Arne Tveit-Pettersen

Arne Tveit-Pettersen
Born October 12, 1930 - Arendal, Norway
Passed August 27, 2021- Sechelt, B.C.

Arne had a lifelong passion for the outdoors and sports: ski jumping, cross country skiing, marathon running, hiking and better golf through technology! As a teen he encountered German soldiers on his skiing excursions in Norway. Ironically he served with the Norwegian Occupation Troops in Germany in 1950.

Arne was a successful Senior Olympian in Yuma Senior Games, where he and Joan spent several winters.

He was an intelligent student and made a lasting impression on his teachers and kept in touch with a favourite mentor for 80 years.

In 1952, the adventurous Arne sailed to New York and cerebrated his 22nd birthday en route. He drove across the USA with a fellow Norwegian who had a car and was looking for someone to share the expenses. They reached Seattle, where Arne took the ferry to Victoria. He had $15.00 in his pocket and roomed at the Y.M.C.A. for $7.50 a week.

As he had banking experience in Norway, the Norwegian Council introduced him to a manager at the Bank of Commerce. He was hired immediately and with his new found contacts found a room and board in Oak Bay. Oak Bay was his first posting and his last time being held up by a bandit brandishing a sten gun. After his army experiences he knew exactly what that was! His photograph and the newspaper accounts were sent home to Norway where he was hailed in the papers, “Local Boy Held Up In Bank Robbery”. He had a further taste of the wild west when he was transferred to 100 Mile House. Later, the bank sent him to Germany to learn international banking. He returned to Canada and worked on the audit staff.

But banking wasn’t in the cards for Arne. He went to U.B.C. and earned a degree in property appraisal. He became Real Estate Agent in West Vancouver. He also became a Notary in Gibson’s in 1977, where he purchased three small insurance businesses which became Suncoast Agencies. He also purchased Gibson’s Travel. He loved being a Notary.

In 1982, he met Joan. They were married at Bonniebrook Lodge in 1984. Together they ran the business until it was sold. In retirement they lived in Roberts Creek for 15 years, Chartwell Road in Selma Park for 17 years and Royal Terraces in Sechelt. Their time at the Chartwell address is legendary. Joan and Arne were the consummate hosts and organized the Chartwell Olympics, Norwegian Independence Day celebrations, and founded the Chartwell Nation - which brought all the neighbours together. Their generosity, Arne’s patented speeches, love, caring and above all laughter were hallmarks always to be treasured.

Arne’s kindness was exceptional. His philosophical musings, intelligence, loyalty and love of nature were enhanced by his wry humour and generosity. He inspired everyone to treasure friendship, laughter, love and life.

Arne is survived by his wife Joan, two sisters in Norway, Synnove and Marit, a niece, two nephews, three daughters, Kari, Sonja, and Anita, two grandsons and one granddaughter. He was the best Papa to his stepdaughter, Carrie, two granddaughters and two great-grandchildren.

Arne passed away peacefully August 27, 2021 at 6:25pm. His wife Joan was at his side and his daughter Kari nearby.

Special thanks to Dr. John Hourigan for being with us on this journey. Also thanks to Vancouver Coastal Health, Home Care Services and Palliative Care Team, Sechelt Hospital staff, Shorncliffe Hospice nurses and staff, and the many friends and neighbours for their kind words and memories.

Arne had a full and wonderful life.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Arne Tveit-Pettersen, please visit our floral store.