Ida "Arlene" Medcalf

Ida Arlene Rustand was born at home, 85 years ago, in Blaine, Washington. Enes and Oscar Rustand were excited to welcome their fourth daughter. Eventually, 5 more siblings (brothers!) were welcomed to her family. They enjoyed farm life on Sunrise Road and attending Lynden schools. Arlene married Gordon Medcalf, and they were blessed with three boys and two girls; Don, Rick, David, Cheryl, and Julie. Cheryl passed away in May 2012. Arlene was blessed with 7 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, and two great great grandchildren. She is also survived by two sisters, Rose, Milly, her brother Art and his wife Lois, and sister in law, Carolyn. Arlene and her young family spent their early years in Lynden, then moved to Oahu where they had a business, Island Coin and Stamp, at Ala Moana center in Honolulu. They enjoyed a nice home and years of great memories in Kailua, developing a deep and enduring love of the Hawaiian Islands. Arlene and Gordon also enjoyed a very memorable 6 week trip to Europe. The next chapter of her story took Arlene and the family to the Virgin Islands where they lived on St Thomas for a couple years before moving back to the Pacific Northwest and finally locating in Vancouver B.C. Arlene became a permanent resident and spent the remainder of her years, first in Richmond and then in Vancouver. Her last ten years included the adventure and challenge of 3 times a week dialysis. So very proud of the way she handled this lifestyle twist with strength and determination. Not an easy journey, but she managed it gracefully and never gave up. Arlene, you were an inspiration to us all, and we are so very proud of you! She remained as active as possible, connected, and committed to her church and faith. Special thanks to the Kerrisdale Ward, Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints for their love and kindness, helping her always, especially as things got a little more difficult near the end. And a huge thanks to Rae, Kim, Paul, Glenn, and her many other friends in the community where she lived. Arlene loved you all and we, as her family, would like you to know how much we appreciated your care and shared love over the years. In her sweet, thoughtful way, Arlene never forgot to make Christmas cookies for EVERYONE! She kept our family together and loved hosting holidays and family gatherings in her home. She was so proud of her Grandchildren and family. We are all blessed to have such wonderful memories of our time together. We miss you so much Mom, but are happy for your promotion, you made it to your heavenly home, pain free and full of joy! Arlene is resting in peace at Greenacres Memorial Park in Ferndale, interment on Thursday, April 23rd. We are looking forward to a celebration of life with family and friends later this year when travel and gathering become a bit easier. 2 Timothy 4:7-8 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.”

Ida "Arlene" Medcalf

October 18, 1934 - April 14, 2020