Bill Arnold

On August 1st, our family unexpectedly lost my father. He was only 69 years old. It just wasn't his time.

Losing Dad was devastating on so many levels for our family. Dad was Brian's one and only caretaker. He helped Brian get out of bed in the morning, shower, dress, and send him off to his program. He was Brian's best friend. And now, we are relying on the help of family to get Brian ready in the morning until he can get approved for aides at home.

Dad was recovering from COVID-19 when he passed away. My mother was driving their wheelchair-accessible van when my father suffered shortness of breath. Mom panicked and struck a utility pole right in front of the hospital. Their mobility van was declared a total loss, and we are still awaiting word from the insurance company. We now have to purchase a mobility vehicle to transport my brother to his appointments. Mobility equipment can cost just as much as a vehicle and up to $70,000. Overwhelming does not even begin to describe it.

Our dad had a huge heart. His smile was contagious, and he was a natural-born speaker. He gave training seminars at UPS, and when he retired, he became involved with Canine Companions for Independence. He loved volunteering his time with CCI and took Brian, Arrow and Ozzie everywhere to tell everyone about the organization. He was a regular volunteer at the Bellmore Street Festival under his white pop-up tent with a leash in his hand. I'm going to miss those days.

Dad left us too soon. He had much more love to give and many more lives to touch. Our family would call him "the original boy scout" because he would do anything for anyone. We want his memory to live on, and we need your support.

A donation would be wonderful, but even doing a good deed to remember Dad would warm our hearts.