By Margie Arnold and Bill Hobgood
With heavy hearts and fond memories, we announce the passing of Edward Lewis Arnold, F-IIBEC, on March 28, 2024, in Southlake, Texas. He was a devoted husband, loving father, cherished grandfather, and esteemed Navy veteran.
Edward, born in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, on October 24, 1938, to loving parents Lewis and Hattie Arnold, grew up grew up with his siblings in Pennsylvania, graduating from high school in Abington, Pennsylvania, in 1956. Edward married his beloved wife, Nancy Dorothy Bergmann, with whom he shared 65 beautiful years of marriage. Following his commitment to service, Edward enlisted in the Navy in 1957 in Jenkintown, Pennsylvania. While his time in the Navy came to a close in March of 1959 in Kingsville, Texas, his dedication to his country never wavered. A man of unwavering integrity and dedication, Edward was a respected consultant in the roofing industry, embodying commitment and excellence in his work. Upon retirement, Edward’s focus became his family and friends, and those memories he cherished above all others.
Though his physical presence may have departed, Edward’s spirit remains eternally present in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know him. In honoring Edward Lewis Arnold, we honor a life of love, service, and dedication that will continue to inspire us for generations to come.
Edward is preceded in death by his parents, Lewis and Hattie Arnold; his brother, Lewis Arnold Jr.; and his sisters, Hattie Padden, Dorothy Caulkin, and Eleanor Campion.
Edward is survived by his adoring wife, Nancy Arnold; his beloved daughters, Margie Arnold, Lyn McGovern, Wendy Kelleher, and their husbands; his grandchildren, Christina Tabor, Connor Kelleher, Kellyn Capodagli, John McGovern, Kelsey Gore, and their families; his great-grandchildren, Brance and Braiden Tabor, Kasen, Samuel, and Hudson Capodagli, and Kacey Kelleher; and numerous friends who loved him dearly.
Ed and Nancy Arnold founded Arnold & Associates Inc. in January of 1990, a building enclosure consulting company. Ed joined RCI in 1986 and was also a member of the Institute of Roofing and Waterproofing Consultants (IRWC). He was involved deeply in the waterproofing side of the business and saw the need as others did in elevating RCI to include waterproofing services and the full building envelope. With the help of Ed and other pioneers in the industry, RCI and IRWC merged in the late 1990s. Ed chaired the inaugural Registered Waterproofing Consultant Exam task force to develop the Registered Waterproofing Consultant (RWC®) exam and designation. Ed worked diligently to increase the education of waterproofing consulting in the industry.
Ed earned his Registered Roof Consultant (RRC®) designation in 1993, Registration #0150, and his Registered Waterproofing Consultant (RWC®) designation in 2005, Registration #0001—the very first waterproofing credential issued. Ed also received his Certified Professional Waterproofing Consultant (CPWC) from IRWC in 1996, Certificate #2.
Ed served on several other RCI committees, including the Ethics Committee and the Registration Committee. He also served on the Manual of Practice Task Force and was chair of the RWC Exam Development Committee. Ed was inducted into the RCI/IIBEC Jury of Fellows in March of 2014. He and Nancy looked forward to attending the RCI/IIBEC convention and trade show annually for many years, even after he had retired from actively consulting in the business. Recipient of the Outstanding Volunteer of the Year Award in 2015, Ed also was awarded the title of member emeritus in 2019.
Ed has had an impact on many in our industry, and his legacy carries on in the company he passed on to the next generation. He was a tough but fair consultant and business owner and was beloved by many. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and a mentor, teacher, and friend to all that wanted to make our industry better.
Ed, we love you, and you will be missed!
