Obituary of Arlene LIEPINS

Our beautiful Arlene passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family and closest friends. Arlene was born in Calgary to loving parents, Audrey and Martin Liepins. Growing up, Arlene was an avid athlete, competing in Basketball, Volleyball and Synchronized Swimming. From her early teens, and for decades to follow, she successfully worked in modeling with her stunning photos appearing across Canada. Arlene loved the arts, playing both guitar and piano, and had a life long enjoyment of singing. Always passionate for academics, Arlene completed all of her post secondary education at the University of Calgary, graduating with both a Bachelor of Arts degree with Honors and Master of Arts degree in Anthropology. While attending University, Arlene met her husband, best friend and soul mate, David Fordyce. Arlene and David were married on April 30, 1983. They welcomed their daughter, Jordan Leigh, three years later in 1986. Jordan brought Arlene and David so much pride and joy, and together they shared a relationship that words cannot begin to describe. Arlene was a devoted, loving and caring mother, wife, daughter, aunt and niece. She was a magical friend to all of those who had the opportunity to know and love her. After the passing of Arlene’s father, Arlene and David took over her parent’s company, successfully growing and expanding the design business into a worldwide wholesale importer, known today as Stewart Drummond Studios. A gifted businesswoman and entrepreneur, Arlene also pursued a second business venture with a long time friend, forming Municipal Counsellors, an urban and municipal advising firm. Arlene maintained her enthusiasm for athletics as an avid golfer. She particularly looked forward to her winter golfing and kayaking on the beautiful island of Maui, her second home, for over twenty-five years. More recently, Arlene indulged in oil painting, producing spectacular pieces of art, and meeting wonderful new friends. Arlene, our beautiful and passionate redhead, will be terribly missed by all, but will continue to live on in our hearts and in our memories forever. Always a lover of animals, especially her standard poodles, and a frequent visitor to the zoo since before she could walk, Arlene’s family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Calgary Zoological Society (donations@calgaryzoo.ab.ca).