Ferris Lucien Arnold

Ferris Arnold, age 76, of Saginaw, passed away at his home, surrounded by loved ones, on May 1, 2023, following a courageous battle against various health obstacles. He was born on August 16, 1946, in Saginaw, Michigan to Ferris C. and Betty Lou Arnold. Ferris graduated from Arthur Hill High School, Michigan State University and Thomas M. Cooley Law School. Ferris was a unique, if not complicated, man who wore many different hats during his lifetime… literally. His fondness for various hats started when he was young and lasted a lifetime which resulted in an impressive collection. Ferris also wore many hats… metaphorically. Not only did he wear the usual ones like husband, father, son, grandpa and friend, with style, he tried on many others and was not timid about taking on various adventures and pursuits such as attorney, pool shark, stereo and hi-fi aficionado and shop owner, recording artist, shop rat, union representative, hippy and athlete (just kidding). However, what he lacked in athleticism and coordination, he more than made up for in intellect, compassion, kindness and excellence. As a precursor and training for a career in law, he became an accomplished billiards player (i.e., hustler). He honed and applied his skills at bars near the auto factories on many a Friday evening (payday). In fact, rumor has it that these skills funded his college education and he once “won” a Corvette. Urban legend suggests that he also cut a single called “Running Stick” about his ventures although no recording has ever been located. Ferris was also a tenacious representative and advocate for the laborer and an inveterate supporter of civil rights. While working at Steering Gear in his early years he followed his beliefs and successfully ran for union committeeman. Not satisfied with the influence of this position, he put himself through college and then law school, commuting at night between Saginaw and Lansing to attend classes and become a highly skilled and respected workers compensation attorney. He proudly represented thousands of injured and otherwise “wronged” workers. Ferris was an ardent champion for the underdog. Ferris enjoyed spending time with his wife and many friends during the winters at his home and on his boat on Marco Island and cruising and exploring in his convertible on a nice day. He was a voracious reader, especially detective novels, as well as an avid fan of the Detroit Tigers and Michigan State Spartans. Ferris is survived by his beloved wife, Leslie Arnold; children, Tim (Kelly) Arnold, Gretchen Arnold, and Ben Arnold; Leslie’s children, William Vlassis III and Alexandra (Josh) Dowell; grandchildren, Noelle Arnold, Jonah Arnold, Holland Arnold, and Iris Dowell; siblings, Cindy (Nick) DeFrancisco, Dan Arnold, Beverly Arnold, and Jim (Angela) Arnold; his mother and father-in-law, Bernard and Barbara Jones; and last but certainly not least, his beloved dog, Lucy. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ferris C. and Betty Lou Arnold, and his wife Helen, mother of his son Ben. A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, May 5, 2023, at 11:00 a.m., at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 123 N. Michigan Avenue, Saginaw, MI 48602. Rev. Curt Norman will officiate. Following the service at church, the family will host a reception at the Saginaw Club, 219 N. Washington Avenue, Saginaw, MI 48607, where all are welcome to enjoy sharing memories and a toast to Ferris. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to American Cancer Society, Humane Society or your favorite charity. For information, please contact Fischer Family Funeral Services at (989) 755-8277. To express your condolences, please visit www.fischerfuneral.com

Ferris Lucien Arnold

August 16, 1946 - May 1, 2023