Arnold Robert Jongsma was born to Franklin and Lois Jongsma in Coupeville on Jan. 29, 1956.

Arnie was a humble, thoughtful, sensitive man who cared deeply about his friends and family. He had a gentle, giving spirit. It showed through his constant generosity to all who came into his life. He was an artist by nature. He loved music, playing his guitar and creating jewelry. His many letters written to friends and family are now treasures to keep.

Arnie grew up in Oak Harbor. With encouragement from his close cousin, Stanley DeVries, in 2003 he moved north to Juneau, Alaska. He loved hiking, kayaking, rock hounding and enjoying all things of nature.

True to the Jongsma tradition, many a beautiful beach agate or semi-precious stone was given as a gift of love. He loved his nieces and nephews as if they were his own. At every visit, he would tell a joke or two and laugh harder than anyone else.

He was an excellent mechanic (Mr. VW) and seemed to be capable of fixing almost anything. He saved many a tow with his amazing know-how.

For many years, Arnie went to Mexico to build houses for the homeless. He worked hard, was passionate about the jobs he did and really loved being able to help others. He marched to his own beat and lived life to the fullest.

On Feb. 12, 2016, he and his friend, Sundown Arasmith, died in a kayaking accident in Juneau.

Arnie knew and loved the Lord. He was preceded in death by his mother, Lois Jongsma. He is survived by his father Franklin Jongsma; and his brother and sisters, Marty (Bob) Hitchcock, Dee Ann Carlson, Alan (Nancy) Jongsma, Gail (Gordon) Kruckeberg, Joy Glein and Doris Brinkerhoff; as well as many nieces and nephews; and many, many friends.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 5, at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2015 East Blackburn Road, Mount Vernon. Memorials may be made to Habitat for Humanity, www.habitat.org/support/giftfromtheheart.aspx