Arne Lunde

Date of Birth

March 29, 1930

Date of Death

May 7, 2014

City of Death

Santa Barbara

Arne Lunde, age 84, of Santa Barbara, CA, passed away suddenly but peacefully in his beloved garden on May 7, 2014.

Arne was born to the late Astrid and Albert Lunde on March 29th, 1930, in Sandefjord, Norway. He lived in Norway as a young boy during WWII under the 1940-1945 German occupation. Arne started High School towards the end of the occupation, and the German language was a compulsory subject. After WWII ended, English was added to the curriculum. Arne, having an ear for languages, used this skill as an inspiration for his later teaching career. At the age of 18, he joined a whaling expedition in Antarctica. This was followed by a mandatory year in the Norwegian Military, where he also played the flute in the marching band. Arne and his band were selected to play for the King and his family in which it was an honor and a privilege. After his tour in the military, he immigrated to Canada where his sister Inger Norris and brother Finn Lunde live. Both Inger and Finn are now in their nineties.

In Canada, Arne also attended Radio College. The skills of a Radio and TV Technician came in handy when he later sought US citizenship. Arne heard of a job through a friend, at Sears, in Santa Barbara, California and decided to head south. He would also have the opportunity to take classes at the local Community College to pursue his passion of foreign languages. It was during this time Arne met his wife Marcia at the Santa Barbara Ski Club. Arne and Marcia were married in 1961.

Arne received his Bachelors of Arts Degree and Masters Degree at UCSB in German Languages and European History. After graduation, Arne and Marcia moved to Germany so that Arne could continue his studies in Germany Language at the University of Gottingen. Upon returning to the US, Arne received an offer to become a Professor at the West Valley College in Saratoga, CA, where he taught German, French and Norwegian. Arne served as Department Chair and also served on the West Valley College School Board. He won numerous Teaching Awards during his tenure. He was considered a favorite amongst his students, many of whom kept in touch with him for years. Arne loved the Community College and neighboring community so much he stayed there until he retired in 1987. At this time he was encouraged to run for the Board of Trustees. Arne also started the Legacy Society for West Valley and Mission Valley Colleges that enabled individuals to make donation provisions in their estates/trust plans for Colleges.

Arne was an active member of Nordmanns Forbundet where he served as President for one year. He was also a member of Sons of Norway and was an active charity participant to many libraries. Arne loved classical music, was an avid world traveler, foodie, stamp and coin collector, Dodger fan, crossword puzzle master, cribbage player, Democrat, consummate gardener, Scottish Country Dancer, and loved Santa Barbara. He enjoyed going to the beach and visiting with his friends at Peets.

Arne was a devoted and caring Father and is survived by his daughter Margaret, his wife Marcia, his friends and neighbors who will miss him dearly.

There will be private services. In lieu in flowers, please contribute to West Valley College Library Fund or the Classical Music Station KUSC in Arne’s memory

Login

Please note this login is to submit events or press releases. Use this page here to login for your Independent subscription

Not a member? Sign up here.