Derek Todd Arnold
Derek Todd Arnold
Derek Todd Arnold shed his broken body to be wrapped in the arms of his loving Heavenly Father on Thursday, June 2 at 2:00pm. He died peacefully with his family at his side after a 17 month battle with metastatic melanoma.
Derek was born in Spokane, WA on September 28, 1986 to Bob and Deborah Arnold. He moved with his family to Boise in June of 1987 where he lived until leaving for college in August of 2005.
Derek attended Cole Valley Christian School from kindergarten through ninth grade. After attending Eagle High School for his freshman and half of his sophomore years he returned to Cole Valley where he stayed and graduated in 2005. Derek then attended the University of Idaho where he graduated on May 14, 2011 with a Bachelors of Science in Political Science.
As a child Derek was involved in many sports activities including junior bowling, baseball, soccer and basketball. During high school he continued to bowl and play baseball and participated on the Varsity basketball and track teams. While attending Cole Valley he also enjoyed his involvement in the choir and student government.
In August 2005 Derek enrolled at the University of Idaho and became a member of the Theta Chi Fraternity. His involvement in the fraternity was very important to him and he formed many lasting friendships. As a student in political science he was chosen to participate in the Model UN Project in New York City and also spent one summer as an intern in the office of Senator Crapo.
For the past four years Derek worked at the Alehouse in Moscow where he bartended, served and stepped in to do anything that was needed to insure the success of day to day operations. He was loved by his patrons and was a valued employee. He was nicknamed “The Ambassador of the Alehouse” by his boss Wendy.
Early in Derek’s life he formed strong and lasting friendships as he was a faithful and compassionate friend, especially to those facing difficult challenges. He was a good listener and a problem solver and was available to friends and family whenever they needed him. He was passionate about many things including politics, travel, cooking and gourmet food and spending time with his fiancé Jessi and his family and friends. He enjoyed biking, music, documentaries, shooting and anything MOPAR. He also loved his big brown dog JD.
Derek was a wonderful son, grandson, brother, cousin, uncle and fiancé. He was very close to and will be greatly missed by his parents Bob and Deborah Arnold, his brothers Brian Arnold (wife Andi and niece Alice) Kyle Arnold, his cousins, Josh White (wife Meg) Ethan White, Grandmothers Sherry Everheart and Carol Arnold and the love of his life, fiancé Jessi Shockley.
The strength, courage and dignity with which Derek faced his battle with cancer amazed all who knew him. “In It To Win It” was Derek’s motto and even in his last hours would respond with a thumbs up when asked how he was doing. His positive attitude throughout the entire illness was an inspiration to us all. We are so proud of him and take comfort in knowing that he had a relationship with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We love you Derek.
Memorial services will be held on Friday, June 10 at one o’clock in the afternoon at Valley Shepherd Church of the Nazarene, 150 W. Maestra Street, Meridian, Idaho.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the
Derek Arnold Scholarship Fund
Gift Receiving Office
University of Idaho
Moscow, Idaho 83843
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