An Appreciation: Arthur Ernest Thompson

He attended Christ Church Primary school located beside Brook Park. From there he went to Foyle College and played a leading part in the school musical.

He showed an interest in transport designing a space ship for a school project.

He lived with his family off Academy Road and moved with them to live in Prehen where he remained for most of his life moving into the Jack Allen Court, Hawkin Street in recent years.

After leaving Foyle he went into accountancy attending the “Tech” in the evening and studying privately for the accountancy exams. He initially worked with C & J Montgomery moving to work in the accounts office of Ben Sherman, shirt manufacturers. In 1972 he transferred to McCartney & Co Chartered Accountants and remained there for the rest of his working life.

Although not sporting, he was known to attend the football matches of Derry City at the Brandywell. His great interest, however, was transport, mainly trains, but also Lough Swilly buses. He was heavily involved in the Foyle Valley Railway and was a founder member of the North West of Ireland Railway Society, formerly the Narrow Gauge Railway Trust.

During his holidays and at weekends he would go on railway journeys around Ireland and each summer went to the Isle of Man. Although normally a shy and private person he would entertain with imitations of a steam train from start to full speed including whistles.

His working life was in accountancy and he never formally retired keeping in touch with his former colleagues on a regular basis. He was known to be reliable, competent with work of a high standard, timely and even embraced computerisation.

To many he set an example of how to treat others in that he was never known to criticise others, he would always ensure that his clients were looked after, he was kind to anyone in trouble and was prepared to help, was thoughtful about others, was honest in his dealings and ethical in his work.

His other interest included playing the piano at home, attending luncheon clubs, Men’s Clubs in both St Cathedral and in Clooney Hall, and involvement with his church, Carlisle Road Methodist Church where he enjoyed immensely singing.

Arthur died on July 16, 2013, and it was fitting therefore that the memorial service was held in the church that was such a major part of his life.

He will be missed by all who knew him.