ARNOLD NEIL DREGER

ARNOLD NEIL DREGER (1948-2025) Arnold Neil Dreger passed away in Widewater, Alberta on May 15, 2025.He is survived by his loving wife and partner of 48 years Jane, daughter Lisa (Shane) Knutson, daughter Sara Dreger (Clarke Fiddler), grandchildren Julia, Mitchell, and Marley Knutson, brother Harold (Wendy) Dreger, sister Shirley Dreger (Ken Snyder), brother-in-law Graham Black, sister-in-law Dixie Black and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents Leo and Julia Dreger, his father and mother-in-law Reg and Margaret Black, brother-in-law Bob Black, and sister-in-law Pearl Black.
Born in Portage La Prairie, Manitoba in 1948, Arnie spent his early childhood years there and later in Redcliff, Alberta. Following graduation, Arnie embarked on his six year travel adventure, working five of those on an oil seismograph boat in many parts of the world. Returning to Alberta, he and Jane were married and started their family. After obtaining his journeyman plumbing/pipefitting certification, he spent a few years working in industrial pipefiitting. In 1985 the family commenced their northern adventure, where Arnie began his 30 year career in oilfield sales. Travel remained a constant, with many family trips to Vancouver Island, Mexico, Kauai, and of course Redcliff. Retirement winters were spent at their winter home in the Rio Grande Valley.
Arnie was passionate about fishing, golfing, hockey, and in his later years gardening and grandchildren. The surgical precision of him filleting a walleye or the pristine state of his acreage at Nine Mile Point were testaments to his inherent perfectionism. Rory McIlroy and Connor McDavid have lost their greatest fan; we have lost our Rock, our master card and game player. The regular, and frequent family get togethers entailed marathon bouts of cribbage, various rummies, and a host of board games.
Arnie fought a 25 year battle with diabetes. With courage and determination he was able to remain active until his sudden passing at home on May 15. He would be honoured if any donations were made to the Canadian Diabetes Association, or the Slave Lake Animal Rescue Committee. A memorial will be held at the Slave Lake Curling Club on June 12 between 2 and 4 pm.