Arthur Wallace McBride

McBride, Arthur Wallace

March 2nd, 1930 – May 24th, 2020

The family announces the death of Arthur McBride, beloved husband of the late Beryl McBride, father of Reid McBride (Julie), Lori Fleming (Stephen) and Bryce McBride (Melanie) and grandfather of Nicole, Ana, Thomas, Elyse, Sebastien, Daniel, Trent, Benen, Isla and Eamon. Son of the late Arndell and Ellen McBride and brother of Shirley McBride, Murray McBride and Gayle Stewart and of the late Henry “Harry” and Izett McBride.

Arthur was a lifelong resident of Westmeath. As a youth, he drove horse-drawn loads of hay to the lumber camps in the Pontiac, spent a winter working in the camps and travelled to Saskatchewan as part of the harvest exchange program. After his marriage to Beryl, who had moved to the area to teach school, the two of them worked hard and eagerly took part in agricultural programs to improve Walloan Farm on the Gore Line, and were justifiably proud of the quality of their crops and cattle. Both he and Beryl, grateful for those who had helped them when they were starting out, believed in ‘paying it forward’ in life through their own generosity to others.

Arthur always enjoyed a good visit and was a lifelong member of St. Andrew’s United Church in Westmeath, where he served as an elder. He was a 4-H club leader for many years where his patience and kindness positively influenced many area youth.

These same qualities made him a wonderful parent. When working with him, he would always ‘take the heavy end’ and would ‘just work away’ at a task until it was completed. Whenever we made mistakes, he would gently guide us to solve whatever problems we had caused. He was a loving and supportive husband and father and a great teacher and role model.

We would like to thank the medical team (Dr. Buxton, Dr. Low and Dr. Blaine, as well as the superb nursing staff) at Renfrew Victoria Hospital for their care over the past few months. As well, we would like to thank Roxanne Nolan for setting up daily virtual meetings when we were not able to visit in person due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Special recognition to Marie Paule McMullen, who has been an amazing neighbour . Finally, we would like to thank Dr. Rabinovitch for helping manage Arthur’s Parkinson’s disease for the past 17 years.

Due to the current COVID-19 restrictions, a celebration of life will be held at a later date. In the meantime, we invite you to honour Arthur’s life either by sharing your stories and reminiscences of him at https://www.frasermorrisheubner.com, or with a quiet prayer. In lieu of flowers, donations to Parkinson Canada or St. Andrew’s United Church, Westmeath would be appreciated.

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