John Robert Arnold

John Robert Arnold, entrepreneur of Littleton, CO, passed away peacefully on June 27, 2024 at home in Littleton, CO from cancer. He was born in Denver on March 18, 1944, the second son of John T. and Rosalie M. Arnold. In 1948 the family moved to Greeley, CO where his mother ran a boardinghouse. When his mother married Alan Riddle after moving back to Denver, John gained 3 brothers whom he dearly loved. 

 In 1959 John married Lois Nolan and they had 2 children - Susan and John (JC). The marriage ended in divorce after which John was drafted into the US Army where he served as a psychologist. John always said he never worked harder nor learned more than during his Army experience. After the Army he attended University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, CO where he earned his BA in Anthropology/Sociology and an MA in Psychology. 

Following college, John moved to Alaska where he served as psychologist at the Alaska Psychiatric Institute in Anchorage. He then began his career as hospital administrator, holding positions in Utah and Colorado. John served on numerous boards of directors, associations and commissions including Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Colorado & Utah, Colorado & Utah Hospital Associations, and the Colorado Safety Association. In 1980 John founded Clinicare, an outpatient medical service for on-the-job injuries in Colorado, and grew it to 6 clinics before selling the company in 1994. John was committed to his employees throughout his career and encouraged them to reach their fullest potential. After the sale, John became an angel investor in numerous companies, most notably Artimplant - a Swedish company which developed biomedical implants, where he served on the Board of Directors for several years. Other start-up and medical-related companies included Ischemics and Ceremedics. 

In 1979 John married Claire Ludlow who remained his wife and best friend until his death. They enjoyed traveling and made many trips to Scandinavia and other parts of Europe as well as road trips visiting family and friends throughout the US by car and motorhome. 

John enjoyed trap shooting, game and bird hunting, fishing as well as golf at Columbine Country Club and at their winter home at PGA West, La Quinta, CA. John was an avid reader and was known for his work ethic, entrepreneurial spirit and generosity. It was not uncommon for friends and family to search him out for information and advice on myriad topics and issues. John dearly loved his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and will be missed greatly by his family and many friends. 

Predeceased by his parents and numerous aunts and uncles, he is survived by his beloved wife Claire of 44 years, daughter Susan McCartney (Mark) of Nixa, MO, son John C. VanLeuven of Aurora, CO, 4 grandchildren Nathan McCartney (Lea), Evan McCartney (Marianne), Elise VanLeuven, Anna VanLeuven, and great-grandchildren Rhett McCartney, Livie Grace McCartney. He also leaves his brothers Charles Arnold, Alan Riddle (Carol), Michael Riddle (Joan), Gary Riddle (Mary), and Jack Arnold (Patty) as well as numerous cousins. 

The family thanks the staff at BrightOn Hospice and Safe Homecare for their most helpful services provided to John and his family during his last days. Funeral services are under the direction of Horan & McConaty, 3101 S. Wadsworth Blvd, Lakewood, CO. In lieu of flowers the family suggests making contributions to BrightOn Hospice, 8055 E. Tufts Ave, Suite 425, Denver, CO 80237 or charities of the donor’s choice.

Please share memories and condolences with John's family by signing the guestbook.