Alison M. Arnold (Al) was born Nov. 24, 1921, to Irwin and Aley Brink Arnold in Fort Wayne, Ind. He was an only child. Al died peacefully at home in his sleep the morning of Aug. 25, 2010.

Al decided when he was 8 years old he would be an engineer when he grew up, and a hobby of building model airplanes directed him toward a career in aviation design.

Al’s career, after graduating from Purdue University, where he was one of only 25 aeronautical engineers in the United States in 1946, began as an officer in the Navy, where he met and married Nancy Robbins in 1945.

Nancy and Al had four children and adopted a teenager while living on Mercer Island. Al and Nancy moved to Whidbey Island to build their dream home in 1977.

Al was a founding member of Whidbey Audubon Society, and after retiring from the Boeing Co. in 1986 was active in many community causes.

Al leaves his wife of 64 years Nancy; and his five children, Robin (Charlene) Arnold, Phil (Lucy Richard) Arnold, John (Jed) Arnold and finance’ Martha Stroud, Meredith Arnold (Ken Bjornson), and Vane Dumas; grandchildren Timothy (Angela) Roff of Lake Stevens, Jennifer (Mike) Pearson of Freeland, Rebecca Arnold of Portland, Ore., Elizabeth Arnold of Mukilteo, Reginald (Reg) Arnold of Seattle, and Chelsea, Ryan and Graham Arnold of Seattle; and five great-grandchildren, Quinn and Brandon Roff of Lake Stevens, and Brennen, Nolan and Nathan Pearson of Freeland.

Preceding Al in death was his granddaughter Kirsten Harris (Nov. 22, 1976 – Sept. 30, 1998).

Al was a devoted family man and a wonderful example to his five children, nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He will be sorely missed.

No service is planned at Al’s request. The family suggests donations to Whidbey Audubon Society or your favorite charity.