Arnold Biver March 1, 1935 to November 3, 2025
Arnold was born in 1935 in Wilwerwiltz, Luxembourg. This is where his love of the world of nature began, enjoying many forest walks with his younger brother Andre [deceased].
After completing the required Luxembourg military service, in 1956 Arnold, speaking French, emigrated to Montreal where he worked for Roll-it. Taking night courses at McGill University, he earned a degree in civil engineering. He also developed a life-long close friendship with Julian [Claire], becoming godfather to their daughter Alessia.
In the mid-1970s, Arnold founded his own company in Montreal, Super Steel Structures International. This took him around the world, most notably to Saudi Arabia, where he was responsible for the building of an entire village, working closely with the UN Corps of Engineers. In 1980 he joined Zimmcor International [a Montreal company] in England as Vice President of International Sales, a position he held for a decade before returning to Canada. He met Heather, with whom he was to spend the rest of his life, five years later. They moved to Vancouver in 1991 where he started his own company, AB Display & Design, working out designs for displays for a range of companies, often planning all the display designs for new businesses, from pharmacies to large companies such as Future Shop and London Drugs.
Arnold loved nature and he also loved animals. He was instrumental in the move to Salt Spring Island with its natural beauty and where he could still manage his business. With this change he was able to develop expertise in carving, which he enjoyed doing, along with painting. In the Channel Ridge area where they purchased a home he was able to walk for miles --first with their Red and White Irish Setter, then later a Miniature Australian Shepherd. They also welcomed a series of cats, one of them a homeless male, and later two others who came calling.
In his later years he and Heather moved closer to town. He had mobility with his scooter, driving himself into town for weekly coffees at Barb’s or Salt Spring coffee with his friend Robert [Hilda]. Together they were able to speak in Luxembourgish, one of Arnold’s four languages. He often took himself to the harborfront where he could enjoy the sea, engaging boaters in conversation; some Saturdays would find him visiting the market.
In his late 80’s Arnold was able to take part in the excellent Adult Day Program at Greenwoods twice a week, saying how enjoyable it was and how delicious the meals were. The staff were wonderful – this programme added so much to Arnold’s days, giving him an opportunity to still remain creative and engaged.
Arnold Biver was one of those people who have a quiet strength, and to whom one is drawn because of their caring and kind approach to others. During his 90 years his warmth, generosity, wisdom and humour touched all who knew him. He saw the best in everyone and everything.
Left to mourn his passing are Heather, her family back East; from his first marriage his son Paul [Crystal] and, grandchildren Patrick and Melissa [US] ; sister-in law Marianne, and niece and nephew Tessy and Marc [Luxembourg], and goddaughter Alessia [Montreal].
Heather would like to express her gratitude to the doctors and nurses at Lady Minto for their care and kindness during Arnold’s last days.
