Josh Arnold: A Cousin’s Remembrance

Josh Arnold’s high school career at Weedsport (2006-2009) could be seen as idealistic in some people’s perspective. He was a free spirt, what most adults would consider a “wild child.” His family expanded beyond blood to incorporate every one of his friends. Although he is pinned with a “bad boy” reputation, he truly had a huge heart. His lack of fear and willingness to accept every challenge put in his way, big or small, made him stand out. These characteristics tended to lead him into some trouble, but he could always manage to escape. This lucky streak ran out April 6th, 2010, when Josh passed away in a fatal car crash. This April was the five year anniversary of his death, and his friends, family, and even teachers will be reflecting on his acts of boldness, humor and love.

I myself am Josh’s cousin and my mom was like a mother to Joshua as well. Our family includes Josh’s parents Robert Arnold and Kim Bragman, and his siblings Kayla Angrick, Caitlin, and Cody Arnold. We all have our own unique and positive ways to remember how much of a special place he holds in our hearts.
Josh and his friends were not the most angelic group of kids in high school. Back in the day, summer consisted of Fairhaven Beach, the Fireman Field Days, and little “redneck vacations” down at Bonta Bridge road. At all of these locations you could probably find Josh with some chew in his mouth and a drink in his hand. Down at Bonta Bridge, Josh was not only known for his skills fishing, but for his burnouts under the bridge. The nights would be topped off with cracking open a beer around the bonfire. If you’ve ever seen the MTV series Buckwild, it would probably compare pretty well with how Josh’s summers took place. A lot of kids doing things that could’ve gotten them into a lot of trouble. It was the thrill that kept the fun going.

I have spoken to a handful of Josh’s former classmates, and each of them spoke about him in light hearted ways. One described his addictive personality and how he managed to make everyone in his presence feel comfortable to be themselves. Another described how he was the type of friend everyone wanted to have. Always there for you, on your side, backing you up.

Out of all the remembrance stories I have heard, Ryan Eno’s story distinctly stood out because it contradicts Josh’s striking persona. One night a group of friends got together for a party at Ryan’s dad’s lake house. He made it especially clear to everyone that drinks must stay off his father’s pool table in case of any spills. As the party and drinking progressed, Ryan picked up several bottles from off the pool table. While not making rounds cleaning up after everyone, he stopped to catch up with friends. Mid conversation with someone else he happen to see Josh’s girlfriend at the time set her drink at the very edge of the pool table. Before it had time to spill or Ryan had time to yell, Josh grabbed it from off the pool table and set it on the sink behind him. The one friend he expected to have not paid attention and follow the rules was the same friend who had Ryan’s back that night. Ryan never mentioned to Josh this new found level of respect he had for him. He did not want to take the chance of ruining that bold reputation, but this story shares a different side of the friend known as “Jarn.”

Josh’s story did not end with the summers. He was the friend most kids loved to have and the kid many teachers loved to hate. Various teachers remember Josh from when they had him as a student. However, one teacher’s memory stood out to me in particular. Days before school started one year, social studies teacher Mr. Smith was carrying several boxes out to his car. Josh happened to be leaving the school at the same time, and after seeing Mr. Smith drop a box, trailed behind him to help. One of the items broken in the fall was a small ceramic bank Mr. Smith kept for the students to deposit change. Not only did Josh help carry the boxes to the car, when he came in on the first day of school he set a new bank on Mr. Smith’s desk. With a quick exchange of “thank you,” and “you’re welcome,” Josh left leaving no time for further praise.

Moments like these that Mr. Smith and Ryan Enos were able to experience showed a side to Josh that was hidden under the rebel exterior. He was very discrete about who he shared these moments with. Many will be more likely to acknowledge him for being dauntless and comical. Family and close friends admire him for this side they know best. Yet regardless of how you choose to remember, every single person in the church the day of his funeral has at least one amazing memory of Josh. His funeral was a huge out pouring of support for someone who will never be forgotten.