving employee in Canadian Tire history. Arnold received gifts from the President & CEO of Canadian Tire and a signed letter congratulating him on this incredible achievement, with over 45 years as a dedicated and hardworking Canadian Tire employee. When he finally made the decision to retire in 2019, it was only because he felt his favorite customers were offering to assist him more often than he was assisting them! Arnold has left his permanent mark on the store, painting beautiful murals in the employee break room. He enjoyed working with his coworkers on the Canadian Tire float for the annual “Old Home Week” celebration and painted and drove the Canadian Tire-sponsored car in the “Demolition Derby” event. He was asked to create a painting for the dealer of the Canadian Tire store, and news quickly spread through the company of his talent. Over the years, he was commissioned by other dealers across Canada to paint other Canadian Tire store locations. He was seldom seen without his Canadian Tire hat and always wore it proudly.

Arnold’s paintings have circulated all around the world, and have been displayed for countless art shows, exhibits, and in private and public art galleries around Canada. You will find his vivid paintings hanging in many official buildings and offices. He has been published in several newspapers and has been asked to commission countless private artworks that continue to delight and bring warm memories to those who are fortunate enough to own an Arnold Cowper original artwork.

Arnold taught us all to see the world in a very appreciative and beautiful way and was always pulling over on long country drives in his red Trans Am T-top to take a photo of a sunset, a beautiful stream, or beautiful foliage that he would translate into a breathtaking painting. He had a gift of photography and could envision a beautiful painting out of scenes that others would have never noticed. He preferred the simplistic lifestyle characterized by his humility and love for the uncomplicated life. He prided himself on never owning a cell phone or having internet, keeping himself fully present to cherish every moment, and focused his complete attention on making memories with his loved ones.

He was the type of once-in-a-lifetime friend, who would leave an indelible mark on your heart even if you just met him. He was a fantastic brother, uncle, and best friend to all walks of life. Children were especially drawn to Arnold, and he possessed a childlike wonder, playfulness, and gentleness that cannot be compared. No matter the circumstance, you’d always leave with a story of something funny that Arnold did while you were with him. Arnold had many friends that he met through his beloved bowling league, and has many bowling trophies to his name. His laughter was downright contagious, and he was often seen removing his glasses and wiping away tears of laughter while playing board games, cards, and crokinole.

Arnold was a kind and wonderful man, who loved his family and friends so dearly. An avid golfer, he was often asked to paint landscapes of beautiful golf courses throughout New Brunswick. Arnold had a profound curiosity for the world and loved to explore. He enjoyed traveling the world with his sister, brother-in-law, nephews, and nieces. He filled dozens of photo albums and loved to reminisce upon his trips to the Canadian Rockies, the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, California, New York City, Denmark, Europe, and Hawaii. It’s difficult to imagine anyone could fit more adventure into his life than Arnold. He would never pass up an opportunity to go camping, sail to Grand Manan, and drive the Cabot Trail in his Trans Am with the top down. He was an avid host in his beautiful home and art studio he built himself and hosted BBQs and bonfires and movie nights for his dearest friends. He had an impressive ability to choose the most perfect and creative gifts for birthdays and Christmas and knew exactly what to give each person according to their personality.

Arnold was predeceased by his mother and father, and brother Laurel, who he undoubtedly has already been reunited with in Heaven.

Sources

• https://www.scottfh.com/obituary/arnold-cowper