Arthur William Thompson died of colon cancer in Lecanto, Florida, on November 28, 2019.
Art was born in Lyme Center, New Hampshire, on March 19, 1936. His parents were Della and William Thompson. He had a twin sister named Arlene, and the twins were the youngest of five siblings.
Art received his elementary education in a one-room schoolhouse in Lyme Center and attended high school at Thetford Academy. He joined the Army in 1955 and was honorably discharged in 1957. When he returned home, he married Rita Small of Lyme. Art and Rita had three children: James, Linda and Diane.
He spent the majority of his working years driving heavy equipment. But he also drove tractor trailer trucks, served as Road Agent for the town of Plainfield, and owned his own welding business.
Art was well known for his commitment to community service. He was a volunteer firefighter in three different towns-Hanover, Cornish, and Meriden, where he served as chief of the department. He donated his time in other ways as well, such as helping Meriden drill a new well to supply the town with drinking water.
Art was a capable and hardworking man. Working nights and weekends, he built two different homes for his family, the first in Hanover and the second in Meriden. But Art also knew how to have a good time. He and Rita were frequent dance partners at the Elks Club, and he loved to fish and host community fish fries.
No date has been set for a memorial service.
Anyone wishing to make a charitable donation on Art’s behalf is asked to mail a check to the Meriden Volunteer Fire Department, an organization that Art was closely involved with. Send checks to: Meriden Fire Department, P.O. Box 337, Meriden NH 03770.