Kris Wade Arnold, 57, of Wayland, died Saturday, Feb. 6.
He was born to Harold and Sharon (Ostroske) Arnold on March 24, 1963, in Cheboygan. Kris graduated with honors from Cheboygan High School, class of 1981. In 1984 he graduated from the Great Lakes Maritime Academy in Traverse City, as a marine engineer. His work took him sailing on the Great Lakes and every ocean (except the Indian Ocean).
Upon finishing his career in Alaska’s Bering Sea, he enjoyed his employment as the gun counter manager at Family Farm and Home in Wayland, claiming he was, “arming America one gun sale at a time.”
Kris was very enthusiastic about fishing and hunting, also a proud captain of Take’m Out Charters, LLC. Kris took many people fishing and was responsible for the deaths of many fish (but no passengers). As an excellent cook and grill master, Kris always cooked for an army.
He was a member of the Sault Ste Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. His dad named him Sea Hawk “Spirit of the Majestic Sea” in celebration of his tribal heritage. Kris thoroughly enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren; teaching them about fishing, hunting, and cooking.
Kris married his high school sweetheart, Mary Berden, on June 15, 1985.
He is survived by his wife, eldest daughter Alyssa (Steve Simons) with grandchildren; Leland, Abigale, Ellie, Audrie, Andrew and Ryan; Brightest… and only son Tyler (Melony); youngest daughter Elizabeth (Christopher) Kaboos and soon to be baby boy; his mother, Sharon Arnold; his siblings, Kathryn (Albert) Carlson, Julie Bannatyne, Kent Arnold, Steve (Cathy) Berden, Dawn Korhorn and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his dad; Harold (Hal) Arnold, mother and father in laws; Merle and Irma (Kroupa) Berden, brother-in-law; Dan Bannatyne, and nephew; Ryan Arnold.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 19, at St. Therese of Lisieux Catholic Church in Wayland.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made at the service or please send memorial donations to Sault Ste Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, Attn: Sheila Berger- Jr. Police Academy Law Enforcement Department, 523 Ashmun St., Sault Ste Marie, Mi 49783 .
The Jr. Police Academy offers a youth summer camp that teaches all outdoor skills that Kris loved. Many of the activities are on the water.
