Arne R. Sorensen
January 19, 1932 - August 18, 2025
Funeral Details: A service to celebrate Arne’s life will be held on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at St. Luke’s Anglican Church, Prices Corners (Hwy 12 and Horseshoe Valley Road). Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m., followed by the service at 11:30 a.m. Refreshments and a light lunch will be served afterward. Interment will take place at 2:30 p.m. at Barrie Union Cemetery.
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Arne Rikardt Sorensen, aged 93, on Monday, August 18, 2025, in Barrie, Ontario. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, after living with colon cancer.
Arne was born on January 19, 1932, in Vindekilde, Denmark, to Karl Alfred Sorensen and Elfreda Kristine Sorensen. He was the third of six children. His father was the local schoolteacher, and his mother was known for her warmth and wonderful cooking.
As a young man, Arne worked as a grocery store apprentice before serving three years in the Danish Navy as a Marine. On May 5, 1956, he immigrated to Canada with no knowledge of English and built a life through perseverance and hard work—working various jobs such as grass cutting, carpentry, and tree work before establishing a career at IBM. In retirement, he enjoyed delivering flowers for Northland. Arne married his “true love,” June Ball Gascoyne, on October 4, 1958. Together they created a home filled with love, faith, and family. He accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Saviour on December 6, 1959.
Arne will be deeply missed by his loving wife June of 67 years; daughters Judy (Scot) and Rachel (Steve); grandchildren Josh (Julie), Jessica (Ian), and Jorden (Emily); and great-grandchildren Levi and Rylee. He is also fondly remembered by his niece Joanne (Chris) and their children, Taya and Todd; Nephew John (Amy), sister-in-law Jane, and nieces Apryl and Danielle. In Denmark, he is survived by siblings Kirsten and Poul, and predeceased by siblings Eric, Ole, Karen and extended family.
Arne loved the outdoors and was happiest when keeping busy—including maintaining the beloved family hobby farm for 39 years, tinkering in his workshop, tending to projects, studying scripture, or keeping up with the news. He will be remembered for his kind heart, helpful nature, integrity, and sense of humour, especially his fondness for puns.
A service to celebrate Arne’s life will be held on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at St. Luke’s Anglican Church, Prices Corners (Hwy 12 and Horseshoe Valley Road). Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m., followed by the service at 11:30 a.m. Refreshments and a light lunch will be served afterward. Interment will take place at 2:30 p.m. at Barrie Union Cemetery. As Arne was not fond of black, guests are welcome to forgo traditional black attire.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Canadian Cancer Society,
Heart and Stroke Foundation, St. Luke's Anglican Church.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” — 2 Timothy 4:7
Peaceful Transition Simcoe
Aaron Currie
Posted on: Friday, August 22, 2025To Grandma June and the family our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. Grandpa Arne was an extension of our family and a beloved friend for life.
Warm regards
– The Currie’s
Bob and Dorothy d’Amboise
Posted on: Sunday, August 24, 2025Dear June, Judy, Rachel and families,
We read about Arne’s passing into Glory. We rejoice for him that he is safe in the arms of Jesus, lighting up heaven with that beautiful smile, and our hearts and prayers are with you all as you mourn his absence here for this short while until we are all together at the marriage feast! We have many precious memories of fellowship at your farm and at church so many years ago. Love and blessings from Bob and Dot. Jesus Christ is Lord. Hallelujah!
Dave and Ingrid Lehman
Posted on: Sunday, August 24, 2025Please accept our sincere condolences, I read this sad news and had to reach out. Arne and June and Rachel. How I enjoyed working with you as ushers at church and getting to know Arne was truly a pleasure. Always smiling, always kind and thinking of others. Even when age was trying to slow him down he would have none of that. Arne will be missed greatly by many, and yes, we will see you soon friend. May our awesome God bless the Sorensen family richly in this time of mourning.