FINELL - The family sadly announces the passing of Arnold Vincent Finell on March 11, 2009, at the age of 90. Arnold was born on November 20, 1918, on the family farm 18 miles south of Ponteix. He was the eldest of three children born to John and Selma Finell. He attended school at Pinto Head and continued his education at Balfour Tech in Regina. He married Catherine (Betty) White on April 6, 1943. Arnold eventually took over the Finell family farm where he ran a mixed farm operation. He retired to Swift Current in 1976. He was an active member of Mount Calvary Lutheran Church. Arnold will be remembered for his work ethic, determination, integrity and his love for his family. Dad loved nothing better than family get-togethers. Within this past year, we were fortunate to celebrate Mom and Dad's 65th wedding anniversary and Dad's 90th birthday. He valued education and sought to keep up with current affairs. He loved to socialize. Dad's years of "Dancing around the Squares" and trips to "coffee row" provided him needed opportunity to meet with friends. He was a gentle soul, easy going, and rarely let a situation get the better of him. He was known for his sense of humor. Dad loved to tell a good story and enjoyed the stories of others. He loved to make the grandkids laugh, being, in many ways, a kid at heart himself. His sense of humor combined with his desire to tease carried through to his last days at the Foyer in Ponteix. Left to treasure his memory are his wife Betty; his 7 children - Ardis Janzen, Mervin Finell, Arvid (Agnes) Finell, Frances (Pat) Larochelle, Shirley Finell (Don Smith), Myrna (Henri) Roberge, Foster Finell (Linda Gervais); 11 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; sister, Arline Kristianson; sister-in-law, Jean Finell. He was predeceased by his parents, John and Selma Finell; In-laws, George and Florence White; brother, Eldon Finell; brother-in-law, Melvin Kristianson; son-in-law, Ernest Janzen; and daughter-in-law, Marg (Read) Finell. A celebration of his life was held March 16, 2009, at Notre Dame D'Auvergne, Ponteix, with Pastor Brad Julien officiating. Organist Betty Baragar and the Lutheran Gospel Band provided the music for the service along with a special song by (son) Mervin Finell and Dale Nostbakken. Granddaughters Candice Dillon and Seonid Dirom gave the readings while grandson Sean Finell gave a special tribute to Dad/Grandpa. Grandchildren Ryan Roberge, Merissa Roberge, Christine Hanel, Rhonda Janzen, David Larochelle and Sean Finell were the pallbearers. Grandchildren Angie (Larochelle) Fischer, Felicia (Finell) Lloyd and Jason Finell were honorary pallbearers. The family would like to extend a special Thank You to the Staff at the Foyer for their compassionate care and support. Memorial donations in Arnold's memory can be made to the "Foyer St. Joseph Nursing Home Inc." Box 450, Ponteix, SK, S0N 1Z0. Lemieux's Funeral Home were in charge of the arrangements.