Arnold Orville “Arnie” Vance passed away Sunday, June 26 at his Richland home at the age of 77. Arnie was born August 11, 1938 in Tonasket, Washington to Guy and Kate Vance.

He graduated from Tonasket High School and attended Seattle University and Kinman Business College. He went to work for Clarkson Lumber Company and later Regal Fruit Cooperative. He and first wife, Donna, raised their two sons in Tonasket and later in the Tri-Cities when he went to work in the Nuclear industry.

Arnie had a great appreciation for the outdoors and the family spent many weekends and vacations at Bonaparte lake, camping, fishing and enjoying friends and family singing around the campfire. As the boys grew older, fishing time was shared with dirt biking and water skiing.

Like his father, Arnie, was an avid gardener. Always fastidious in whatever he did, his garden was a work of art and his produce and flowers were the greatest. He generously shared with friends and Neighbors

The family moved to Richland in 1979 when Arnie went to work for United Nuclear. His meticulous nature served him well throughout his career.He worked for several contractors through the years retiring from Flor Daniel in 1997.He married wife, Margaret, and enjoyed retirement, family and his wonderful garden and his beloved cat, Katt.

He is survived by his son Russell, (Melissa), sister, Vera, Grandchildren Danielle(Geoff) Mitchell, Lindsay (Matthew) Vance, Andrew (Jennifer), Abby Bates and Nicole Vance. Step grand children: Brittany, Hillary, Alyssa and Danny . Twelve great grandchildren and nine nieces and nephews including his childhood buddy, Mick.

He was preceded in death by his wife Margaret, son Steven, parents Guy & Kate Vance and brothers Clifford and Everett.

A sincere and quiet man, he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Friends are invited to a Celebration of Arnie’s Life Saturday, August 13 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at 62 ChaparralSt. Richland, Wash. Casual dress.