Obituary of Arnold Ray Grover

With a deep sense of sadness and loss, we announce the peaceful passing of our dad, grandpa and great-grandpa, Arnold Ray Grover, on January 12, 2023 at the age of 91 at the Hanna Long Term Care Facility.

Arnold was born on December 1, 1931 to Mary (Ruhl) and Harry “Lyle” Grover in Hanna where he grew up with his younger siblings Shirley, Don and Jim.  The family lived in Calgary from 1941 – 1945 while Lyle served in the RCAF.  After moving back to Hanna as a young teen, Arnold developed many life-long friendships with his buddies.

Arnold met and fell in love with Donna Anderson and they were married in Hanna in 1953.  They were blessed with children Sheila and Murray to whom Arnold was a proud and doting father. Together the family enjoyed fellowship at the Church of Christ, Sunday afternoons boating and waterskiing at Fox Lake, ski trips to Alliance and the mountains, and holidays to Banff, Woods Lake, Sandpoint, and Disneyland.

Arnold loved every moment of his work life from delivering groceries to working in the family business, Lyle Grover & Sons Ltd., with his dad, brothers, and his son.

Arnold’s love for hockey began on the outdoor rink where he honed his skating skills.  In 1953, he was an original player with the Hanna Hornets hockey team and played with them when they won the Alberta “B” Intermediate Provincial title in 1959.  Other interests included baseball, fishing and camping.

Flying was Arnold’s passion.  He earned his pilot’s license in 1968 and along with other local pilots, formed the Hanna Flying Club. He loved to treat others to a flying experience and flew until he was 82.

As a proud and devoted fan of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Arnold followed their sports activities and attended their special life events.  He was very generous with his time and always willing to lend a helping hand. He tinkered, fixed and overhauled anything. He was well-respected by those he worked with, skated with and flew with.

Arnold moved to the Hanna Lodge in 2017 and then to Hanna Long Term Care in 2019 until his passing.  The family extends a heartfelt thank you to the staff of Hanna LTC for their loving care of Arnold.

Arnold was predeceased by his parents Lyle and Mary, brothers Don and Jim, brother-in-law Murray Hunter, sister-in-law Bette Grover, nephew Randy Grover and niece-in-law Patricia Grover.

Left to lovingly remember Arnold in their hearts are: children Sheila (Walter) Alksne, Murray (Gail) Grover; grandchildren Kurt (Rhonda) Alksne, Heather Alksne, Lauren (Patrick) May, Lindsay (Kevin) Hein, David (Brittany) Grover; great-grandchildren Emelia, Arik and Lukas Alksne, Michaela Jepp, Tyson and Delaynee Mann, Holden and Isla May, Kuper and Rowen Hein; sister Shirley Hunter and many nieces, nephews and friends.

A memorial service will be held in the spring.

If desired, donations in Arnold’s memory can be made to STARS, Air Ambulance, 1441 Aviation Park NE,Box 570, Calgary, Alberta, T2E 8M7.

Hanna Funeral Services Ltd. has been entrusted with the care and arrangements.  403-854-5956www.hannafuneral.ca.