Joel Bernard Arbic, (1969 - 2017) - ForeverMissed.com Online Memorials

Let the memory of Joel be with us forever

48 years old
Born on April 11, 1969
Passed away on December 2, 2017

Joel Arbic, 48, of Tempe, Arizona passed away December 2 in Tempe. He was born in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan April 11, 1969 to Colleen and Bernie Arbic.

Joel is survived by his loving wife and sons, his brothers Brian (Jennifer) of Ann Arbor, Michigan and Dan (Kim), and nieces Courtney and Megan Arbic and his parents, of Sault Ste. Marie.

He graduated from Sault Area High School in 1987 where he played basketball and baseball. After high school, Joel graduated with an engineering degree from Michigan State University. He worked for several years in the automotive industry before moving into the computer field, where he worked as a computer analyst for most of his career with Humana Health Insurance, in Phoenix, Arizona.

He loved the mountains of the western United States, where he enjoyed skiing, hiking, back-packing, canyoneering, mountain biking, and rock-climbing. His brothers and others cherish the memory of many outdoor trips with Joel. He had a spirit of adventure, which included a love of traveling. Shortly after their marriage in 2006, Joel and his wife achieved a shared dream of spending 18 months back-packing around the world, before moving back to Tempe and starting their family.

Memorial services will be held in Tempe, Arizona Saturday, December 9 at Tempe Mortuary at 12:30 PM.

A Memorial Service will also be held in Sault Ste. Marie at the Central Methodist Church on Saturday, December 16th, 2017, with visitation at 9am, and service at 11am.

Donations in his memory may be made to the charity of your choice.

Tributes

Leave a tribute

April 11, 2020

It has been two years and the pain is still so raw, still cannot put up photos without tears instead of memories. But not a moment goes by that I don't thinkg about your way of having fun with people, loving me, squeezing me, talking me through things, and playing around with the boys. I'm sorry to say that you were correct that earth was ripe for a pandemic. Once again, you knew a lot about alot. I still am using everyday all the nuggets of instrucitons you taught me. You are right, flagstone IS a high-maintenance flooring and a sink in the garage is awesome. You were amazed how you can learn how to fix everything from you tube, so I show Rowan that that's where can learn, too, though you're gone, and that it's ok. Remy is currently poking my nose with a lego, but I must say these boys and the joy, sweetness, and fun they bring are the only reason I am doing ok. My dad cried last week as the boys played out front because he was so so sad you aren't getting to see them grow up. They're really wonderful boys. I hope you are a spirit, watching over us, protecting us...with us. The only good thing about dying one day is that I"ll maybe get to see you. Love forever, your baby.

April 11, 2023

Happy birthday Joel. We all still miss you terribly.

Your older brother Brian

April 11, 2022

My first post and long overdue. Maybe because this post acknowledges your loss. Thank you for all the trips and adventures you planned. So thankful I had the privledge to call you friend. You are remembered and missed. I know you are smiling down on your family as they continue their journey. May you rest in peace.

April 11, 2022

As I said a year ago, Joel's birthday is a tough day for all of us. That continues to be true and will always be true. We thank everyone for their support and love over the years.

Brian Arbic
(Joel's older brother)

December 3, 2021

Just a small note to say that at this time of year I think a lot about Joel, Shantala, their two sons and the whole family. Love to all of you, Danielle (Shantala's cousin).

April 12, 2021

This is Joel's brother Brian here. We had a family Zoom call yesterday, on Joel's birthday, which is a tough day for all of us.

The Arbic family greatly appreciates the effort that people have put into posting messages on this site. Thanks very much to all of you for your continued kindness and support.

Brian

April 11, 2021

Happy Birthday angelic Joel. I know you are watching over your beautiful family everyday! Rest In Peace my friend!

April 11, 2021

Thinking about you and your family Joel.

December 3, 2020

Joel, I think about you often! You are missed friend.

December 2, 2020

Dear Joel,

It's been a difficult three years. We all miss you very much.

With love, your brother,

Brian

December 2, 2020

I can't believe it's been 4 years. You were one of the coolest people I knew, and I'll always remember weekends with the boys playing outside and swimming, and late night talks with you guys about anything and everything. Wherever you are, I hope the view is amazing and we miss you friend.

April 11, 2020

Joel, happy birthday in heaven! You have left a huge void. So many days I think of, you as well as your mom and dad. I hope you’re at peace my friend! Xoxo

April 11, 2020

Dear Joel,

Today is your birthday, an especially hard day for all of us. Not a day goes by that I don't think about you. We wish you were here to help us ride out this terrible pandemic with your good humor and strength. I miss our phone conversations and I treasure the memories of our epic hiking and backpacking trips.

We all miss you terribly.

With love,

Your brother Brian

April 11, 2020

Joel, thank you for all the great memories while working with you! You are a light now to your family and friends. Although I’m saddened still by your passing I’m glad you aren’t here to witness the craziness that we are dealing with. Although I’m sure you would have had some enlightening comments about it all in your humorous way! Your family lives on through all you are to them. Rest well my friend!

December 2, 2019

Joel - There is not a moment that I don't miss you. Not a moment the pain isn't searing. But my joy lies in the fact that not a day goes by that I am not thankful that you came into my life. You gave me my most precious gifts. Not just the boys, but you your self. When you died I said that the gifts you gave me would last a lifetime. After two years, I am so grateful that this still is true. I feel soo lucky that I had you. So angry you got sick and couldn't listen. But so lucky that I had you. I watched an episode of Downtown Abby last night where all the widows in grief smiled that at least they had gotten to experience great love. I knew the sentiment all too well. Though my heart still has a gaping, open wound, I am still so happy to have known you. I live deeply still, and always, because of you. And I know you would be so proud of me. Your love continues to fuel me. I am so sad,but I am so grateful to have experienced your love. And I hope you're watching over us, cause I keep taking the boys on adventures, sliding down ice hills, pulling trailers at night into one-way shooting ranges, and always asking for help because you're not here to navigate me out, but I will live and raise our boys as I know you would have wanted. I will live, for us.

December 2, 2019

Joel, I remember the excitement in your face like it was just yesterday. You and Shantala were encouraging me to do the round the world trip of my dreams. I was taking it all in and writing down which places to visit in which months, as you were jumping from continent to continent. I admired you and Shantala for your courage. I loved the energy you had and the how you always managed to make me feel welcome and included. Sending you light and love up above and sending warm hugs to all of us here remembering you today.

December 2, 2019

Dear Joel,

Another year has gone by without you. So many family and friends have missed you during these difficult last two years. Fortunately we have many happy memories to help sustain us. My best memories are of our hiking trips. The trips we took together were the best I've ever taken! I miss you, brother.

Love,

Brian

April 11, 2019

Dear Joel,

Today is your birthday, the second one since you left us too soon. I am getting to know your sons a lot better. I am proud to be their uncle. We all miss you greatly.

With love,

Your older brother,

Brian

April 11, 2019

Happy birthday my friend! I know you are looking upon all of us blessing our lives with memories of you! Today your family will remember your birth as an amazing day! Rest In Peace

December 3, 2018

Wishing Shantala and the boys prosperous life and a happy one in memory of Joel.

December 2, 2018

Today, one year after Joel's passing, is a tough day for all of us. We miss you, Joel. But we are all better for having known you. You were a great brother and a great person.

December 2, 2018

I can't believe it has been a year already....Joel's name comes up and the stories that are told are all so funny. I just looked at all of the pictures in the slideshow and he had so many amazing experiences. He truly will be forever missed.

December 2, 2018

Everyday for a year I’ve seen Joel’s face at my desk where I keep his memorial service paper. It reminds me that he was a fantastic guy with a great family and was taken far too early from all of us. Shantala and the boys, I hope you are doing well and that this day brings you only a smile of what your husband and daddy gave you in his life. He watches over you everyday. May God bless your lives and may we always remember this man that has touched so many lives in so many different ways. Gone but never forgotten!

April 13, 2018

I met Joel when Sampath and myself visited Arizona. I remember a calm and gentle person. My compassion goes out to Shantala who lost such a lovable husband. I wish her courage and strength.

Madeleine Voora

April 13, 2018

April 11, 2018

What a wonderful day to remember all the greatness Joel brought to all our lives! Family and friends have been touched by Joel’s spirit and joy! Happy Birthday Joel. You surround us all each day still with your spiritual presence and our memories. You’ve blessed us all.

April 11, 2018

Happy Birthday Joel, I am wondering how you see us from wherever you are. How you celebrate life from your eternal resting peace. I just don't know. One thing I am so sure of that you are being missed here. Happy Birthday, even though I am not a beer drinker I will have one today in your honor. BTW, I guess this is your first heavenly birthday. CHEERS

April 11, 2018

Today is my beloved brother Joel's birthday. Let us cherish all the fond memories we have of Joel, a great person who loved, and was loved by, many people in Arizona, in Michigan, and around the world.

April 11, 2018

To my darling Joel. I cannot believe how hard today already is. Though I smile at the crowds, the longing and memory of your smile, touch, and beauty breathes in my every cell, always. You were the most beautiful, smart, down-to-earth person I met. You never said anything bad about anyone, even those who deserved it. You are the only person I know that when you walked in a room, everyone breathed easier. You were smart yet humble, a man's man yet gentle, strong yet kind, and so handsome. You always took the time to inspire, help, and relax with those in your present. For all the good I have heard since your passing that you brought to so many individuals, I can only feel blessed that I was the one to get to spend 16 years with you. To love you, and to be loved back, so strongly, so beautifully, so calmly. It is still very surreal that you are suddenly ripped away. But I am comforted by the beauty you brought to my life. I hope, and think, you are around watching over us...when you're not in the mountains and traveling at lightening speed. Happy birthday, my love. I miss you so much.

January 8, 2018

I did not know Joel very well having met him only a few times. Bernie and Colleen are dear and special friends of mine.

While viewing the photos of Joel's life journeys, it quickly became apparent to me that he was an adventurous and courageous person. A man with a beautiful and loving wife and children that he loved. He was surrounded by many, many friends who saw in him a true friend.

I regret I did not know him better. My heart goes out to Shantala, Rowen, Remy and the Arbic family.

December 17, 2017

I didn't know Joel that well but I am very impacted by his death. I am married to Joel's 2nd cousin (Rick) and my own sons are very near to Joel's age. I can't imagine losing a son and my heart breaks for his family and my family, the Arbic's. I remember Joel as one of the most handsome, polite and generous men I have met. I wish I knew him better. I didn't know his personal struggles, problems or challenges, but I do know Joel was a wonderful man who loved his family and loved life. I know he wasn't himself when he took his own life. The greatest comfort I have received in helping me deal with his death is knowing that he is in heaven. And I know this because when Jesus hung on the cross and died for our sins, His last words were "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do." He said and did this for all mankind and for all time. I know that Jesus stood in the gap for Joel and he
is no longer suffering. Joel is in a better place and will see his family again someday. The hard part is going on without him until that day when we will see him again. All my love, Cheryl Arbic

December 16, 2017

Amidst the insurmountable grief in the service for Joel today, there is light in his life story and legacy: kindness, humor, adventure, connection, among many other admirable attributes. May all these qualities expressed by the family and friends who loved him now live on through his children and countless stories. May treasured memories bring comfort to all whose lives he touched throughout his adventures on earth. Thinking of the Arbic & Ramaiah families with deepest sympathy.

December 15, 2017

I had the pleasure of working with Joel for the past several years. He made our shared project enjoyable, all while keeping me grounded. I would ask for the moon and he always found a creative means to get me exactly what I needed regardless of all the red tape and parameters he had to navigate. Not only did he just deliver a completed task but he took the time to teach me all about the application and tools regardless of how much time and effort that required. I've learned so much from Joel through our partnership and will forever be greatful for his patience and genuine interest, in not just meeting our project goals, but sharing knowledge and in me as a friend. My heart goes out to the Arbic family.

December 14, 2017

To the boys: I met your dad way back in 2001 or so, soon after your parents met. Your mom is one of my closest friends, so I wanted to make sure he was going to be good to her, and I was pretty tough on him. Your dad wasn't phased in the slightest. He was already so in love with your mom that he didn't let my attitude bother him at all. I wasn't his favorite person for a little while after that, but your mom certainly was. He loved your mom so very much, and when each of you came along, that love just expanded for you both. He was a good man. Never forget that.

December 14, 2017

From the first time we met Joel, Paul (Driver) and I knew him to be an active, energetic, and adventurous man who loved Shantala very much. He worked hard and played hard and we all had some good times together. He will be greatly missed.

December 12, 2017

I got to know Joel from a distance through conversations with his mother and father, dear friends of mine. The heartache of loss comes from the joy of love, and Joel gave and received a great deal of love in his life. I join the many who are thinking of your family.

December 11, 2017

I was blessed to know Joel over the past 13 years starting at PacifiCare, then Humana. Such an intelligent, caring and funny guy! He touched many and will be deeply missed. Heaven gained another angel...

My thoughts and prayers are with Shantala and his boys. May your loving memories of Joel & God's grace bring you all peace.

December 11, 2017

Dear Shantala,

We are reading the web memorial tributes of Joel and looking at the photos. He seems to have really enjoyed his life along with you, especially the trip around the world. His enthusiasm is contagious and he is an example to all of us.

Our heartfelt sympathy to you and the members of yours and Joel's family. May God give you courage and the light of hope to get through this harsh time.

Sincerely,

Madeleine and Vidya Voora

December 11, 2017

I had the chance to spend time with Joel and Shantala when I visited them with my husband a few years ago. The plan was to stay with them in Pheonix and then afterwards to go off camping in Arizona and Utah.
What I can say is that both Shantala and Joel could not have been more welcoming and generous. They basically lent us all the equipment we would need to go camping and helped us to prepare for our trip.

I was especially touched when Joel stayed up late into the night showing me the maps of Sedona, the Grand Canyon, Zion, and Bryce Canyon and made suggestions about the best hikes to take and what we should look out for. He was incredibly knowledgeable and his enthusiasm was contagious. In the end, our camping trip out West turned out to be one of our best vacations ever. Joel generously shared his passion with us and our experience of the West would not have been the same without him.

I wanted to write about this since I feel it captures Joel’s genuineness and thoughtfulness. My deepest sympathies go to Shantala, their sons and members of his family.

December 10, 2017

Dear Shantala,
I am extremely sorry to hear about the loss of your loving husband Joel.
May his soul Rest In Peace. God bless you, Rowan, and Remy.
Love,
Aunti Suvarna

December 10, 2017

Joel, I'll never forget your love and belief in travel. You and Shantala gave me the added confidence I needed to explore the world in the way I knew I wanted to, but wasn't sure I could. Thank you for all the time you spent walking me through where to go when, for all the useful gear you shared, and for assuring me, once and for all, it was the right thing to do. I am forever grateful. I have a feeling that wherever you are your bright light is comforting other souls in a similar way. It must be. All my heart goes out to you, Shantala, and the boys during this unimaginably painful time. Love to you, my dear.

December 9, 2017

Sending my deepest condolences to Shantala, Rowen, Remy and the Arbic family. I pray that your beautiful memories of Joel and his love for you bring comfort and joy in the years to come. Joel’s kind presence in our family will be truly missed. May God bless you and fill your hearts with love and peace during this difficult time.

December 9, 2017

Joel, your departure from this life came too early and you are leaving a big hole in the life of many. I know Shantala, Rowan and Remy will definitely will be the ones feeling your absence the most. I remember how you changed the life of shantalita, I remember the conversations about your trips around the world, my friend you will be missed lots. To the Arbic and to the Ramaiah family and friends my most sincere sympathy. I am going to miss you Joel, you continue to rock and roll up there wherever you are.

December 8, 2017

Oh Zoel, I don't even know where to start. I have known Joel for pretty much my entire adult life and have always had a strong love and respect for him. He was a kind hearted, intelligent man of honorable character. It made my heart happy to see how he would look at Shantala in a way that showed she was the person he adored the most on this planet. My cousin/bff was with her true match and it was apparent in how happy she was. Joel was also a great father to their two handsome boys Rowan and Remy. I am sincerely grateful to have had Joel in my life and still remember moments from years ago when he spoke supportive words of advice to help me through my dilemma of the moment. He will be forever remembered and missed as he has touched many lives including mine.

December 8, 2017

Shantala, I am so sorry to hear about Joel. I met you both at Wadi Rum in Jordan. I remember talking with Joel and having a connection with you both. Maybe because we were both Americans traveling the world that most Americans don't travel. You both were so kind and interesting. Joel will be missed.

December 8, 2017

Sending caring thoughts and prayers your way and keeping you close in our hearts. Joel always had a wonderful warn smile and will be missed. God Bless, Pat & Dave Hubbard

December 8, 2017

Be at peace Joel. May your family's memories of you comfort them now and be source of joy in the future.

December 8, 2017

Although I did not have a lot of Interaction with Joel, in the time I knew him and the interactions we did have I saw that he was very kind, friendly and had a great sense of humor. I also saw how happy he made my cousin Shantala. My thoughts and prayers are with you Shantala, Remy and Rowan. I am so very sorry for you loss. Rest In Peace Joel.

December 8, 2017

Joel had a light and caring that made everyone feel comfortable the moment they would meet him. I went to high school with Shantala and I met them both after a twenty year hiatus. It was so clear to see the happiness that he brought to her and everyone around him. He will be deeply missed but his spirit will clearly live on. Our family's thoughts and prayers are with you Shantala, Rowan and Remy. We are here for you.