Mr. Arnold David Sr. Johnson May 21, 1925 - August 14, 2008 - JOHNSON, Arnold David Sr. - Passed away Thursday, August 14, 2008, peacefully in Dartmouth General Hospital. He was born in North Preston on May 21, 1925, to Willoughby and Annie (Beals) Johnson. He attended the New Road School up to grade 8 which was the highest grade level available at that time. He obtained high school education through adult education and obtained certification in electronics through the military. He learned the craft of all around handyperson from his father. Arnold accepted Christ and was baptized in 1943. He became active in the Baptist Young People's Union (BYPU). He served Saint Thomas United Baptist Church in the offices of Deacon, Brotherhood president, usher, treasurer, trustee, building project supervisor, cemetery committee chair, and managed all death records. He also served as Deacon at Oromocto Baptist Church in Oromocto, N.B. Arnold had always, at Saint Thomas United Baptist Church, offered his knowledge and services in the areas of construction, landscaping, electrical, plumbing and general repairs. He viewed his technical service to the church as his ministry. He also served as finance chair for the African United Baptist Association of Nova Scotia. Arnold was a veteran of the Second World War and served as a radio operator and driver with the Canadian Army Field Headquarters in the campaign that liberated The Netherlands. He re-enlisted in the military in 1958 and served with the Black Watch Regiment as a signaler until 1964. Arnold was employed in many occupations over his life including farm hand, carpentry, construction, cement finishing, avionics and eventually electrical contractor. After retiring from the military a second time, he was employed at Fairy Aviation and Halifax Shipyards. He established Preston Electric in the mid 1960s. He was employed by IMP Aerospace until retirement. He was elected to Halifax County Council in 1965, and served as County Councilor for his district for 12 years. As councilor he served as a member of the Halifax County School Board, established the District 16 Volunteer Fire Department, consisting of the Lake Echo main station and the North Preston sub-station, established the North Preston Housing Demonstration Fund, which became the Preston Area Housing Fund, established the North Preston Residential Subdivision including the first municipal water and sewage services in North Preston, and established increased street lighting in the municipal district. As a volunteer, Arnold was a founding member of the North Preston Ratepayers Association; founding member and vice-president of the George Washington Carver Credit Union; founding member of the North Preston Day Care Centre and the North Preston Medical Society; a founding member of the North Preston Recreation Association; founder and chair of the Joint Action Committee which became the Watershed Association Development Enterprises Limited and a founding member of the Black Cultural Society of Nova Scotia. Arnold was a dedicated follower and servant of God who enjoyed RV camping with family and friends for 43 years. He was well-known as a historian and to the neighbourhood children as Poppa Grand, the bicycle repair man; he was also known to many as MacGyver. At the time of his passing he was serving as treasurer for the North Preston Medical Society. Arnold is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Josephine (Simmonds) Johnson; sons, Arnold Jr. "Mark" (Carol), Allister (Donna), Antoine (Lisa); daughters, Rose (Alexander) Fraser, Anne (Michael) McDonald; sister, Beatrice Jackson, 15 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by brothers, Willoughby, Thomas and Carlton; sisters, Violet, Gladys McLean, Murial Sparks, Mary Fraser, and Evelyn Provo; daughter, Suella Kane; grandson, Troyaka Johnson, and great-grandson, Michael Howe. Funeral arrangements are in care of the Atlantic Funeral Home located at 771 Main St., Dartmouth, where visitation will be held 2-4 p.m. on Monday, August 18, followed by a memorial service at 7 p.m. Monday evening in Saint Thomas United Baptist Church. Funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, August 19, in Saint Thomas United Baptist Church, Rev. Wallace Smith officiating. The burial will follow in Saint Thomas United Baptist Church Cemetery. The repast will follow the service at the Royal Canadian Legion, Centennial Branch Main Street, Dartmouth. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Saint Thomas United Baptist Church building fund or cemetery. On-line condolences can be sent by visiting: www.atlanticfuneralhomes.com