Obituary of Arthur Cornell

Arthur Benjamin Cornell, age 88, of Barker, NY, formerly of Lakeland, Florida, went to be with his Lord and Savior at 6:35AM on Thursday, July 17th, 2014 as a result of complications from recent surgery and illness. He is survived by his wife, Margaret Helen MacWhorter; son, Douglas (Lynda); son-in-law, Rev. Dr. James Revell; grandchildren, Joel (Brianne) Cornell, Elisabeth Revell (Jon) Grunert, Leah (Rev. Matthew) Nickoloff, Nathaniel Revell, Rebekah Cornell, and Aaron Cornell. Also surviving are seven great-grandchildren, sister Elsie Lowell, brother Joseph (Phoebe), and many loving nieces and nephews. "Ben", as he was affectionately called by family and friends, was predeceased by his son, Benjamin Arthur Cornell; daughter, Gail Marie Cornell Revell; grandson, Joshua Cornell; sisters Leah Owen, Crystal Britt, and Vina Coleman; brothers Nate and Paul Cornell. Ben was the youngest of eight children born to Horace M. and Clara E. Hamilton Cornell, in Elmira on September 20, 1925. He married his bride "Peg", on her 19th birthday and together these best friends showed the world how to love for more than 70 years! Eighteen days after their wedding, Dad headed off in service to his country as a Private First Class in the tank infantry division of the 104th Cavalry Regiment which included deployment in the European theater as WWII was coming to a close. After the war, Dad brought his wife to Rochester where he began a 23 year career with Armour and Company and later, for nine years with Eastman Kodak Company. Together, Ben and Peg were blessed with four children and though they were grieved as parents to return three of them back into the hands of the Lord, they rejoiced in the knowledge that their salvation was secure. They have created a lasting legacy through the lives of their children, grandchildren and a growing number of great-grandchildren who are busy planting their own "gardens of faith". Like many members of his generation, Dad's work ethic was exemplary, surpassed only by his passion for his Christian faith and the love of his family. He seemed truly happiest with a trowel or hammer in his hand or at the wheel of a tractor - and all the better if it was in service to someone else. Whether serving on a mission team in Brazil or Venezuela, re-roofing a child's home, or helping a neighbor with a messy project, Dad gave of himself often. In their retirement years, they were blessed to live in the company, and later care, of numerous wonderful communities. For nearly three decades they resided at Lighthouse Christian Camp in Barker, NY during the temperate Western New York months and at the Light & Life Park in Lakeland, FL during the winters. They later resided at Heritage Village in Gerry, NY for five years before relocating to Atria Senior Living in Penfield, NY and then Heather Heights in Pittsford, NY to be near their son and family. Finally, they were welcomed at The Living Center in Pittsford, NY in October, 2014 where Peg continues to live and entertain her care providers. The family would like to thank the administrators and staff at these wonderful retirement facilities as well as Highland Hospital for the loving and compassionate care that they provided to Dad. A Homegoing celebration will be held August 10th 3PM at Lighthouse Christian Camp, 9574 Somerset Drive, Barker, NY 14012. The committal service and interment will be held at the convenience of the family at the North Chili Rural Cemetery in North Chili, NY "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away." Revelation 21:4 ESV