Arnold J. Ziegler, 84, from Barrie Ontario, passed away peacefully in his sleep on April 23, 2024.
He was born to parents Arnold and Stephanie on August 25, 1939, in Barrie Ontario. Arnold graduated from Barrie Central Collegiate in 1956, and went on to have a successful career as a Purchasing Manager for West Bend and Tambrands. He lived his entire life in Barrie and never wanted to leave.
Arnold married Maria, the love of his life, in 1989 and remained married to her at the time of his passing. Arnold is also survived by his sons Mark and Craig, and his grandson Benjamin. He is predeceased by his parents Arnold and Stephanie as well as his older sister Hilda.
Arnold was known for his love of sports, most notably coaching and umpiring baseball, fastball and slo-pitch. In 1959 he was carded for umpiring for both the Provincial and National Umpiring Associations. He umpired for 57 years in which he was involved in coaching three (3) Ontario Baseball Association Championships for Ontario. He coached many levels of baseball, from tyke house league to the Canadian Juvenile Team which went on to win the National Championship in 1985. He was awarded a gold medal which he treasured along with his many baseball memorabilia.
Arnold particularly enjoyed umpiring the Barrie Integrated Baseball League. The special needs adults in this league adored their "Arnie".
In 2001 the first Barrie Baycats Intercounty Baseball League was formed and Arnold was invited to be their 3rd base coach. He was always well respected throughout the Barrie ball scene. In addition to baseball, he participated as an Executive Member of the Barrie Flyers Senior Hockey Association. In 2016, he deservingly received the John Crawley "Local Lifetime Achievement Award" from the Barrie Sports Hall of Fame.
He was a devout Catholic and rarely missed a mass during his life. He had a great sense of humour and a very kind soul. Arnold always made those around him better people and he had an uncanny ability to put a smile on someone's face, whether it was family, a friend or a complete stranger.
Arnold will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. He will be missed dearly by everyone, but his legacy will live on.
A mass to celebrate Arnold's life will be held on Friday May 10th at 2pm at St. John Vianney Parish, located at 13 Baldwin Lane, Barrie Ontario. Refreshments to follow in the auditorium and all are welcome to attend.