Arnold Rubin

Arnold Rubin (aka Arnie aka Big Arn) passed away peacefully on December 9th 2014 at the age of 85 at Bayridges Long Term Care Home in Pickering Ontario. Arnie was a fighter all his life beginning with the diagnosis of Alopecia Universalis at the age of 4, surviving Lung and Bladder Cancer as well as living with Diabetes for more than 30 years, which resulted in the amputation of his right leg in 2005. After suffering a stroke in 2012 he was diagnosed with vascular dementia which robbed him of his memories but not his sense of humour nor his will to live.

Arnie was born on February 4, 1929 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. One of three sons born to Abe and Dorothy Rubin, Arnie was the baby to brothers Harold (Mona) and Bernie (Norma). Married to the love of his life Ray (nee Simkin) and "lively" bridge partner in 1952 they enjoyed 44 years together and raised 4 children before her untimely death due to Lung Cancer at the age of 62. He will be greatly missed by his children Howard (Cindy) of South Carolina, Francine (Rick) of Brooklin, Marilyn (Rick) of Goderich and Lawrence (Corinne) of Whitby along with his 3 beautiful granddaughters Amanda, Cayda and Aliya who will miss their Zaidy every day. Arnie enjoyed being an Uncle to many nieces and nephews both real and honourary.

Arnie's interest were as diverse as his career path beginning with an apprenticeship in pharmacy during his early 20's in Winnipeg, owning his own construction company in Toronto, selling vestments to the Catholic Church and working for the Conservative Party of Ontario.

Arnie and Ray retired to Ajijic, Mexico in 1989 where their love of good food and drink flourished with the art of margarita making, chilli rellenos and the best guacamole around. Family and friends enjoyed his love of creating in the kitchen, especially his wonderful Schezuan cuisine many times over the years. Arnie had a great sense of humour, loved telling jokes (corny or otherwise), making people laugh and a passion for the New York Times crossword, which he did finish on occasion.

The family will hold a celebration of his life on January 4, 2015 from 1 pm – 5 pm at 57 Splendor Drive, Whitby, ON

Those wishing to remember Arnie can donate to either the Canadian Diabetes Association or Baycrest Foundation/Brain Health. Big Arn enjoyed a healthy rum and diet coke and a glass (or two) of red wine so please make a toast during this holiday season and say L'Chaim in his memory.

Spouse: Ray Rubin
Children: Howard (Cindy), Francine (Rick), Marilyn (Rick), Lawrence (Corinne