Arnold Joseph Medalen
March 22, 1949–April 11, 2017
Arnold Medalen began writing articles about stargazing for The Ensign magazine in 1997, first as Modern Navigator and later as the Stargazer. In the 20 years he wrote for The Ensign, Arnold provided readers with a regular source of stargazing information and inspiration. He will be greatly missed.
Arnold leaves behind Patricia, his wife of nearly 47 years; his daughter, Shelly; two grandchildren, Josephine, 7, and Kenneth, 5; and two brothers, Charles of Riverside, California, and John of Campbell, California.
Arnold Medalen and Purcy
Arnold and Patricia met as teenagers on a blind date and were inseparable from that point on. They married on July 10, 1970. Arnold received his Bachelors of Science degree in biology the following June, and their daughter, Shelly, was born that September.
Not long after graduating, Arnold began working for E&J Gallo Winery as a lab tech and finished his 33-year career with Gallo as a senior winemaker.
In retirement, Arnold became a substitute teacher for the Sylvan School District in Modesto, California, teaching middle school math and science.
An avid boater, Arnold joined California’s San Joaquin Delta Power Squadron in 1986. In 1997 Arnold was awarded Boater of the Year for his contribution to safe boating education.
After selling their boat, Arnold and Patricia decided to try RV-ing. They purchased a 40-foot Monaco Windsor and took many trips, making sure to plan one big trip each year with granddaughter, Josephine. Together, Arnold, Patricia, Josephine, and Purcy the cat visited Yellowstone, the Black Hills of South Dakota, Mount Rushmore, and planned to travel to the Grand Canyon this summer.
Through his column, Arnold shared his love of astronomy with members for two decades, and we hope that when you view the total eclipse this August or anytime you look up at the stars, you will take just a moment to remember his contributions to United States Power Squadrons.
