LOCKPORT —
Wesley F. Arnold passed away peacefully on January 31, 2013 at the age of 89. He was born in Geneseo, NY, in 1923, the son of Wilbert and Lulu (Rebbon) Arnold who raised Wes in Avon, NY.
After graduating from Avon High School in 1940, he entered Geneseo State Teachers College. In October 1942, he enlisted in the US Navy, serving to June 1946. In 1944, he was the first man in the United States to be commissioned under the V-12 as a Lt. in the Seabees. He graduated in 1948 with M.S. in Education and Administration. He also attended Hobart, Notre Dame and SUNY at Buffalo. He taught 5th and 6th Grade and acted as building Principal at Selkirk, NY Elementary School, before moving to Lockport, where he began a long successful career, six years, 6th grade teacher, at Washington Hunt, 20 years as Principal of Dewitt Clinton and seven years as Principal at Roy B. Kelly.
He was a member of Lockport YMCA Board of Directors from 1966 to present, and served as president of the board from 1974 to 1994; served on the Board of Directors of the Niagara-Orleans AAA also the Board of Directors of the Police and Justice Executive Conference, past president of the Niagara County Magistrates Association, 60-year member and Past Master of the Red Jacket Lodge, F.&A.M. and a member of Lockport Shrine Club, helped form the Lockport Teachers Federal Credit Union, Charter Member of the South Lockport Fire Co. Exempt Association. Wes was a 60-year member and also served as an Elder of the First Presbyterian Church; served on the planning board for the Kenan Center of which he was an original board members from 1966 to 1968.
He also was an original member of the Lockport Clowns for 22 years known as Duke, served on the Red Cross Board, Citizens Advisory Committee and Chairman of the Elks Club Scholarship Committee. He became involved in local government as a member of the Lockport Board of Appeals in 1963 followed by five years as a councilman on the Town Board. He became Lockport Town Justice serving 26 years. Wes also co-authored a children's book "Fun with Next to Nothing" with his partner, Wayne C. Cardy. He was a local artist, specializing in wildlife. He was known for his integrity and devotion to his family and community and a true advocate for children and fairness to all.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Margaret "Etta" Arnold; loving father of Heather Arnold, Laurie (John) Beck, Christopher Arnold and Brian (Kelly) Arnold. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren and five great grandchildren; brother-in-law of Maudie (James) Darrah of California and Edwina (William) Ruffner of Niagara Falls; and several nieces and nephews.
Friends may call on Sunday 1-5 PM in Prudden and Kandt Funeral Home, Inc., 242 Genesee Street, Lockport. A Memorial Service will be held on Monday morning at 11 AM, in First Presbyterian Church, 21 Church Street, Lockport. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Niagara Hospice, 4675 Sunset Drive, Lockport, NY 14094 or the First Presbyterian Church, would be appreciated by the family.
Visit www.pruddenandkandt.com for online condolences.
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