Obituary of Archibald Lewis "Arch" MacArthur

MACARTHUR, ARCH: It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Archibald Lewis MacArthur on Sunday, February 3, 2013 at age 68 after a courageous battle with cancer. Left to cherish his memory are Wilma, his wife of 45 years, his children, Clint and Dee-Dee, daughter-in- law, Anna Choy, and granddaughter Quinn. He is also survived by sisters, Chris (Bob Johnston) and Elizabeth, and brother-in-law Everett Milne (Betty). Arch was predeceased by father Jack, and mother, Helma. Arch was born with "trucking genes." His grandfather started a business, which was to become Brandon Body Works. Arch's father, Jack, expanded the company to a transportation company, MacArthur and Son Ltd. Following some time in Toronto with White Trucks to "learn the ropes," in 1967 Arch eventually returned to the family business in Winnipeg. In 1977, Arch moved into the service and repair business and founded MacArthur Truck and Trailer servicing the Westman area. Arch was proud of the company and the team for all of their achievements, a market leader for 35 years. The business was his passion and he shared its successes with his management team. Arch served the trucking industry and community in many capacities including President of the Manitoba Trucking Association and Heavy Duty Distributors Council, Board Member of the Provincial Exhibition, Chair of the Brandon Summer Fair, and member of the Brandon Police Commission. Alongside his passion for business, Arch was very proud of his family and he was especially proud of the accomplishments of his children in their professional careers. Arch was a "family man extraordinaire." He was blessed with many friends who shared his love of adventure, travel, and of course, laughter with his cherished friends, including the "Crazy Eights." Since his early days, Arch loved his second home at Clear Lake enjoying his favorite pastimes of boating, waterskiing, snowmobiling and scuba diving. Arch embraced the hospitality of a welcoming cottage to family and friends with endless memories of pig roasts, twilight water-skiing, ice-cream strolls and storytelling by the bonfire and hot tub. Arch lived his life as he always knew he would, building the business with passion and never losing sight. He truly fulfilled his journey in life and inspired those who knew him. In lieu of flowers, donations in Arch's memory can be made to the Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation "Brandon RHA Cancer Services," 150 McTavish Avenue East, Brandon, MB, R7A 2B3, to recognize the exceptional care provided to Arch. The family invites you to join in a Ceremony to Celebrate Arch's Life at Central United Church, 327-8th Street, on Thursday, February 7, 2013 at 3:00 p.m. followed by a reception at the Royal Oak Inn, 3130 Victoria Avenue at 4:00 p.m. Prior to the ceremony; a private interment will take place at the Brandon Cemetery.