Fredric Denver "Freddy" Arnold, of Shady Spring, West Virginia, made his transition from this life on September 30th, 2015, at Charleston Area Medical Center, surrounded by his loving family.
Up until a brief illness sidelined him a month ago, Freddy spent every day doing what he loved. A good portion of this included being outdoors, maintaining the property and grounds of the business he founded in 1985, Rainbow Retreat Pet Cemetery.
Blending his love for animals with a service to the public was truly Freddy's life purpose. Another passion of Freddy's was music. And, as a former deejay, he was well versed in all genres, as evidenced by some of his favorite artists Mitch Ryder, Gene Vincent, Elvis, Prince, Michael Jackson and AC/DC.
Freddy truly lived in the moment and was grateful for each day. He had a curiosity and never ending quest for knowledge, as well as a keen understanding of the mysteries of this life. Immersing himself in various forms of media, he often proclaimed, "I learn something new each day."
Armed with an amazing wit and dry sense of humor, he often sent out email riddles to family members to solve. Most were thought stumpers.
Following his childhood in Beckley, Freddy moved to Cleveland, Ohio, where he graduated from Shaw High School. He later served his country in the United States Air Force. Following his Air Force service, Freddy's career led him to be a writer for various publications and a service manager for the Arnold Dodge car dealership in Beckley.
During this time, his major outlet for relaxation was fishing, and he was quite the angler whether that was demonstrated on repeated fishing trips to Canada where he instilled his love of fishing to his children, Cathy and Mike, or to nearby Plum Orchard Lake with his beloved grandfather.
Freddy was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara; his father, Fred Arnold; mother, Evelyn Arnold Sebring; stepmother, Lorene Arnold; stepdaughter Kimmy Kay Tolliver; and grandparents Denver and Lena Arnold and Robert and Minnie Trump.
Left to cherish his memory are his children, Cathy Arnold and Michael Arnold of Cleveland, Ohio and his grandchildren, Christine, Matthew, Michael and Amy, all of Ohio; sister, Paula Arnold Craver and her husband Colin Mathews of Big Sky, Montana; sister, Linda Arnold and her husband, John Catselis, of Charleston, West Virginia; brother, David Moye and his wife, Joanne, of Cleveland, Ohio; stepson, Trey Snyder of Princeton, West Virginia; sister-in-law, Judith Hopkins of Charleston, West Virginia; and cousin, Nancy Trump Perry and her husband, David, of Oak Hill, West Virginia. Freddy will also be fondly remembered by the extended Arnold, Trump, Richardson and Snyder families, along with his childhood/lifelong friend in Beckley, Tommy Garten, and his loving furry companion, Ebby.
Freddy's legacy is one of compassion and commitment to care for others in need. He was the primary caregiver along with his Aunt Doris for two of his aunts, Margie and Hester. And he put the same love into his care for the numerous "fur babies" of his clients who found their final resting places at Rainbow Retreat.
A visitation and celebration of Freddy's life will take place on Saturday, October 3rd, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., at Melton Mortuary, 1200 Harper Road, in Beckley, West Virginia. A private family graveside service will be held later.
For those who are inclined to honor Freddy's life with a memorial contribution, those may be directed to the Raleigh County Humane Society, 325 Grey Flats Road, Beckley, West Virginia, 25801, or to a charity of your choice.
Online condolences and remembrances may be sent to the family at www.meltonmortuary.com.
Freddy was complete in his spiritual life and comfortable with his contributions on this earth, summed up by the following quote: "I'm content with where I've been, and I'm proud of where I am."
As a tribute to Freddy's love of animals, the family is referring to this transition as Freddy's crossing of the Rainbow Bridge. Many pet lovers are familiar with this concept.
And it gives us great comfort to envision Freddy's vibrant smile and sparkly blue eyes light up on this journey.
The Rainbow Bridge
Just this side of Heaven is a place called the Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to the Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine. And our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing: they each miss someone very special, someone who was left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; his eager body begins to quiver. Suddenly, he breaks from the group, flying over the green grass, faster and faster.
You have been spotted. And when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face. Your hands again caress that beloved head, and you look once more into those trusting eyes, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together