Arnold Deruelle

It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the unexpected passing of our father, grandfather, great grandfather, our rock, Arnold Deruelle. A man who was much loved by his family and friends. Born July 23, 1931, the son of the late Paul and Jeanne (Lotz) Deruelle, Queen Street, Scotchtown.

He and his brother Paul, started working together for White Rose/Shell in 1946. Dad continued as owner/operator for nearly 5 decades. Because of his successful business and big heart, he was able to help many people in his community, never expecting anything in return.

He married the love of his life, Velma Noreen Murray, on August 27th, 1952 and depending on who you listened to…..either mom chased dad up and down Plummer Avenue, or he chased her. Either way, they spent 70 years together raising their family through good times and bad, in sickness and in health.

He loved speed and always said if he was raised somewhere else he would have been a professional race car driver or pilot. One regret was that he didn’t get his pilot's license when Irving Schwartz asked him to go and train with him. He loved to hunt, especially at his cabin in Indian Brook and he could play a mean polka on his accordian.

To say he loved Mira would be a huge understatement. For 54 years, every spare moment was spent at his happy place! He was so proud of how many children he taught to waterski…….. until……..we pulled the back off the old Mahone Bay. Lots of laughter, bon fires, lobster boils, and music spent with family and great friends on Islandview Lane, especially the Pettipas’, Eldridges, and Seymours.

He is survived by his children, son Arnold (Judy), daughter Karen (Lonnie) Gosbee, son Wendell (Paula), and son Tracy. Grandchildren, Kelli (Stephen) McPhee, Jaime (Deruelle) Lovell, Delynn (Geoff) Reid, Lonnie (Brenda Lee) Gosbee, Jeffrey (Kayla McCarron) Deruelle, Justin (Meaghan MacQueen) Deruelle, Mitchell (Ally Gray) Deruelle, Ethan Deruelle, and Kellan Deruelle. Great grandchildren Trevor (Miranda) McPhee, Matthew McPhee, A.J., Keely, and Shea Lynn Gosbee, Maya and Sydney Lovell, Clark and Parker Reid, Laurie, Beau, Zander, and Hudson Deruelle.

Being the last surviving member of his family, he was predeceased by wife Velma Noreen Murray, sister Amelia (William) Miller, brother Paul (Kathleen), sister Melvina (Gus) Pettipas, sister Jean (Melvin) Eldridge, daughter-in-law Susan Marsh Deruelle, and great grandchildren Jack and Barry Lovell.

Sincere thanks is extended to the amazing Dr. Emmanuel Ajuwon and his wonderful receptionist Nancy for taking such good care of our parents. Also, to Dr. Shimon, VON, Homemakers, and the staff of 4C for treating our dad with the utmost respect.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the New Victoria Volunteer Fire Department, who dad was very proud to support.

Cremation has taken place under the care and compassion of McLellan Funeral Home. A Chapel Service Celebrating the lives of  Arnold & Velma  will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday January 30th, 2023 in McLellan Funeral Home 3183 Plummer Ave. New Waterford with Rev. Duncan Roach officiating. Interment will  follow in the Union Grove Cemetery, Scotchtown. We invite you  to share your memories, condolences and words of comfort directly to Arnold & Velma's  family by going to the Tribute Wall.