Welesley Newlands Bernard Arthur

Welesley (Wes) passed away peacefully on December 3, 2024 at The Pines Long-term Care Home in Bracebridge, Ontario at the age of 92. 

Those left to cherish memories of Wes are his dear wife of 60 years, Valerie (née Pires); loving daughters and their husbands Séanne and Tony Van Sluytman, and Susan Arthur-Schott and Stephan Schott; adoring grandchildren Travis Van Sluytman, Steven Van Sluytman (Samantha Ellis), Sophie Schott and Hannah Schott; dear cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. 

Wes was predeceased by his younger sister, Yvonne and parents, Cecilia and Cecil Arthur.

Wes was born on October 21, 1932, in British Guiana, where he excelled at school and developed his lifelong aptitude for repairing, building and creating, as well as a fascination with the inner workings of machinery, vehicles and technology. He had a great appreciation for theatre and art. Wes was very interested in the works of Shakespeare and had a natural ability to play various character roles in dramatic performances in his high school years. He was always a sports enthusiast and quite an athlete in soccer, tennis and badminton, with his all-time favourite being cricket.

Wes started working for Alcan in 1950 where he quickly gained wide experience in computer programming and accounting. He met Valerie in 1962 and they were happily married on May 16, 1964. Over the next five years, they welcomed two daughters and in 1971, the family of four immigrated to Montreal, Canada through a job transfer with Alcan. This was an exciting time of adapting to new experiences…including cold and snowy winters! In 1976, Wes was transferred as Accounting Supervisor, to the Alcan Wire & Cable plant in Bracebridge, where he retired in 1995 with a total of 45 years of service with the company.  

Wes and Val enjoyed every opportunity for social gatherings, game nights, visits to local beaches, as well as backyard sports. Using his proficiency with numbers, he accurately marked out the dimensions of a regulation badminton court in the backyard. This became the training ground for friends and family of all ages and the site for lively and memorable badminton matches. Wes and Val embarked on many trips that took them far and wide to explore different countries and cultures, always with their well-used travel scrabble game on hand. No matter where, Wes and Val shared the joy of music; whether it be a recording or live performance— once they heard the rhythm they just had to get up and dance, dance, dance! The family enjoyed the outdoors during yearly camping trips and canoeing on the waters of Muskoka and Algonquin Park. The special experience of quietly paddling on calm water spoke to Wes’s peaceful nature. His love of photography and Val’s talent for documenting moments and memories combined to create the family’s cherished collection of photographs and slides.

Wes loved music from a wide range of genres and had a great appreciation for the talent of many musicians. In 1982, Wes bought a used guitar for his 50th birthday. He got a chart of chords, a songbook and a capo and transformed himself into what he described as “a guy who strums and hums”, when in fact, he became a singer and songwriter, banding together with friends to form the group, “Just for Fun”. The group delighted in performing at local retirement homes and community events for 35 years. Wes had a vast repertoire of songs for all seasons, ages and occasions. He thoroughly enjoyed singing and playing his guitar at gatherings and family celebrations, where all generations were inspired to join in and sing along. What a special tradition and lasting memory!  

Wes deeply valued his friendships (many that began in his younger years and lasted several decades) and really enjoyed lively and jovial repartee with them, the essential ingredients always being a keen sense of humour…and a good cup of tea. 

Wes was a loving and devoted family man and was looked up to as a caring and supportive Dad, Grandpa and Uncle Wes, providing consistent stability to the family. He generously gave his time, patience and guidance, all with an encouraging and positive attitude. His wide range of interests, including reading, writing, history and geography, set a lasting example of the value of lifelong learning. His kindness, creativity, intelligence and curiosity continue to be a source of inspiration. 

Wes thoroughly enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, playing games, flying handmade kites, watching sports on TV and having fun together with his multitude of musical instruments. They fondly remember Grandpa perfecting the recipe for and savouring his signature dish— a big bowl of porridge! Meaningful conversations often led to the sharing of the most interesting of stories, filled with clever wordplay, humour, descriptive details and references made to his vast knowledge and a long lifetime of experiences. 

As we celebrate Wes’s incredible life, we feel blessed and grateful for the countless memories we shared, laughter we enjoyed and love we felt.  

Wes’s family wishes to extend sincere thanks to Castle Peak Retirement Residence and The Pines Long-term Care Home, for being such caring communities.

The immediate family will be gathering for a private service at a later date.

Wes volunteered as treasurer for the local Heart and Stroke Foundation for several years. If desired, memorial donations in Welesley’s name can be made to The Heart and Stroke Foundation.