Remembering Arlong

By Tasha Waite

Have you seen the incredibly fit man in the wheelchair cruising the streets of James Bay? You could tell by his gaze that he had a mission, whether it was a trip to the grocery store, or a delivery - either of dog treats to a neighbour or a freshly cut rose from the florist on Menzies for a friend's birthday. Arlon knew all his friends' birthdays and would stop at nothing to purchase them a thoughtfully selected gift and card. Rain or shine, off he went to demonstrate his unconditional love.

Sporting skimpy workout shorts, a tank top and fingerless gloves, Arlon was hard to miss, whether you knew him or not. His questionable clothing choices (during the colder months especially) caused many a passerby to pause and strike up a conversation.

A few years into my time working as a staff for Arlon, he began dispensing dog treats to canine friends residing in his four storey apartment building on Rithet Street.  It wasn't long before Arlon was the purveyor of goodies for several neighbours on his street, cats, dogs, parrots, and a hampster or two. "Treats on wheels" was inscribed on the small business card he and I sometimes tossed into bags containing dog bones.

When Arlon wasn't busy distributing pet treats, he could be found volunteering with residents at William Head Institution or hammering out two hours on the rowing machine at Cedar Hill Recreation Centre.

Although his brain disorder caused his body turmoil and discomfort, you wouldn't know it, because Arlon carried with him a grin and a quick wit that seemed to somehow transcend the physical afflictions he faced.

Arlon Maxfield outlived his predicted life span by 28 years. Proving to be a medical anomaly countless times, Arlon passed away at the age of 44 in late May. Part of me is still expecting to see him wheeling off in the distance, and the other part of me knows that I will - I will see him time and time again, along Dallas Road where we spent many a lazy Sunday strolling together.

Here's to you, sweet Arlon Maxfield. You will be missed profoundly.
Arlon Maxfield (1969-2014) was a James Bay resident for 20 years.