Arnold "Arnie" Madsen

Peacefully on Wednesday, November 16, 2022, Arnold “Arnie” Madsen passed away at his residence at the age 70 years.

He was predeceased by his parents Oscar and Anna Madsen and infant sister Nina.  Left to mourn Arnie’s passing are his daughter Teri Hastings, grandchildren Haley and Mathew, siblings Bernie (Donna) Madsen, Karen Buss, Betty (Darren) Chapman, Pete (Betty) Madsen; along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Arnie was born on December 3, 1951 in Gladstone, MB and spent his early years on the family farm at Woodside.  In 1964 the second family home was purchased in Portage la Prairie.  Arnie had to adapt to the changes from the quiet country life with a one room school at Woodside to the fast paced city life and all the new school mates.  In 1971 Arnie met Linda Watson and they married and in 1972 they were blessed with a daughter Teri Lyn.

Arnie’s first job was farm labour work at Woodside for Les Vatcher.  He tried restaurant work, advertising at the Daily Graphic and he also worked at Campbell Soup.  His autobody career started at One Stop Autobody. Then he started Arnie’s Autobody and in 1979 he moved to Winnipeg and worked at various body shops.  He returned to Portage in 1983 to start Madsen Brothers Ltd Autobody along with his brother Pete.  In 1990, he decided to move on and retire from autobody and found that seasonal work suited him best.  He never minded working long days and enjoyed his winters off.

Arnie always had a passion for learning and had diverse interests.  If he didn’t know something he would research it and the next time you would see him he would tell you more.  He had a large book collection and later used the internet a lot.  In 1986 he moved back to his roots where he bought a home at Woodside and remained there until 2011.  He enjoyed the quiet country life.  Arnie was a very giving person and especially generous to those in need, often anonymously.  He would give even in his less prosperous times.  On the other hand he didn’t like to receive anything, even in his later years.  As his health deteriorated he wanted to remain independent.

Arnie was a proud that Pete and nephews Derek and Dayne had continued the autobody tradition.  Several years ago Arnie decided he wanted to paint his car, just to show he could still do it.  Even though his health had deteriorated, he amazed them with his determination and worked on it every day without help until it was done.  Arnie was fascinated with helicopters since his child and in the early 1980’s he got his solo helicopter pilots license.  He always dreamed of owning one.  While living at Southport from 2012, he loved to watch the helicopters and the sound was music to his ears.

In 1986 at the age of 35 Arnie was saved and baptized, he was passionate about his faith and learning.  As Arnie liked to do he researched to find all the answers. His Passion and conviction never wavered.

Arnie was always a free spirit and will be remembered for the free spirit that he was.

A celebration of life will take place at a later date with interment at Gladstone Cemetery.

As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Arnie’s memory to Central Plains Cancer Services, 318 Saskatchewan Ave. E., Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 0K8.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel.  www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com