Leslie, Arnold “Arn” Beecher

March 07, 1936 ~ May 20, 2023

LESLIE, Arnold Beecher “Arn”, 87 years, passed away with family by his side on Saturday, May 20, 2023, at Lambton Meadowview Villa, Petrolia. Arn was born at the home farm in Mersea Township and grew up in the Leamington area.  He lived in the Windsor area for several years working for Hydro One, relocating to Petrolia in 1976 and retiring from Hydro in 1993. Arn loved to travel and enjoyed hobby gardening, with a special fondness for his tulips, snapdragons, and sweet tomatoes which he shared with many friends.  He enjoyed long walks around town and was well known for his friendly smile and quick wit, and for offering candy which he almost always had in his pocket.  Arn was a member of St. Paul’s United Church in Petrolia. Arn is survived by Julia, his wife of 21 years, his daughter Karen (Bryan) Cooper, his son Paul (Sylvain Boies) Leslie, his grandsons Tyson (Alesha) Cooper and Nolan (Jenny) Cooper, stepsons Cory (Robin) Skinner and Ben Skinner and step grandchildren Mallory and Luke Skinner. Arn was predeceased in 1994 by Darline (Daugherty) Leslie, his wife of 35 years, by his parents Stanley Leslie and Dora (Wilkinson) Leslie, and by Jack Daugherty and Doris (Bolton) Daugherty. He was also predeceased by brothers Don Leslie, and Delbert (Annie Mae) Leslie and by sisters Marie (Murray) Bailey and Catharine (Milford) Holland. For the last two years of Arn’s life, he was a resident at Lambton Meadowview Villa where he received loving care from the many staff.

Funeral Details
As per Arn’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a private celebration of life will occur at a later date.

Donations
As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to Lambton Meadowview Villa Auxiliary, Alzheimer’s Society alzheimer.ca, or St. Paul’s United Church. (Cheques only at the funeral home).

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Condolences (40)

  1. Arn and Julie were our neighbors for 5 yrs..when we moved in across the street he came over with a handful of flowers he picked from his yard and introduced himself..
    Julie I’m so sorry to hear
    Condolences to the family

  2. Several years ago, Arn lived behind us in Petrolia. We were having a garage sale and he asked if we had room for some of his “stuff” for the sale. We asked him to put his initials on his stuff. He wrote AL. After that, every time I saw him I called him Al.
    My condolences to your family, he was a very nice man.

  3. Unfortunately, I am only just seeing this today. I am so saddened to hear of Arn’s passing. I was trained by and worked alongside Arn at Ontario Hydro, starting in 1990. He quickly became, not only a coworker, but also a mentor and a friend. He will be greatly missed. I would like to send my deepest condolences to his family and friends.

    Nick & Lise Anic

  4. Julie, Karen and Family,
    So very sorry for your family’s loss. Sending my sympathy and sincere condolence to all.
    Gail

  5. My Condolences to you Julie & the Leslie family. I knew Arn when we were employed at Hydro One in Wyoming. He was a “Great guy” and we shared many memories.

  6. We wish to extend our sincere sympathy on the passing of Arn. I sure loved the many flowers he gave me over the years. He always had a bucket full when I would come to pick Julie up for choir. Somehow he would find Gord in the Timmy’s drive thru and jump into the truck for a little ride and a visit. He liked to come to the farm too when it was nice to sit outside for a visit and tell lots of old stories.. Lots of memories for sure.. Sending prayers and hugs at this difficult time – Marion, Gord and Mary C.

  7. On behalf of St. Paul’s United Church, we wish to extend our sincere sympathy to you all on the loss of Arn. He was always dressed so nicely when he came to Church and looking so dapper! He would ask Gord – are they reading from the same book today? Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time. Blessings from St. Paul’s U.C.

  8. Thinking of you at this difficult time Julie. Our sincere condolences.
    Barbara Nicol and Terry Fulton

  9. Dear Julie and family,
    My heart breaks for your loss. Remember fondly when Arn offered gifts of candy or the day he put flowers in my car for me. May God wrap you all in a cloak of comfort, love and peace.
    Much love and Caring Hugs, Donanne

  10. One more has been lost to that thing called Alzheimer’s. Sorry for your loss Julie and family, Arn is in a better place now. Sending hugs!!!!
    Donna Kersey

  11. Prayers and hugs to you Julia – so sorry for your loss. Sending lots of love ❤️ your way

  12. I’m so sorry to learn of Arn’s death. In his prime he was such a lively, witty, and outgoing man. I could see why you were attracted to him. I know his death is a mixed blessing. Alzheimer’s is such an insidious and relentless disease. It robs you of the things you loved about him. Blessings on you Julie. I hope you are finding peace in this.

  13. Julie and family, so sorry for your loss. I’ve been thinking of Arn today and just how much he loved Halloween in the neighborhood. Please know we are thinking of you at this sad time. I’m sure you have many fond memories of him too.
    Gary and Linda Bell.

  14. Karen Bryan and family and Paul..
    I know you will all surround each other with love at this time. You are in our thoughts. Love Brenda and Ira

  15. Karen, Bryan and family,
    Condolences on the passing of Arn. I’m sure the many memories he’s left with you will help you all in coming days. May it be of comfort to know he has been reunited with Darline.
    Thinking of you, take care.

  16. Julia and family so sorry for your loss. Let your memories be comfort in this difficult time.❤️

  17. Our heartfelt condolences to Karen, Brian, Paul, Nolan, Tyson and Julie. RIP Arn

  18. So sorry to hear about Arn. Our thoughts are with Julie and family. Hugs coming your way Julie. Chin up and keep your memories close.

  19. I pray for Arn’s family & loved ones that they will find comfort in God’s grace and steadfast love. Julia, my friend, when you are able, send me a note that we may connect and share your grief to lift some of that burden.

  20. Julie and family: So sorry to hear of Arn’s passing. Condolences and prayers to you all.

  21. Julie and family: thoughts and prayers to all at this difficult time . Bill and Sharon Stonehouse

  22. Karen and family, so very sorry for the loss of your dear Dad. Thinking of you at this difficult time. Cherish those special memories. 🙏🩵

  23. To Arn’s family, I am so very sorry to hear of Arn’s passing. I have many fond memories of Arn and had many chats with him while he walked throughout Petrolia, always offering me a candy. Please know I’m thinking of you all and send my love and support during this difficult time.

  24. Julie and family sending mt sympathy in the passing of Arn. Treasure your memories while knowing that he is in the arms of our savior and tending the flowers in God’s gardens.

  25. To Arn’s family.
    Im so sorry to hear of Arn’s passing. He was such a friendly man and I enjoyed our many visits on the street. I will keep you all in my prayers. May your memories bring you comfort.

  26. To Arn’s family,
    So sorry to read about his passing. Our thoughts are with you at this sad time. May pleasant memories eventually bring you peace.
    Michael and Cathy

  27. Julie and all the family. Please accept our heartfelt sympathy in the passing of Arn.
    Treasure your memories!
    I’ve been the recipient of his candies over the years.

  28. Sympathy to all of Arn’s Families. I got to know Arn while he went to our program . Arn was a well liked guy and loved to chat with everyone . Arn was definitely a book of knowledge. He enjoyed chatting about his work and his family who he adored . Arn will be missed by everyone he sure loved to help others out in anyway he could ! Thinking of you all at this difficult time ! Hugs to everyone Love Always Maureen (Mccallum) Bailey xoxo

  29. Our deepest condolences Karen & family always enjoyed our chats on the streets of Petrolia with your dad and never refused one of his candies! As well worked alongside Arn at Hydro One RIP Arn
    Doug Wendy & family

  30. Jule, my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of loss. May you always have fond memories of the time spent with Arn while he was healthy and well. Rest in peace Arn.
    MaryBeth