G. Arnold Armstrong

Arnie was a hero to his family and was loved and respected by those who knew him as a friend, a mentor, a trusted lawyer and a business icon. He was born in Regina, Saskatchewan, but moved at an early age to Vancouver with his family, parents Daniel and Rebecca (nee Newlove) Armstrong, and siblings Florence, Phyllis and Harold. His parents both passed while Arnie was a teen, but Arnie was a survivor, blessed with self- confidence, drive and family values. He was a true self-made man, starting as a boy with a claim to the second largest paper route in Vancouver (his friend Ron had the largest). He supported himself with a myriad of jobs, including work as a carhop at the Aristocratic Restaurant on Granville Street, where he later had a first date with Audrey Patricia Veale who he married in 1947 and remained devoted to for over 71 years.

Arnie was in training with the RCAF when the war ended. Then, with help from Audrey who worked at the Bank of Montreal, he paid his own way through university. In 1950, he was among the first graduates of the new UBC Faculty of Law and articled with Lando & Company in Vancouver. He then struck out on his own, and quickly developed a successful practice, while maintaining his enthusiasm for the business world.

Arnie became well-known in the resource sector beginning in the 1960s. His successes included Pyramid Mining Co, which in 1965 discovered a massive lead-zinc deposit at Pine Point in the NWT which became part of one of the most profitable mines in Canadian history. Arnie is the past chair and CEO of SKN Resources, now called Silvercorp Metals Inc, one of the world’s major silver-producers, and was instrumental in a large number of other public and private companies.

Arnie also had many successful land projects, including the Kelvin Grove subdivision in Lions Bay, the View Mont residential tower in West Vancouver, the Mountainside Lodge Hotel at Whistler and many others. His businesses included car dealerships, marinas, hotels, a trucking company, a printing company and restaurant franchises in BC and China. He was a founding shareholder in what became Gateway Casinos. There were many other endeavours, too many to list.

Dad loved risk. He loved playing poker and craps in Vegas. His over-arching drive and competitive nature extended to sports. He loved to stay fit. He played a good golf game, and a fierce tennis game. Until his later years, he jogged and did daily calisthenics.

Arnie was an optimist, rarely dwelling on past setbacks, always looking forward to the next venture. He loved the business game and business success. He had an abiding appreciation and respect for others less fortunate, especially those he saw as hard- working, and was quick to help colleagues and clients financially when necessary. He was quick to offer business advice to those who asked, and free legal advice to those who needed it. He did not understand the concept of retirement and continued to go to work at his offices at Armstrong Simpson until the end. There, if not at home, he was always known as “The Boss”.

Arnie’s passion and drive extended to his family. He was absolutely devoted to his wife Audrey, his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a super-hero to all.