Dr. Arnold Tsuneo Arai died peacefully on August 19, 2024, at Mackenzie Health-Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital.
Arnold was born on April 14,1928, in Vancouver, British Columbia, to Mozaemon Arai and Yu Kanoke. In life and in death, he had his family by his side.
Arnie was predeceased by his wife, Sadako "Sadie" (nee Hinatsu); and his siblings, Yuki (Mikio), Arthur (Audrey), Hedy, and Mio (Victor). Arnie was the beloved and proud father of Allison, Andrew (Mary Angela), Steven (Melissa) and Susan. He cherished his grandchildren, Michelle (Brady), Nicole, Meghan, Adam and Kelly; and was the proud great-grandfather of Avery. He will be fondly remembered by his many nieces and nephews and their families.
Married in 1958, Sadie was the love of his life, at his side for 49 years. With their charming and graceful presence, they engaged people at many social events. Arnie was a proud mentor who enjoyed sharing his philosophies on life. He was fun-loving, quick to laugh, and a willing participant whether it was skiing, fishing, gardening, a game of cards with his friends and family, or going for sushi or chinese food with anyone who was willing. An avid baseball player in his youth, Arnie was an arm-chair sports enthusiast bonding with others who shared his passion for the Jays, Leafs and Argos.
Arnie loved family time at the cottage in Muskoka creating countless memories with his children, grandchildren, and extended family.
Like all Japanese-Canadians during wartime, Arnie was interned in the Tashme prison camp, British Columbia. In 1944, at the age of 16, he (and his sister, Yuki) sought employment in Toronto to help the rest of the family move East. From these harsh beginnings, Arnie's formidable perseverance and spirit blazed a trail. He always said it was the support of family and the "good people you meet along the way who make all the difference." He was fortunate to have a strong family and countless mentors and friends over his many decades including Andrew and Eta McKague who became his employers and provided opportunity for high school completion at Forest Hill Collegiate where he graduated in 1948.
Arnie attended the University of Toronto and graduated in 1952 with a degree in Honour Science (Physiology and Biochemistry). After graduation from the U of T Medical school in 1956, he began working in the medical practice of Langstaff, Smith and Wynne in Richmond Hill. Dr. James Langstaff encouraged Arnie to pursue General surgery (graduated 1963) and showed him the path to work-life balance in the Muskokas.
Arnie is best known as the surgeon who worked tirelessly saving lives and always showed up in a suit and tie when he was not in scrubs. Arnie worked at York County hospital (Southlake Regional Health Centre), for a short period of time, awaiting the opening of York Central Hospital (Mackenzie Health Richmond Hill) in December 1963. At hospital opening, he was one of two General Surgeons on staff, leading to a legendary career holding many positions including Chief of Surgery and Chief of Staff during his tenure. Arnie is fondly remembered for his gentle demeanor, and passionate and respectful care for patients and hospital staff, and as a leader and mentor to new surgeons and healthcare professionals.
His life was also one of consistent service to family and community. If he saw a need, he would strive for change. He was the founding President of Community Living York South, an active member of the Rotary Club of Richmond Hill, and initiated many fundraising events for York Central Hospital.
The family is forever grateful to the 8 DEF surgical unit nurses and support staff and physicians at Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital for their exceptional patient care, professionalism and compassion for Arnie and his family during his final weeks.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the MacKenzie Health Foundation, Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre, York South Community Living, or Powell Street Festival Society. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.marshalfuneralhome.com