Arnold Ranneris, who was involved with the Victoria Historical Society and BC Historical Federation passed away suddenly on Sunday, November 4, 2018 in Victoria, BC at the age of 79.
Arnold leaves behind his wife of 56 years, Margaret, daughters Karen Sparks (Neil) and Donna Turner (Ken); granddaughters Tegan and Hayley Turner; sister Mary Lou Ranneris; many nephews and nieces; and more friends than he sometimes realized!
Born and raised in Richmond, BC, Arnold was the youngest of six children in Christian and Thora Ranneris’ family. He attended Richmond High School and UBC, as well as the Victoria Teachers College. He and Margaret married in Naramata in the Okanagan in 1962. His early teaching posts took him to various towns in BC’s interior including Grand Forks and Revelstoke. Arnold really connected with small town BC and had fond memories of his times there (as a resident and on many vacations). An opportunity to teach at Appleby College took Arnold, Margaret and Donna to Ontario.
In 1968, he felt called back to school and he finished his librarianship degree at UBC in 1969. He and Margaret moved to Victoria shortly after that. Arnold then worked at the Greater Victoria Public Library at various branches until the 1990s when he retired. He was an active volunteer, and was involved with the Victoria and B.C. Historical Associations, the Victoria YM/YWCA (as an archivist) the local United Nations chapter and other groups reflecting his interests in history, peace and social justice.
Arnold was a very spiritual person and spent many years connected with the Victoria Society of Friends (Quakers) and the greater Canadian Quaker community. He was very proud of his contributions to the editorial board of the Canadian Quakers’ Faith and Practice publication. He also felt connected to other church groups including the United Church, most recently with Oak Bay United. Arnold was often seen walking the neighbourhood and riding his bike. For many years he was a faithful swimmer at the Victoria Y. As a result of all these experiences, Arnold had a wide circle of friends and acquaintances A celebration of Arnold’s life will be held on Monday, November 26, 2018 at 10:30am, in the chapel at Mt St Mary Hospital (861 Fairfield Road, Victoria).
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Arnold may be made to the Knowledge Network, Our Place Society, or another charity or social organization of your choice.
