ARNOLD ALEXANDER EYFORD

Condolences & Memories (13 entries)

• I first met Arnold in 1987 when I moved to Winnipeg Beach and opened a postal box. A few years later the post office was hiring a casual employee and I had the opportunity to work with Arnold and get to know him and his family. If you worked for the Post Office you were automatically one of Arnold’s family members. I worked with Arnold for 5 years at the Winnipeg beach post office. It was during this time that I got to know him better. That was over 30 years ago. It was Arnold who encouraged me to apply for the post master position in Austin Mb. and I am told he also encouraged others to apply for positions within the corporation. One of the words that came to mind when thinking about Arnold.... was easygoing. He never seemed to get over excited about anything and he took life in stride. He was always being helpful to his customers and doing small favors for people without expecting anything in return. He would go above and beyond for his customers and hand deliver letter and parcels to people. Arnold came from a family of Canada Post employees. His father and grandfather and great-grandfather all worked for Canada Post as rural route drivers and it was only natural that Arnold would one day work for the post office. He first worked in the Vogar post office and then advanced to the Winnipeg Beach post office, as Postmaster. This would turn out to be where Arnold would serve his community for the next 30 years of his 33 year career. Being the Postmaster in a small community was the perfect job for Arnold as he made many lifelong friends and loved to meet new people. It was also here that Arnold and Heather raised 3 children and I remember seeing them at the local recreation centre with the family as they were involved in hockey and figure skating and different community activities. Arnold had a dry sense of humor and loved to tell jokes as best he could but that never stopped him from trying. When I think of him, I can hear his voice with a chuckle mixed in to his vocabulary. Arnold loved to keep in touch with his many friends and he would often call you on the phone to chat. If you got a phone message from him he would never waste any words as the message would be “ Arnold calling”. That was the message. You would know that he was calling just to chat . Arnold loved to go on road trips with Heather and they would pack up the car and go visiting family and friends around the province. These road trips would always include photos of where they had been and what they had seen. I am sure it was hard for Arnold to give up his film camera and start using a digital camera but this way he could develop only the better photos. He has a lot of photos. He loved to put them in albums and show them to people. Telling you stories of the places he had been and the people he had met. These road trips would also include the post offices they had visited. Arnold loved his years working for Canada Post. He was a people person. If you were one of his customers in General Delivery and only got one letter a year, Arnold would remember you. Arnold was a strong supporter of the post office union, the Canadian Postmasters and Assistance Association. He attended his first union convention, in Winnipeg, while he was still a postmaster in Vogar and continued to attend even after his retirement. These annual events were good for both Arnold and Heather, as Heather would go shopping and they would spend the weekend at the hotel. The annual CPAA convention was Arnold’s opportunity to reconnect with other post masters in the province and catch up on what was happening with everyone. He continued to keep in touch with many people even after his retirement. I’m not to sure what Arnold would think of the Postal strike going on right now because he loved his job so much I feel that Arnold would have worked for the post office for free. And on many occasions he did put in many hours of his own time to make sure that the job was done to his satisfaction and because he loved to be at the post office. His second home away from home. Anyone who knew Arnold knows that he loved to make lists. He would keep records of all kinds of information. He didn’t have much of a filing system but if you ever wanted to know anything I’m sure that Arnold would have the answer, somewhere... Another passion of Arnolds was the Canada Post Community foundation event. Each year Canada Post would raise funds for charity and Arnold would make sure that everyone in his community supported the cause. The Winnipeg Beach post office came first in its category many years in a row because of Arnold’s efforts and he was very proud of this achievement. In February 2016, at age 65, Arnold retired from the Winnipeg Beach post office and I transferred into this position from the Gimli post office. I had some big shoes to fill as the new Postmaster in Winnipeg Beach. I think Arnold felt good knowing that it was one of his old part time employees and a good friend who was taking over his office. I am sure that Arnold felt a huge sense of pride in serving Winnipeg Beach as the postmaster while raising a family in his community. This would never have been possible without the support of his family and in particular his wife Heather. They made a great team together and I know that Arnold was very proud of his three children. We will miss your annual Christmas letter Arnold with the update on family life and post office going ons and places traveled. In the beginning his letters were hand written and you would know by the handwriting that it was a letter from Arnold. We will miss your phone calls and updates and attempts to make us laugh with your jokes. Arnold you will be missed, you were a good friend, father, husband, grandfather and postmaster. May you rest in peace and thank you for just being you. You will be missed. - Posted by: Lynda Kolly (Friend and co worker ) on: Nov 29, 2018

• I have only had the pleasure of getting to know Arnold the last few years and he will certainly be missed at our Conventions and from the kind words I've read, he clearly made an impression on so many more. Thinking of Heather and the rest of his family at this time. - Posted by: Kim Houston (Fellow CPAA member) on: Nov 24, 2018

• I was shocked and Saddened to read of Arnold's passing...My Prayers & Sympathy go out to You Heather & Your Family; ..and, ALL Arnold's Families ..; Allan & Arlene, and Your family.... I never really got to know Arnold, but know he was a Very well Loved, and Liked Man... I just want to let you all know that I care, and Wish you some Comfort in the Wonderful Memories I'm sure you all have of Arnold, as a Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother, Uncle, and Friend....Cherish those Memories ...My "Deepest and "Most Heartfelt Sympathy" go out to you all Sincerely sent; Janet Jundt & Family - Posted by: janet Jundt (aquaintance with Family ties) on: Nov 24, 2018

• Arnold was a great person to talk with and always was making sure you were doing OK. - Posted by: Doug (Acquaintance ) on: Nov 23, 2018

• I am so sorry to hear of Arnold's passing. My condolences to Heather and family. Arnold was always so kind and cheerful and a real credit to his community. In the brief time I worked with him at the Winnipeg Beach post office he became a good friend and great co-worker. Rest in peace Arnold. - Posted by: Laurel Nelsen (Friend) on: Nov 23, 2018

• Great friend and even greater on defence. Spent many a winning hockey game on the ice beside this gentle giant. Thanks Arnold! - Posted by: John Blandford (Defence partner) on: Nov 23, 2018

• Arnold a very kind and gentleman who served his community well. Was the greatest postmaster. Condolences to you Heather and your children. - Posted by: Laurie Reykdal (Friend) on: Nov 22, 2018

• My deepest condolences to Heather and family. It was a lovely tribute to him as I will always remember him with a smile as he told a story. A very nice man. Sorry to hear of his passing too soon. - Posted by: Tracy Jeffers (Cousin) on: Nov 22, 2018

• Arnold was such a wonderful person! Always knew our name! We have known him for 25 years and always looked forward to talking to him, when we picked up our mail! We have not lived in Wpg Beach for 6 years, but when I saw his face, it brought me to tears! Heather our prayers are with you and your children and grandchildren, at this awful time! God Bless You all Linda and John Bartholet - Posted by: Linda and John Bartholet (He was our friendly Postmaster for years!) on: Nov 22, 2018

• My condolences on Arnold’s passing. Arnold always had a smile on his face and a warm welcome for his clients. He’ll be remembered with fondness. - Posted by: Barbara Burtnick (Postal Client) on: Nov 22, 2018

• I sure missed Arnold when he retired, but now his loss will be felt even more now. He was my postmaster for 20 years and every interaction was so pleasant. Our sincerest condolences to the Eyford family. - Posted by: Paul Lacroix (One of his many customers) on: Nov 22, 2018

• Spent many hours together in the rink watching our boys play hockey. Sincere condolences to you Heather and your family. Arnold was a wonderful caring man. He is now a special angel watching over you. - Posted by: Francine Albertson (Friend) on: Nov 22, 2018

• My deepest condolences goes out to Heather and her family. Will always remember that warm smile on Arnold’s face and his humor he would share with those around him. Will miss his presence at all our CPAA gatherings - Posted by: Raymond Bonk (Fellow member of CPAA) on: Nov 21, 2018