It is with great sadness that the family of Arlo Wilfred Jewell announces his passing on Monday, Feb. 17, 2020 at Atikokan General Hospital with his family by his side. Arlo fought a courageous four-year battle with cancer.
Arlo was born Dec. 3, 1941 in Fort Frances, Ont. to Gilbert and Ella Jewell. He grew up on the farm on Colonization Road until his family moved into Emo in the fall of 1961.
As a young man, he discovered that he had natural mechanical aptitude. He worked for Mel Newman Ford in Fort Frances where he earned his mechanics apprenticeship through Sault College. Arlo gained his certifications to work all across Canada on any type of machinery.
Arlo married Fay Ann Pelepetz on Nov. 25, 1961. They lived in Crozier and had three girls: Twila, Jody and Tammy. Family lived close by in Emo and Fort Frances and lots of fun times were spent at the Emo raceway where Arlo was a pitman for his brother-in-law, Dennis.
In summer of 1968, the family moved to Atikokan as there were many job opportunities for tradespeople at the iron ore mines. Arlo worked at Caland and then moved to Steep Rock Iron Mines, working there until the mine closed in 1980. Arlo was very resourceful and a skilled tradesman. He worked for local businesses at Hoard’s Husky and BR Davidson Construction before moving to Great Lakes Forest Products in Atikokan area and Graham camp until their forest operations closed here. Arlo finished his mechanical career at the Ontario Power Generation Station in Atikokan.
Life changes over time. Arlo divorced and his current wife, Donna Boulley, came into his life in 1987. They shared over 30 years together and loved camping, fishing, travelling and spending time with family. They were active members of the Lions’ Club and enjoyed many curling bonspiels, club events and conferences together. Summers camping at French Lake and Finlayson were always a highlight for Arlo and Donna.
Arlo had many interests and hobbies that he participated in until his disease would no longer allow. He curled from the time he as a teenager until he was 76. He loved stock car racing, NASCAR, fishing, gardening, snowmobiling, ice fishing and helping others to fix anything that had a motor. He was also a Jack-of-All trades and would take on any project for his family.
Arlo gave to his community through his tireless volunteer efforts with the Sno-Ho Club clearing and grooming trails and keeping the groomer running and with the Lions Club at the Spring Carnival, Christmas Tree Bonfire and other regular events. Arlo never looked for thanks; the success of a job well done was the best feeling of all.
Arlo was blessed with dry wit, strong determination, incredible resourcefulness, respect for a job done properly, and a love of his family.
Arlo was predeceased by his parents, Gilbert and Ella Jewell; brothers, Louis and Earl Jewell; sister-in-law, Betty Jewell; and mother-in-law, Marjorie Doran.
Arlo will be greatly missed by his wife, Donna Boulley and his beloved pet, Maisy; his daughters Twila (Marvin) Smitsnuk; Jody (Mark) Labossiere; Tammy (Brad) Beyak; and Leslie Boulley; his grandchildren Arla (Steve) Bryk; Chelsey (Kevin) Rusnick; Jillian Labossiere (Brody Riding); Aidan Labossiere; Naomi Beyak; his great grandchildren Tatum Bryk; Harlyn and Nyxon Rusnick; his brothers-in-law Ron, Doug (Sheila), and David Doran; along with many nieces and nephews and their families in the Fort Frances and Emo area and beyond.
The supportive and professional staff at Atikokan General Hospital provided incredible care for Arlo during his last few months of life. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that In Memoriam donations be made to the Atikokan General Hospital Foundation, 120 Dorothy Street, Box 2490.
The family will hold a Celebration of Life for Arlo on Saturday, Feb. 29 at the Legion Hall at 2:00 p.m.
ARLO WILFRED JEWELL
