Arnold Cookson

Arnold L. Cookson, 84, passed away on June 21 at the home of his daughter, Bonnie Ekholm, in Portland, Ore.

Born on May 11, 1930, in Evans City, he was the son of the late Alfred and Lucille (Garvin) Cookson and stepmother, Martha (Brodmerkel) Cookson.

Arnold was a 1948 graduate of Mars High School.

He served in the Air Force during the Korean War, was employed by Halstead Industries and was a projectionist for the Strand Theater in Zelienople.

He was a past member of the Plains Presbyterian Church in Cranberry Township. He was appointed by former Gov. Leader to serve Cranberry Township as the director of civil defense, and he brought the first fire truck to Cranberry, which is still in use today for special events.

Moving his family to Alameda, Calif., in the early 1960s, Arnold owned and operated the Cookson Tile Co.

He most recently was a member of the Chapel in the Pines in Arnold, Calif., where he served as a “Do-Wooder,” cutting, splitting and delivering free wood to needy families.

Survivors left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife of 63 years, Joan (Forsythe) Cookson; his three children, Dennis (Nancy) Cookson and Douglas (Wendy) Cookson, all of California, and Bonnie Ekholm of Oregon; his eight grandchildren; his 12 great-grandchildren; and his sister, Beverly (Cookson) Magill of Cranberry Township.

Arnold will be remembered as a leader in his time and a loving husband, father, grandfather and brother.

Cookson — Burial for Arnold L. Cookson, who passed away Saturday, June 21, 2014, was in the Veterans Cemetery in Portland, Ore.