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Donald « Don » Arsenault
(1944–2024) Moncton
It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of Mr. Donald “Don” Arsenault of Moncton, who passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, November 18, 2024, at the age of 80. Born on February 28, 1944, Donald was the son of the late Edmond and Lilliane Arsenault. He joins in eternity his beloved wife, Renée, who preceded him in death.
He is survived by his two cherished daughters, Janelle (Monique) and Annick, who brought endless pride and happiness to his life, as well as his adored grandson, Patrick, with whom he shared a special bond. Donald will also be deeply missed by his siblings, Yvon, Yvette (Jim), Louise (Bob), and Maurice, who hold dear the memories of his kind-heartedness and joyful presence. He has now reunited with his late brother, Michel (Debby), whose loss he felt deeply and with whom he shared a special connection.
Donald’s absence leaves a significant void in the lives of his extended family, including numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and a close circle of friends. His passing will also be felt by his in-laws, Pierre-Marcel (Brigitte), Paula (Paul), Nicole (Denis), Lynn-Andrée, and Paryse (Anne), who embraced him as one of their own.
A dedicated family man and a doting grandfather, Donald’s warmth and steadfast love for those closest to him defined his character. His departure creates an immense loss in the lives of those who loved him, and he will be missed beyond measure.
Throughout his professional career as a physical education professor at l’Université de Moncton, he stood out for his exceptional teaching skills, contagious sense of humor, and natural charisma. Initially hired as a basketball coach, he held a deep passion for sports and games, which he viewed as essential tools for personal growth and development. Over time, his leadership and dedication earned him the title of department director, a role in which he continued to inspire and guide those around him. His influence extended far beyond his classes and workshops, leaving a lasting impact on the people he with whom he worked, both professionally and personally.
After a well-deserved retirement from teaching, he embarked on a fulfilling second career as a consultant, founding his own company, JARDA. Additionally, as an Insights trainer, he enthusiastically shared his expertise in research, communication, and conflict resolution, fields in which he excelled and approached with an empathetic and thoughtful perspective.
His influence reached beyond his courses and workshops, making a lasting mark on those who knew him, both professionally and personally.
The family will receive condolences from relatives and friends on Friday, November 22nd, 2024, from 2pm to 4pm and from 7pm to 9pm at Passage-Chartersville, 363 Amirault Street, Dieppe, NB, (506) 857-1901. A celebration of Donald’s life will take place at the same location on Saturday, November 23rd, 2024 at 11 am.
In lieu of flowers, in memory of Donald and in accordance with his wishes, the family invites you to donate to the Food Depot Alimentaire.
A Janelle, Monique, Annick, Patrick et famille, je vous offre toutes mes condoleances. Mes pensees et prieres sont avec tous vous autres .❤️
Mes sympathies les girls pi maman et toute la famille ❤️❤️❤️ Janelle was my brides maid in 1985
My Condolences I have known Don for about 60 years.The game of Basketball brought us together. Much to my surprise last Saturday we were both at local club and we saw each other the smile that I remember was on his face and mine we gave each other a hug and reminisced . I have great memories of our Friendship. Don you will be remembered
Nos plus sincères condoléances à toute la famille . Repose en paix Don
Condolences to Don’s family on his passing.Had the privilege of serving with Don on a number of volunteer community Boards.A very cooperative and kind person
Mes sinceres condoleances Janelle, Monique et ‘a toute la famille. Vous etes dans mes pensees et mes prieres.
I was deeply saddened to hear of Don’s passing. As an instructor within our UNB programs for decades, he made an incredible impact on both his students and myself. His dedication, passion for teaching, and genuine care for his students were truly inspiring. Don’s legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched.
Please accept my heartfelt condolences during this difficult time.
We would like to express sincere condolences in the loss of Don. We met Don many years ago, when he started his company, Jarda. Don brought his leadership skills and the journey of self-discovery to so many participants in New Brunswick and beyond. A kind learned man, with a great smile and good humour. We so enjoyed partnering with Don, his legacy will live on.
Mes sincères condoléances à la famille, j’ai bien apprécier son aide durant mes années à Université de Moncton. Une personne toujours accueillante et plaisante.
Repose en paix mon cher Don!
Dollard
Sam and I were saddened to hear the passing of Don whom we have known for 60+years, both Don and Rene’e are special people, our Condolences to Don’s family may he Rest in Peace🙏❤️🙏❤️Love and Prayers Sam and Donna
C’est avec grande tristesse qu’on apprenait du décès de Don. Un être comme lui ne meurt jamais. Un ami d’enfance, de collège, d’université, Don est un ami à vie, et le sera toujours. Il sera le Don plein de vie, celui qui nous inspire toujours. Je t’aime Don, et avec Anne-Marie, nos avons aimé Renée et les enfants. À l’éternité, Don.
Nos sincères sympathies à sa famille, ses sœurs et frères.
Condoléances à toute la famille. M. Arseneau m’a enseigné à l’université de 1992-1997. Il a été un mentor pour moi.
Bob & Louise Beers and all your family
Our deepest condolences from Ron and Jeanne Gould. God Bless 🙏♥️
My sincere sympathy to the family and relatives during this difficult time. Keeping you in my prayers.
Janelle et Annick, sachez que je pense à vous autres lors de ces moments difficiles. Je garde toujours de beaux souvenirs de vous parents lorsque nous vivions tous sur la rue des copains. Mes sincères sympathies.
I am saddened by this news as Don, a fellow facilitator/instructor at UNB, brought such passion to learning and helping others in their pursuit of professional development. My sincere condolences to Don’s family and friends. May his life be an example of one well lived and his memory be a blessing.
Especially to let you know that others share your sorrow and hope that time will somehow bring a brighter day tomorrow. Thinking of the family with deepest sympathy. A solid individual and great friend throughout the years. We were together on Saturday for a short period and reminisced about past experiences. Rest in peace my friend.
My sincere condolences to Don’s family. The smile in his obituary picture is the Don I always saw. He shared an friendship and many collaborations with my late husband Ian who had great respect and admiration for Don. Susan Fowler
My condolences to the family. As a City of Moncton employee for many years I had the opportunity to work with Don on different projects over the years. Always smiling and so full of great knowledge and advice. He will be missed.
Don had a large influence on me to pursue my career in teaching. He was a huge reason why this young English girl decided to go to Université de Moncton. He was always there to guide and help me throughout my Kinesiology and Education degrees and cheered me on in all my athletic endeavors! A wonderful man who will be missed by many!
Bob and Louise, my sympathy to you and all your family.
Chère Annick et famille
Mes plus sincères sympathies à toute la famille et amies à ton père . Mes pensées sont avec vous autres.
Nos sincères sympathies à toute la famille. Pendant nos années à l’université son amitié et ses conseils nous ont aidés dans notre carrière d’enseignement..Un prof. très sympathique. Repose en paix Don.
Gilles & Julia
Que de bons souvenirs me reviennent de nos années à UdeM avec Don. Nos sympathies à la famille.
Sincères condoléances Annick et à la famille!! ❤️❤️
Nos pensées et nos prières sont avec les familles éprouvées par la perte de ce grand pionnier de l’éducation et de l’activité physiques au Nouveau-Brunswick. La meilleure façon de décrire ce merveilleux et grand personnage, c’est qu’il était un gentilhomme et un homme gentil. Notre fils Keith a eu le privilège d’être un de ses étudiants et notre fille Mireille a aussi pu admirer et bénéficier de ses talents de formateur et de pédagogue.
This very nice guy never finished last!! A true pioneer of Physical activity and education in NB.
Edouard et Thérèse Allain
Chères Annick et Janelle, je suis tellement attristée d`apprendre la nouvelle…j’ai vu votre Papa il y a deux semaines, et je fut ravie de recevoir son gros hug. Il n’y a pas de mots pour exprimer ma tristesse. Je vous laisse avec cette petite pensée….“ .Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, but love leaves a memory no one can steal.“ Il m`appellait toujours sa petite cousine,,,,,, que je l’aimait!
En toute sincerité…..Diane Denis
Bob & Louise Beers:
My deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Gisele Little
giselealittle@gmail.com
Janelle, Annick et famille,
Je vous envoie de l’amour et du courage pendant cette période difficile.
Mes plus sincères condoléances à la famille!
Was a student of Don’s. He was a very kind person, and my deepest sympathies to his family and colleagues. I am so sorry for your loss.
Was really sad to hear about Don’s passing. Met him earlier this month during a training and he was knowledgeable, kind and carried everyone along well. My condolences to his family
Toutes mes condoléances. Je vous partage une anecdote qui fait que je me considère chanceux d’avoir connu Donald. Lors d’une session de formation à Gimli Manitoba, Donald a appris le décès du père de sa collègue avec qui il offrait cette formation. Lui permettant d’aller rejoindre sa famille, Donald s’est attardé à rallier les membres du groupe pour qu’il se partage la tâche de diriger les sections de formation qui auraient été offertes par sa collègue. L’esprit de solidarité créer par Donald a fait de cette expérience de vie une que je n’oublierai jamais.
My condolences to the family. I just took a course from Don in September through UNB. He had a very natural and fluid style, and he knew his subject matter well.