Obituary for Arthur Thomas Sali
It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Art Sali with his family by his side. Arthur Thomas Sali was born March 15, 1937, near Qu’Appelle, SK and passed away in Calgary, AB on Saturday, February 25, 2023.
Growing up in Saskatchewan as one of six children, he worked on the family farms, taking on any chore that needed to be done. Art was avid in every sport available to him – including baseball, football, wrestling, boxing, and hockey. He moved to Calgary at age 22 to continue his education, and to embark on a successful 35-year career as an accountant in Calgary’s oil & gas industry -- whereupon he met and married his wife Arlene and started their family. They were members of the Calgary Winter Club, where the family enjoyed various sports and activities, and made many friends. Art loved taking his family on many fun holidays, which included camping trips in their trailer, often visiting family or joining friends along the way.
Upon retiring, Art and Arlene travelled extensively, experiencing wonderful cruises with friends, in addition to touring throughout Canada and the U.S., many parts of the Caribbean, Europe and Asia. They wintered in Mesa, AZ where they enjoyed golfing, dancing and socializing. Art had an excellent sense of humour, and he amused everyone with his ability to tell funny stories. He was given the nickname “Grand Poobah” in the golfing group he started with his buddies.
Art was very active and fit, with his daily exercise regimen -- and often chose stairs over the elevator. His favorite activities included working out, golfing and curling. Art was a competitive athlete, winning a Sr. Provincial Curling Championship as well as scoring a hole-in-one twice, golfing at Country Hills. At his peak, Art had a single digit handicap, and challenged himself to score his age while walking the 18-hole course. Art was a founding member of the golf club, which lowered its flags to half-mast in a show of respect for his passing.
Art was the ultimate handyman, training himself in all aspects of home maintenance and renovation including landscaping, basement development, and even constructing an extra bedroom and bathroom for visiting family and friends at their home in Arizona. He also treated himself to a bright red 1966 Thunderbird Shelby Edition classic car, which he meticulously restored to factory condition.
Art was very proud and supportive of his children and grandchildren, both in education and sports. He was always the first to jump in the water and go tubing, grab a hula-hoop, hop on the toboggan or skate with them hand-in-hand. They admired his ability to fix anything, and his knowledge about any topic of discussion. He particularly loved to offer advice and encouraged his grandchildren in their activities and taught them all how to drive his golf cart in Arizona.
Art will be lovingly remembered by Arlene, his wife of 57 years; his son, Mike (Jan) and grandchildren, Ethan and Kaitlin; daughter, Simone (Murray) and grandchildren, Shaela and Brett; his siblings, Harry, MaryAnn and Cecilia; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
The family would like to thank the dedicated staff at the Dulcina Hospice for their care and compassion.
If friends so desire, a Gift In Memory of Art may be made to the Dulcina Hospice care of Dulcina Hospice / Covenant Foundation or a charity of your choice.
A Celebration of Art’s Life will be announced at a later date. To view and share photos, condolences and memories of Art, please visit www.choicememorial.com.
Growing up in Saskatchewan as one of six children, he worked on the family farms, taking on any chore that needed to be done. Art was avid in every sport available to him – including baseball, football, wrestling, boxing, and hockey. He moved to Calgary at age 22 to continue his education, and to embark on a successful 35-year career as an accountant in Calgary’s oil & gas industry -- whereupon he met and married his wife Arlene and started their family. They were members of the Calgary Winter Club, where the family enjoyed various sports and activities, and made many friends. Art loved taking his family on many fun holidays, which included camping trips in their trailer, often visiting family or joining friends along the way.
Upon retiring, Art and Arlene travelled extensively, experiencing wonderful cruises with friends, in addition to touring throughout Canada and the U.S., many parts of the Caribbean, Europe and Asia. They wintered in Mesa, AZ where they enjoyed golfing, dancing and socializing. Art had an excellent sense of humour, and he amused everyone with his ability to tell funny stories. He was given the nickname “Grand Poobah” in the golfing group he started with his buddies.
Art was very active and fit, with his daily exercise regimen -- and often chose stairs over the elevator. His favorite activities included working out, golfing and curling. Art was a competitive athlete, winning a Sr. Provincial Curling Championship as well as scoring a hole-in-one twice, golfing at Country Hills. At his peak, Art had a single digit handicap, and challenged himself to score his age while walking the 18-hole course. Art was a founding member of the golf club, which lowered its flags to half-mast in a show of respect for his passing.
Art was the ultimate handyman, training himself in all aspects of home maintenance and renovation including landscaping, basement development, and even constructing an extra bedroom and bathroom for visiting family and friends at their home in Arizona. He also treated himself to a bright red 1966 Thunderbird Shelby Edition classic car, which he meticulously restored to factory condition.
Art was very proud and supportive of his children and grandchildren, both in education and sports. He was always the first to jump in the water and go tubing, grab a hula-hoop, hop on the toboggan or skate with them hand-in-hand. They admired his ability to fix anything, and his knowledge about any topic of discussion. He particularly loved to offer advice and encouraged his grandchildren in their activities and taught them all how to drive his golf cart in Arizona.
Art will be lovingly remembered by Arlene, his wife of 57 years; his son, Mike (Jan) and grandchildren, Ethan and Kaitlin; daughter, Simone (Murray) and grandchildren, Shaela and Brett; his siblings, Harry, MaryAnn and Cecilia; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
The family would like to thank the dedicated staff at the Dulcina Hospice for their care and compassion.
If friends so desire, a Gift In Memory of Art may be made to the Dulcina Hospice care of Dulcina Hospice / Covenant Foundation or a charity of your choice.
A Celebration of Art’s Life will be announced at a later date. To view and share photos, condolences and memories of Art, please visit www.choicememorial.com.