Carol Arkinstall

Carol Margaret Arkinstall, long-time resident of Peace River, AB, passed away suddenly on September 9, 2025 at the age of 84. Carol was born in 1941 in Killam, Alberta, the only child of Melville and Margaret Graham. She grew up on a farm near Strome, Alberta, surrounded by cousins who were like brothers and sisters to her. Her mother and mother-in-law were teachers, and Carol followed the same path, attending the University of Alberta to also become an educator.

Carol married Campbell Arkinstall and moved to Peace River soon after they were married, where Carol began teaching at Centre Street School, and Campbell worked in construction. They built the house on 103 Street, which still overlooks the confluence of the Smokey River and the mighty Peace River, and where Carol carefully nurtured her flowers. She was also a great lover of cats. She had no use for birds of any kind, but the cats meant everything to her!

She had a fine memory of humorous stories and witticisms which she could pull out at opportune moments. Carol also liked to share funny comments made by others, many years after the fact, including her former husband.

An energetic and passionate advocate for social justice and the environment, Carol was well known for her support of the NDP, hosting many a constituency meeting at her lovely home. She was fiercely protective of our public healthcare system and had a Tommy Douglas t-shirt that she wore to many NDP functions. She was also integral to the Peace River Crisis Association and helping bring the Help Line to fruition. As well as being a member of the Friends of the Peace Environmental Society which saw the DMI Pulp Mill integrate sound environmental practices in their operations.

Carol was a scholar and an avid reader. She wrote tirelessly and had some essays published. Her extensive library of famous Canadian authors (and numerous notes in the margins or on scraps of paper tucked into the books), was certainly legendary.

During the pandemic, Carol was compelled to move into Heritage Tower and sell her beloved home to receive individual care.

Donations to the Peace River SPCA in honour of Carol, or any charity of your choice, would be gratefully received.

Care entrusted to Peace Valley Funeral Home (Kristi Heck)
Peace River, AB 780-624-1010

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