Left to Right: Captain Edward Arnet, Engineer Gary Babin and Cook / Deckhand Jim Foster aboard FPV Estevan Reef

Edward John Arnet was the son of Karl Peter Arnet and Amelia Sigma Eik of Tofino, British Columbia. He lived in Tofino for 65 years before retiring to Sidney, British Columbia. His paternal and maternal grandparents were early settlers in Tofino emigrating from Norway in 1894. His paternal grandfather Jacob Arnet was one of the first fishermen to fish salmon in Clayoquot Sound. Jacob Arnet received one of the first fishing licenses for Clayoquot Sound dated July 1898. His father Karl was also a fisherman in the Tofino area from 1927 to 1972.

Edward’s career with Fisheries and Oceans Canada began May 11th 1966 when he was posted to Tahsis to run the FPV Gull Rock. In August 1966 he was transferred to Tofino to replace his paternal uncle, Harold Arnet who retired after 10 years service as master of the FPV Attola.

During Edward’s career he was master of several vessels: FPV Attola; FPV FD202; FPV Warrior Rock; FPV Comox Post; FPV Atlin Post and the FPV Estevan Reef.

In May 2003 he was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, an incurable bone marrow cancer. He fought very hard to live as long as possible, bravely taking all cancer treatment available. On April 4th, 2005 Edward passed away very peacefully, leaving his wife of 23 years Dorothy, daughter Kathryn, husband Tom, daughter Theresa, husband Tracy; Arlene, mother of Kathryn and Theresa; stepson Gordon, wife Yvette, stepson Brent, wife Jill; grandchildren Joel, Colter, Jordan, Chase, step grandchildren Marcelle, Stewart and Reagan; twin sister Norma Adams, husband Bud Campbell River; cousins Roland Arnet, Edgar Arnet, Beverly Cook Tofino, George Arnet, wife Sue, Edna Simpson North Vancouver, Lorraine Murdoch Vancouver, Marjorie Sallaway, husband Tom Victoria and many nieces and nephews. His sister Bernice predeceased him in 2000.

On July 5th, 2005 a celebration of Edward’s life was held in Tofino at St Columba Church. A reception followed at the Legion Hall.

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