Despite being left a tetraplegic after a 10m fall down a cliff at his Alexandra home almost 18 months ago, Mr McArthur (70) continues to count his blessings.
He says he was fortunate to survive the accident and equally lucky to have family and friends close by during his recuperation.
His only grumble - he cannot recall anything about the helicopter trip to Dunedin Hospital.
"Here's me, the person whose greatest thrill in life was a flight in a helicopter many years ago, and I can't remember a single thing about that helicopter ride," he joked.
At the Central Otago Sports Awards on Friday evening, Mr McArthur was presented with the John Fitzharris Memorial Trophy for services to sport - for his service to rugby, curling and rowing.
His acceptance speech prompted a standing ovation.
He stressed the importance of sportspeople as role models for the community.
His own passion for sport remains undiminished.
Now a Dunstan Arm Rowing Club patron, Mr McArthur was among those instrumental in establishing clubrooms at Weatherall Creek after several Environment Court hearings.
"It was a real battle to get the building located there, and I argued with the [Central Otago District] council that the building didn't need a lift because nobody in a wheelchair would ever be taking up rowing.
"So, the building was constructed with stairs only to the top storey ...
"Now that I'm in a wheelchair of course, that decision has come back to bite me on the bum."
Mr McArthur was a member of the first rowing crew on Lake Roxburgh in October 1956, before the Alexandra Rowing Club was formed.
His rowing career lasted about eight weeks, but he picked up the oars again two years ago on Lake Waihola at the New Zealand Masters Games.
"I got really excited that day. There were only three in my race so I knew I had a fair chance at getting a medal.
"Rowing being such as it is, however, the weather blew up rough and my race was cancelled, so I still haven't got my rowing medal."
His involvement in rugby began aged 7, and he later played for Alexandra, Vincent and Otago Country and coached and served as president of the Alexandra club.
Curling, especially on natural ice, was another passion, "my style" being 10% skill and 90% luck.
Mr McArthur spent nine and a-half months at the Burwood spinal unit after falling when trimming shrubs on his property.
"People were great and in all the time I was in Burwood, there were only two days that I had no visitors, not counting family."
He is "thrilled to bits" to be back at home and is enjoying getting out and about.
Recent trips included the Highlanders rugby match at Queenstown on Saturday.
The veteran wool-classer also caught up with friends at the New Zealand Fine Wool Shearing Championships in Alexandra last October.
Mr McArthur has visited several former clients, with some farmers organising wheelchair access specially for him, and he plans to help his clients with ram selection this coming season.
"That's certainly not something I anticipated in my recuperation, so it's a real milestone."
His positive attitude reflects the "positiveness" of all those around him, especially wife Beth and their family, he said.
Although he has no movement in his fingers, he does have some movement in his left arm and hopes for more improvement.
"I think often how terribly lucky I am."
