Claude W. Arnold took his ‘last trip’ home with Jesus on November 12, 2011. He had been a resident of Elkhorn Health and Rehabilitation at Alhambra for the past year and a half. Claude was born July 31, 1934, In Denver, CO to Cecil Roy and Florence (Kearney) Arnold. He and his Sister, “Cookie,” lived in the Denver area all through their school years. He attended Holy Family High School and graduated in 1952. Claude had lived with the Davidson family a good part of the time he was growing up as his mom and dad traveled a lot. He considered the Davidsons as his family also.
After graduating from Holy Family, Claude came to Helena, Montana to attend Carroll College and play Football for the “Fighting Saints.” His Freshman year his Coach was Johnny Gagliardi. The next three years Bishop Raymond Hunthausen coached the team. During this time the Saints won four consecutive conference championships. Claude played Quarterback. He was elected to the Carroll College Football Hall of Fame in 1982. He graduated in 1956 and went to Miles City, Montana to teach and coach football.
Claude met Erma Schultz and they were married 1961. Claude and Erma had two children: Dirk and Christy. Claude went to work for Werner Chicot Pharmaceutical, where they were developing new cancer treatment drugs and he traveled worldwide, as well as extensively across the United States, introducing the new treatments available.
Claude moved back to Helena in 1996 and began working at Fox Ridge Golf Course. He also was a Salesman for Kimberly Clark and traveled all over Montana promoting their products.
Claude was an all around athlete in his own right. He played baseball and football, and also captained the basketball team while in high school, and was on the boxing team. In College, he earned four varsity letters in football and one is baseball and played varsity basketball one year. He also enjoyed golf and was a skiing instructor. His passion throughout the years was always football and the ‘Fighting Saints.” It was the one thing that survived his dementia and he still was playing for the “Saints” at the very end of his life. In fact, if you visited him, he might ask you what position you played.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brothers, Tom Davidson and Ed Davidson.
Claude is survived by his son, Dirk (Christine) Arnold and his grandson, Noah; daughter, Christy Arnold; son-in-law, Dan Davidson and grandchildren, Sarah and Jimmy. He is also survived by grandchildren, Trevor Arnold and Rebecca Strausberg; sister, “Cookie,” brother, Mike Davidson, and sister, Peggy Carlson. He leaves behind numerous friends, including Corky and Joanie Rada.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Elkhorn Health and Rehab for their excellent care and caring and to the ladies from Rocky Mountain Hospice, also to Bishop Hunthausen (Claude’s Coach) for all his help, care and concern. A funeral service celebrating Claude’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 16th at Sts. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church in East Helena. Burial will be at a later date. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.aswfuneralhome.com
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Annette Ronningen says
I am so sorry for your loss. The Arnold family will be in my thoughts and prayers. Claude was a true “Fighting Saint”.
John Curry says
Good bye, old friend. It was a privelige and a pleasure to know you.