Obituary of Michael John Arsenault

January 18, 1961 – Berwick, Nova Scotia

April 18, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

 

Michael Arsenault of Calgary, AB, passed away on Thursday, April 18, 2024, at the age of 63 years.

 

Michael was born in Berwick, NS, Canada on January 18, 1961. From an early age, Michael was often tinkering with something; once he took a set of front forks from an old bicycle and fastened them onto his own bicycle to make a “chopper”. And what about all the go-karts that he was always building? He would gather parts from everywhere. Next year's model was always better than the last.

 

There was a time when money was tight and Michael needed a haircut, so a bowl was set upon his head, and voila! He never complained but instead laughed so hard over that!

 

During his early teen years in Frankford, ON, he spent a lot of time fishing, bike riding, and hiking in the woods with his little brother. Michael adored him and enjoyed taking him to high school to show him the ropes. He became known somewhat as a practical joker, and his infamous one-liners are still repeated today. Has anyone ever heard of “The Tumbling Boulders” (Mike’s version of the Rolling Stones), or how about “Nectar Newton” (Juice Newton)? Mike was always doing or saying something that would make us all laugh.

 

He moved to Calgary, AB, in late 1970 where he worked odd jobs with his dog Brutha. Michael’s family began in Calgary with now ex-wife Karen Korecki, where they had his children, Benjamin and Niki Arsenault, at the young ages of 21 and 23 respectively.

 

Michael had a very entrepreneurial spirit and at a young age learned the trade of auto body, getting his Red Seal. After several years in auto body, Michael shifted his focus to commercial/residential renovation sales, which he spent most of his adult years doing. Michael became in his industry known as one of the “best in the business” as he was such a charismatic, engaging, and entertaining people person. He had the natural born ability to make a daily impact in people’s lives with his positive, humorous, and charming nature!

 

Michael later met Geralyn Plaviak in 1996 on a blind date that his son Benjamin and now stepdaughter Angela Bliss (Arbeau) set up for their parents. The blind date went off without a hitch and Geralyn and Michael moved in within one month of dating and spent the next 28 years in love together. With Geralyn, Michael brought Angela Bliss (Arbeau) into his family, along with his furry animals.

 

Michael was fond of his animals which included a furry cat named Chili and two dogs, Bowzer and Shady (named after Slim Shady i.e. Eminem). Michael was a music lover and put his family, friends, and business partners first. Michael always had people beside him, as he welcomed everyone into his home and was especially fond of his Aunt Norma.

 

Michael accomplished much throughout his life and was particularly proud of the work he did in home and commercial renovations, and especially his kids and grandchildren, and the impact he made on people he touched with his renovation business every single day.

 

When Michael was not working, he kept busy with car projects in the garage, TV shows such as Trailer Park Boys, South Park, Junk Yard Wars, Barrett Jackson, Football (NFL and CFL), and live music concerts. He was a big fan of all classic rock and the latest hip hop (Snoop Dogg and Eminem notably). He was also a very good cook, known for his famous Sunday dinners including prime rib, turkey, chili, lasagna, jerk chicken, etc.

 

Michael will be most remembered for his cool, warm-hearted, witty, and funny nature! We will all miss Michael as he was loved by so many!

 

Besides his loving partner Geralyn, Michael is survived by his son Benjamin Arsenault, daughter Niki Arsenault, and stepdaughter Angela Bliss (Arbeau), all residing out of Calgary, AB. He had five grandchildren, including Lucas and Journey Arsenault, Isabella and Declan Bliss, and Aidan Arsenault.
 

Michael is also survived by his sisters, Pam McLellan in Calgary, AB, JoAnn Gaudet, Brenda Arsenault Burshaw, Krista Arsenault Bartley; and brother Joseph Arsenault out of Ontario.

 

Michael was predeceased by both his parents, Joseph and Emily Arsenault, and his older brother Frank Arsenault.

 

A Graveside Service along with a Celebration of Michael’s Life will be held at a later date.

 

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Michael’s family here.

 

In living memory of Michael Arsenault, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.