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Marcia and Newell Bearse posted a condolence
Thursday, May 21, 2020
May 1, 2020
Joan, Dale, and Lori
We send our condolences to you as we also did to Steve. The entire time we knew Arthur he was always a gentleman and very engaging in any conversation. We know he was a wonderful husband and father to you all.
With love and sympathy,
Marcia and Newell Bearse
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ADAM POIRIER posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 5, 2020
Lori/Dale/Steven - Please accept my sincere and heartful condolences for the passing of your Dad. My thoughts and prayers for you and your extended family.
God bless your Dad. And I appreciate his service to our country.
Adam Poirier
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Joey posted a condolence
Sunday, May 3, 2020
Grampy Eulogy
That hit the spot! That was Grampy’s commonly used phrase for whenever he was happy. You’d hear it numerous times every summer up at the Balsams where he took our whole family for vacation. You’d hear it echoing down Hanover Street in the North End or in Wakefield after taking us all out for Italian. You would even hear it for something as simple an Ice Cold glass of Root Beer… or of course after his favorite treat, a Snickers bar. In fact it’s hard to think of a time where he didn’t say it.
That hit the spot! This simple phrase truly personified the man we all called Grampy. Arthur, Dad, Grampy was the nicest, gentlest man you would ever met. The type of man who would drop everything whenever you were in need. Like the time Lori’s car broken down close to West Point while visiting Stephen and he drove all the way out there and immediately asked her, “so where do you want to eat?” Or the time my mom forgot to pack out passports on the way to Europe and Grampy had to rush to Bedford then then drive to Logan to drop them off. Whenever you needed Grampy, he was there.
Growing up Grampy was my whole world, my best buddy. From an early age, I developed a special bond with him that continued to grow until his final days. As a young boy you would find the two of us sitting in his Lincoln as I repeated kept pressing his Garage Door Opener. After about the 1000th time, I actually broke the motor on the door and it had to be replaced. Then there was the time he bought me a Swiss Army Knife but I was not allowed to take it home with me; my mom didn’t think it was right for a 5 year old to carry one in his pocket. As I got order he began recalling his days in the National Guard and Army and I was mesmerized. This lead to countless hours watching the History Channel and Military Channel and slowly my passion for History grew. It was because of Grampy then I went out to study History at UMASS and to this day actually look forward to reading an 800 page novel on the Civil War.
It seems like it was just yesterday when I would ask my mom, “Do you think Grampy would want to see a movie with me today” and she say call him up and ask. Next thing I know the two of us would be looking through the old Movie section in the Boston Globe seeing what Matinee was playing. A little while later here comes Grampy picking me up taking me to whatever I wanted to see and letting me pick out as much candy as I wanted. It’s the little things like this that stick with me. We would be 20 minutes into the movie and he would be fast asleep snoring with Milk Duds and Twizzlers sticking out of his shirt pocket and every now and the waking up asking if there is anything else I wanted. He always was thinking about me and what I wanted to do, never once complaining… but that was Grampy. Always looking out for everyone else.
Grampy was his happiest when he was around the whole family and…. when he got to talk about taxes. To this day whenever I hear the words 1099 or W-2, I still cringe. As for family, nothing would bring out that big smile more than when we all were together. I can still picture him sitting by the kitchen table at Stephens’s house looking out the window at all of us swimming in the pool. Anytime we would look his way, there he was, waving and flashing that big smile. By his side was always his beloved Joan.
Together for over 60 years, their love story is something we all strive to replicate. They traveled all over the world and lived a great life together raising three children and 5 grandchildren and now 2 great grandchildren. My fondest memories of them together is not during on any of the wonderful family vacations they took us on, or the many fabulous meals they treated us to, it’s the two of them sitting side by side at their kitchen table. Nana in her apron and Grampy in his White T Shirt and robe, drinking their coffee and playing spite and malice. Grampy had that look of determination that he would one day beat nana, and there’s Nana with her famous smirk letting you know she’s about to go on one of her famous runs to win the game.
It’s the small things like that, which I will always remember when I think of Grampy. We will all miss him dearly. His humor, upbeat personality and of course that million dollar smile. The most caring and generous guy you’d ever meet. A real life George Bailey, who truly lived a Wonderful Life. Arthur Thompson, our Grampy… his life, THAT HIT THE SPOT.
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Jim Legare posted a condolence
Saturday, May 2, 2020
My sincere condolences goes out to the families for their loss of an amazing man.Arthur was and will always be Lori's hero and she always shared wonderful stories about his intelligence....his gigantic heart...and all his accomplishments serving his country. I had the good fortune to visit Arthur with Lori on a few occasions. He was very kind to me and made me feel at ease. Lori's ex-husband Paul said it best...."Arthur is a Prince among Men"...When I saw how much love he had for Arthur and the sincere look in his eyes I was deeply moved...My prayers and best wishes go out to all the family
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Patrick posted a condolence
Saturday, May 2, 2020
Arthur W. Thompson was the ultimate archetypal patriarch—an altruistic husband, father, family-man, and public servant.
Seldom are men of his character found, and it is sad to see one leave. Those who knew Arthur are well aware of his genuine, earnest generosity towards others. Those too fondly remember a quick, highly astute man with a great sense of humor. Gramps, to me, was the type of man one should seek to become after a life lived. One who overcame, provided, loved, was just, and gave without the expectation of reciprocation. It is the latter that is most memorable to me.
Coming from modest beginnings, he went on to live an extraordinary life of professional, public, and personal accomplishment. He did so humbly, never seeking affirmation, only out of genuine care and interest. He knew what he liked, spent time with those he loved and lived a life with purpose. It is this certainty in one’s own life we all should admire. To have run the race, to have given our best, and to be at peace with the life we’ve lived.
Gramps, there are few like you. Your legacy has left a mark.
Patrick
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Colleen posted a condolence
Saturday, May 2, 2020
Arthur, or Grampie as we love to call him, leaves behind a tremendous legacy. As my mom so thoughtfully worded the other day, he was “a loving husband, devoted father and grandfather. A big man with an even bigger heart.” With everything he accomplished in his almost 92 years, including the many accolades bestowed upon him in his 40 plus years of service, I believe it is Grampie’s big heart and kind spirit that will be remembered most by all. His generosity was truly unmatched and his greatest joy in life was making his family and others happy.
Grampie was a very loving husband. He took Nana on countless trips across the world and purchased her beautiful gifts throughout the years. He was a giving and devoted father, ensuring all three of his kids had the best upbringing. And Grampie was truly a generous grandfather. I don’t know many grandkids lucky enough to spend every Saturday evening, eating dinner out in the North end. A tradition that continued on, long after the closing of Bernardos restaurant. I also don’t know any family lucky enough to spend an entire week every summer at a beautiful resort in NH. The Balsams was a vacation that served the foundation for so many wonderful family memories. A yearly trip I know we are all so grateful to have experienced. Innumerable gifts and vacations, endless lunch and dinner outings. When it came to the happiness of his family, no amount of money was too high.
Grampie also made sure to give beyond just his family. He would spend money, even if he was not exactly sure what would be received in return. This was evidenced by the large pile of magazine subscriptions and gadgets delivered to Laurel Hill Lane. Nana may have thought he was being duped, but I believe he simply just cared about giving to others.
We are all very fortunate to have benefited from the many wonderful things Grampie provided us over the years. But what I find most honorable, is that Grampie’s generosity transcended way beyond nominal value. He devoted so much of his time just being there for other people. This was especially true when it came to his grandchildren. I can remember as a young girl at Thanksgiving, Grampie would let me sit on his lap for hours just cracking a bowl full of nuts. It did not matter the conversation being had in other rooms, we sat together in the Ashland sun room, Grampie helping my little hands find the strength to break through the hard outer shells. There was another time when I was a little older, Grampie was over our house after school. I asked if he wouldn’t mind helping me with my math homework; the math gene unfortunately not something passed on to the Strachan children. Grampie sat with me at the kitchen table for hours helping to solve the complicated problem. Come to find out that next day in class, those hours paid off! I had the right answer. The only difference, it just happened to be about 10 lines longer than the rest of my classmates.
Sitting with Grampie was a common theme shared by all of his grandchildren. He would spend endless amounts of time letting us focus on a single activity. Whether it was playing cards at the kitchen table, sitting upstairs at the computer captivated by games, finding something to do over the garage, downstairs on the piano, in the basement at his workbench overseeing a craft, or out in his parked Lincoln, fidgeting with the steering wheel and repeatedly pressing the garage door opener. Grampie dedicated so much of his time to entertaining his grandchildren, even if it meant accomplishing nothing.
Grampie’s love and generosity for others had no limits. He was a true family man. A loving husband, devoted father and grandfather. A big man with an even bigger heart. May we find solace in continuing to serve his legacy through love and generosity. And know that generosity comes in many forms. Devoting your time and being there for your family and others is what truly matters and what Grampie exemplified each and every day. May he rest in the sweetest peace. We love you Gramps.
Love,
Colleen
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Jenny posted a condolence
Saturday, May 2, 2020
3 words come to my mind when I think of Grampie…kind, generous and patient. I’d like to briefly touch on these qualities that made him such a wonderful grandfather.
Kind-It was very clear how much Grampie cared for his family. He assisted us all with countless school projects and homework. I remember sitting at his dining room table working through math problems. He took great pride in helping me and would spend hours explaining every step and detail. Even though I was lost in all of the mathematical lingo, I loved spending the time with him and I know he enjoyed helping. Grampie had the biggest heart and he always put his family first. This is something I try to emulate every day. Kindness is what matters. Grampie’s kindness provided his family with numerous opportunities. I will be forever grateful that my life was touched by his kind and loving ways.
The second word I’d use to describe Grampie is generous. Everyone that knew Grampie knew about his generous spirit. He treated our family to several amazing trips to the Balsams. There we made memories that I will treasure for a lifetime. It brought him such great joy to see his family sitting around one table in that grand dining room. We looked forward to this trip every summer and I know Grampie looked forward to taking us.
Grampie also enjoyed taking his family to dinner. I have fond memories of our trips to the North End. I remember after dinner, we’d walk down to the parking lot, sit on the huge rocks and watch the ocean waves come and go. Sometimes, our dinners were followed by a sleep over. I loved going back to Nana and Grampies, settling in on the blue couch with cups of applesauce watching TV. Sleepovers were the best because it meant extra time with our grandparents. We would spend hours over the garage playing with Grampie’s clicky pencils or in the fort under the stairs where we all left our mark.
Sometimes Grampie was too generous, like the time he ordered each of us a large pizza in the Cape. But that was Grampie, always giving us more that we needed.
Finally, Grampie was patient. He never raised his voice and he always had time for his grandchildren. I remember sitting on his lap for hours, putting curlers in his hair. Grampie was never in a rush. He would let us sit in his Lincoln in the garage pretending we were driving to McDonalds to get happy meals or Dunkin Donuts to get munchkins. He let us play with the garage door opener, continuously opening and closing it. He never seemed concerned that we might break it. He was happy just watching us have fun.
In closing, I think all of us were touched by Grampie’s kind, generous and patient ways. To honor him, I suggest we consider these three traits as we move forward and live life like Grampie.
E
Emily posted a condolence
Saturday, May 2, 2020
Grampy
We have a really special family. Yes, we may be loud, often overly opinionated & sometimes fight, but at the end of the day we have this really close family bond and I cannot help but think that the reason for that is because of Grampy.
His first, second and third priority was family. He instilled that within his children who have passed that on to us- his grandchildren.
I know everyone thinks they have the best Grandpa, but we REALLY REALLY did. I was just thinking of my favorite memories with Gramps and its hard to find one that didn’t involve food or all of us being together in some capacity. Like the time Gramps ordered 9 large pizzas for 6 kids, or the way he would doodle with his red metal mechanical pencil or the way you held on to dear life with him behind the wheel. Or my personal favorite when Patrick was eating gelato and Gramps asked what gelato tasted like…. as if he never had Italian ice cream before. But my favorite memories are more often stories….
Nana and Gramps didn’t have a conventional love story. It wasn’t love at first sight- sure he had “movie star” looks but when Gramps asked Nana how she broke her nose--- I don’t blame her for having her reservations. He followed up with Nana the next night asking her when she was free & after getting to the fifth day she finally ran out of excuses. He showed up at her house with Coca Cola and cream puff in hand and the spent the whole night talking—and after that nana knew he was the one. She was head over heels. I always loved that story for obvious reasons- its nice hearing how people fall in love. But I also love the fact that Grampy knew what he wanted and went after it. That’s how he was with ever aspect of his life.
I always thought the funniest stories of Grampy growing up where when he lost his temper. I know we’ve all heard the story about Dale shutting the car door on Stephen’s hand and Gramps screaming “Jesus Christ” as Dale books it 40 yards away only to have Grampy grab the closest object, which happened to be a hockey stick, boomeranging it down the street & clipping Dale below the knee and Dale getting to her feet and simply applauding what a throw that was. Or when Stephen was trying to put on a sock and somehow how managed to punch a perfectly round hole through the window with his head. Grampy remaining calm in this situation- simply got in the car and drove to Friendly’s for a Jim Dandy Sundae. It seems like the only kid who wasn’t breaking dishwasher or bones, or testing Gramps patience was Lori. Although we all know someone else who didn’t respond to kindly to her Pretzel Jetzel machine disaster on Christmas morning- but we’ll save that story for another time.
I just always though those stories were the funniest thing because the man I knew was patient and even tempered…. but I think that comes with age—I’m slowly starting to see that within my Dad.
If I learned anything from Grampy it is that you are in control of how you want to live your life. He came from incredibly humble beginnings, getting no breaks or short cuts. But his resilient work ethic, undying faith to his family and generosity made him the man he was & will forever be. Thank you for everything Grampy. We love you and will miss you. We hope to keep your legacy alive- going after what we want and putting our family first. I hope there’s a buffet in heaven and a place for you to do taxes.
Rest in peace.
Love Emmy
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Heidi posted a condolence
Friday, May 1, 2020
Lori, I am so sorry for the loss of your father. I have been praying for you.
Heidi
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Elaine lit a candle
Friday, May 1, 2020
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Lori & Family,
I am so sorry for your heartache. Your father was kind and warm and had such a bright smile. He had the wonderful gift of making people feel welcome in his presence.
May you take comfort in knowing that he is not gone; he’s just waiting for you on the other shore.
God bless you all. You are in my prayers.
Love, Elaine
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Mirza Beg lit a candle
Thursday, April 30, 2020
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Serena Lanza posted a condolence
Thursday, April 30, 2020
Lori,
I am very sorry for your loss, may sweet memories of your dad fill your dreams and give you comfort. My prayers go out to the entire family at this sad time.
Serena
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Anne Flynn posted a condolence
Thursday, April 30, 2020
Dear Joan, Dale, Stephen and Lori - I am extremely sorry for your loss. Your Dad was such a great man. I remember him talking to my parents in the yard and always being so kind to my brothers and I. We were scanning pictures awhile back and found a picture of your Dad being Santa. Johnny and Stephen were on his lap - it is the sweetest picture. I am glad we all had a chance to know Arthur - he was an amazing man.
T
Tracy K Plant lit a candle
Thursday, April 30, 2020
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My heartfelt condolences Lori and family for the passing of your loving father and grandfather. May God bring you comfort and peace and hold you in the palm of His hands.
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Lori posted a condolence
Thursday, April 30, 2020
There are not enough words to describe what my Father meant to me.
He was my hero, a loving, warm and altruistic man. Always patient,
a good listener, teacher and my best friend.
He gave us a wonderful home and life with many learning experiences
that he made fun thru trips to museums, plays, historical sites, vacations
and of course restaurants. Always educating us thru history, culture and the arts.
He taught me three important life lessons.
Always treat others like you would like to be treated.
You get more with honey than you do vinegar.
Live each day to the fullest.
He always thought of others first. Everyone who knew him loved him and were
a better person for knowing him.
One of my fondest memories was when he used to dress up as Santa Clause
for our parish Christmas fair, What a beautiful Santa he made and he never
needed any stuffing! (smile) He was like a real life Santa all year round to me.
I remember when we were very young and coming home from our grandparents
one night, my father noticed fire coming out the top floor of a home we were driving
by. He asked us to stay in the car and I proceeded to watch with wide eyes and
amazement, my father rescuing 5 children from a burning house. At that moment,
I thought " My Dad is a Super Hero". And he was... an unsung hero that never
wanted credit or even expected a thank you. That was just who he was, always
doing for others not for notice or attention, but because it was just innately part
of his character.
I am eternal grateful that God Blessed me with such an incredible father... I have
always said... "If everyone had a father like my Dad, what a truly wonderful world
this would be".
He watched over all of us with such love and care... and still does. (Thank you for
sending the white butterfly at the grave site Papa) Validating to us all that you are
our Guardian Angel now. Although we all feel your absence here on Earth, we
know that you will always be here in spirit watching over us always.
Love and Light - LORI
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John Flynn posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 29, 2020
A terrific guy and great neighbor. My deepest sympathies to Joan, Dale, Steve, Lori and their families.
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Susan Honora Stowe lit a candle
Wednesday, April 29, 2020
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I only met Dale's father a few times, but I can attest to both his and Mrs. Thompson's all around excellence by their successful rearing of my dear friend of decades, Dale Thompson Strachan. So sorry for your loss Honey. ❤️
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Donna Faulkner lit a candle
Wednesday, April 29, 2020
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Sending condolences on the loss of Art. I am blessed to have known the Thompson family for several decades and I consider them my family. Art was a great husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather and an amazing friend. Keeping you all in my prayers. Godspeed Art.
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Alan Radovich posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 29, 2020
My Father , Ed Radovich and Arthur were close friends dating back to their early teens and with that close relationship we always referred to Arthur as "Uncle Arthur" because of his kindness and generosity to our family. From our family trips to the Balsam's every Summer, to playing a round of golf time from time, to preparing my taxes every Spring, or just meeting with us for lunch every Wednesday at the Hiltop, I was very fortunate to have witnessed such a special friendship between Arthur and my Dad, with so many special stories and memories over the years from a very loving and caring friend. We'll miss you Uncle Arthur, Rest in Peace.
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Richard Mack posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 29, 2020
A fabulous & caring human being.
I would always seek Junior out.
A big plus for his country & family.
A life well-lived.
R
Robin Smith Eden lit a candle
Wednesday, April 29, 2020
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Lori,
So very sorry to hear of your Fathers passing, may you keep him alive in your wonderful memories.
L
Lorraine Butler lit a candle
Wednesday, April 29, 2020
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I don't know you i'm so sorry to hear about your husband passing he is now resting in peace may god be with you and your family you are all in my prays always remember the good times you had with him
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David Marini posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 28, 2020
Tremendous guy. I am so grateful I had the chance to get to know him. Of all his accomplishments, he would always glow most when he spoke about his family. Peace to each member of that wonderful family.
Emily Thompson uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, April 28, 2020
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Lynne M Esparo lit a candle
Tuesday, April 28, 2020
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Greg and Lynne HIckox posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 28, 2020
Dear Joe, Dale and family,
May you take comfort in knowing there is one more angel above...and may your loving memories bring you peace during this difficult time and in the days ahead. Grief is the reminder that we loved and were loved. Please know our loving thoughts and prayers embrace you. God bless.
With heartfelt condolences and love,
Greg, Lynne, Nicolle, Danielle and Gregory
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The family of Arthur W Thompson uploaded a photo
Tuesday, April 28, 2020
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The family of Arthur W Thompson uploaded a photo
Tuesday, April 28, 2020
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Edward V. Sullivan
Funeral Home
43 Winn Street
Burlington, MA 01803
Ph: (781) 272-0050
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