JENNINGS, Arthur Russell

It is with deep sorrow we announce the peaceful passing of Arthur Russell Jennings, ‘Art’, in his 83_^rd year on Wednesday, August 15, 2012 at ARCH.   The devoted husband of Nora Elizabeth (nee Lay) for 63 years.   Beloved son of the late Howard and Alberta Jennings and son-in-law of the late Jack and Lucy Lay.  Loving father of the late Artie (Bette-Jo), Patti, Jack (Lynn), Norma Martellini (Bruce), Barb Egan (Will), Nora Costello (Chris), Bob (Danielle).  Dearly respected Grandfather of Rachel, Chris, Kristen, Brian; Sean, Jeff, Julie; David, Amanda; Joe, Seth, Caleb, Greg and Lisa; Jennifer, Jaclyn; Katie, Nicole; Simon and Sophie-Anne.  Fun-loving Great Grandfather of 16 and 2 great-great grandchildren.   Cherished brother of Vern (Bonnie), the late Arlene Schroeder (Paul) and the late infant sister Marilyn.  Brother-in-law of Ross and Marlene Lay, Carol and Bob Brownlee and the late Ron and Audrey Lay.  He will be missed by many nieces and nephews and special family friend Harold Blackwood.  Art was well known for his dedication to our community.  He mentored, coached, and influenced the lives of many young people through baseball and speedskating.  We are proud of his accomplishments as the founder of the Junior Baseball League and the Sault Ste. Marie Speedskating Association.  For his dedication, he was awarded the George Wallace Award, Sault Ste. Marie Medal of Merit, and he was inducted into the SSMarie Sports Hall of Fame.  One of his greatest honours was the naming of the Art Jennings Speedskating Oval.  Art and Nora enjoyed travelling the world; including three winter Olympics.  A highlight of his volunteer career was the friendships he made and in particular, his close relationship with Kevin Scott and family. Art lived a full life and gave so much to his family and the youth of our community.   His was truly a life well-lived.   Life is never long enough, but the past few weeks were not life as he knew it. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the kind care givers including his personal support workers; Tina and Scott, home nurses; Brenda and Cindy and the dedicated staff of ARCH.   Friends may call at the Arthur Funeral Home & Cremation Centre on Sunday, August 19, 2012 from 2 pm to 4 pm and 7 pm to 9 pm. Funeral service to be held in the chapel on Monday, August 20, 2012 at 11:30 am. Rev. Rick Reed and Rev. Bruce McLeish officiating. Interment Greenwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations will be gratefully accepted to the Algoma Residential Community Hospice (ARCH) or St. Peters Anglican Church.  Expressions of sympathy may be offered at www.arthurfuneralhome.com.