Arthur F. Thompson, 87

Dr. Arthur Farrand Thompson passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 25, 2014, in Costa Mesa, Calif., at the age of 87.  

He was born in San Pedro, Calif., to Dr. Leonard R. and Ruth Miller Thompson. Following in his father's footsteps, he attended Stanford University to obtain his medical degree and opened a private obstetrics and gynecology practice in Newport Beach, Calif. In 1971, he earned a master’s in public health from U.C.L.A., and later returned to Stanford for training in anesthesiology. He worked as an anesthesiologist in Helena and Kalispell until his retirement in 1992 to a home on Flathead Lake in Lakeside.

Raised in an environment that fostered public service, Art served on the hospital ship “Hope” in Mexico and Nicaragua, and was an active member of many medical organizations. He was also a past president of the Orange County Ob-Gyn Society. Arthur was a longtime Rotarian and Sierra Club member, and served on the Newport-Mesa school board.

Military service was as a Navy medical officer in Subic Bay, Philippines.

He and his wife Diane actively supported many charitable causes in the Flathead Valley, including Big Brothers/Big Sisters and the Glacier Symphony.

Art became an accomplished surfer and sailor at a young age. Sailing and racing boats was a lifelong joy. He was also a skilled woodworker and combined these two interests building some of his own boats. Another joy in life was piloting airplanes, having earned his private pilot license and instructor credential. In Montana, Arthur relished every visit to Glacier National Park hiking in the magnificent wilderness.  Winters were spent skiing. He especially enjoyed the runs at Blacktail in Lakeside. He was a world traveler, always open to new experiences and new people.  

Arthur is survived by nine children and their families, Margaret Thompson, Janet Smith, Christine Tafoya, Sharon Strople, and David, Donald, Leonard, Matthew and Bradley Thompson. He is also survived by his sisters, Clara Gresham and Lois Smith, and his sister-in-law, Sandy Johnson, and their families.  

Art was preceded in death by his first wife, Roberta R. McGregor; his second wife, Diane; and his stepson, Arthur Birkhimer, Jr.  

At his request, no public service will be held. His family will gather for a celebration of his life.