TRAVERSE CITY — Dr. Arnold F. Sarya, 77, of Traverse City, passed away on Aug. 29, 2011, surrounded by his loving family. Arnold was born May 16, 1934, in Allouez, the only son of Ethel and Arne Sarya. He was raised in Detroit, graduating in 1952 from Cass Technical High School. He married Constance Mae Geranen on Sept. 24, 1955. Arnold attended undergraduate and Dental School at The University of Michigan, graduating in 1958. He was active in the U of M Alumni Association and was awarded Alumnus of the Year in 1974. Arnold completed his master's in orthodontics at the University of Missouri in Kansas City. In 1960 he opened his orthodontics practice at 156 1/2 East Front Street in Traverse City. Arnold was active in dental and orthodontic societies and served as the president of the Michigan Society of Orthodontics. He loved his orthodontics practice. Arnold treated all patients with love and encouragement and felt that it was important to be a positive force in his patients' lives. His retirement party in 2002 coincided with the First Sarya Golf Classic tournament to benefit the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Arnold was an avid golfer and a member of the Traverse City Golf and Country Club for 51 years. Along with Vojin Baic, Arnold helped bring cross country skiing to Traverse City, importing hundreds of Jarvinen skis from Finland. He coached Little League Baseball and Youth Hockey. Arnold built Traverse City's first indoor ice arena, Glacier Dome, to benefit the area youth hockey and figure skating programs. He also owned The Traverse City Bays, a USHL semiprofessional hockey team. Arnold was proud of his membership in Kiwanis, achieving 51 years of perfect attendance at the Traverse City Kiwanis Club. He held many local and regional positions, including Governor of The Michigan District (1982-1983). He was active in his church, serving as president of the Bethlehem Lutheran Church Council several times. He and his wife, Connie, helped start a new congregation at The Faith Lutheran Church in 2007. He was proud of his Finnish heritage, serving on the board of Suomi College (Finlandia University) for 30 years. He served on numerous boards designed to assist the community in health, religion and healthy family lifestyles. Other causes he supported included Gideon's, 4-H, Indian Guides, Youth for Christ and Salvation Army. Arnold was recognized for his many contributions to Traverse City with the 2006 Traverse City Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Service Award. Many in the city have personally benefited from his kind and giving manner. He made a positive contribution to the lives of others every day. "Brush your teeth, Babe," and "No Bible, no breakfast," are perhaps etched in the brains of many in northwestern Michigan. Arnold is survived by his wife, Connie; daughters, Rebecca (Paul) Saleh and Ann (John) Hern; sons, Arne (Caroline), John (Lori), David (Gwen) and Daniel (Julie); and grandchildren, Laura, Eric, Anna and Justin Saleh, Michael, Margaret, Jack and Patrick Hern, Cullen Jamison, Luke, Matthew and Lilly Sarya. The funeral will be held Sept. 10, at 10 a.m., at First Congregational Church in Traverse City, followed by a luncheon at The Traverse City Golf and Country Club. Visitation will be at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home on Thursday, Sept. 8, from 5 to 8 p.m., and Friday, Sept. 9, from 5 to 8 p.m. Memorial contributions may be directed to Family of Faith Lutheran Church, Kiwanis International, Gideon's International and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Please visit www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com to share your thoughts and memories with the family.The family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.