Arthur Thomas was a charm- ing and unassuming fixture in classrooms, music performances, and events at Hillsdale Col- lege. After many happy years at Hillsdale, Thomas passed away on June 12, 2012 at the Laurels of Coldwater.
“His playfulness with students was always a joy. His reverence for the things we study here was a reminder of the value of our work. He was a cheerleader, if a cheerleader can be taciturn. He was a supporter who wanted no mention of the fact,” President Larry P. Arnn said. “Above all he was a friend: much missed, still loved.”
Many students and profes- sors remember Thomas for his regular presence in Howard Music Hall. Partial to voice and piano, he attended many student recitals and concerts, also volunteering to record perfor- mances and edit CD’s. He per- sonally purchased a computer, audio-recording equipment, and a high-quality digital camera for Conrad Recital Hall, according to James Holleman, associate professor of music.
Thomas even commissioned a painting of his wife, Muriel Parkinson Thomas, which hangs in the lower level of Howard Music Hall. His wife, whom he spoke of tenderly to anyone who asked him, passed away before
the portrait was completed, Hol- leman said.
“The close love he had with his wife was an inspiration. The loss he felt when she passed was a grief so palpable as to affect all who knew them,” Arnn said. “The comfort he took in being here among us was, he told me many times, the best earthly consolation he had found or could imagine.”
Thomas identified deeply with the mission of the College and the caliber of teaching in the classroom, said Provost Da- vid Whalen, who taught some of the English classes Thomas atended.
Several professors who had Thomas as a student commented on his amiability, intellec- tual curiosity, and contagious enthusiasm. He was capable of turning “dangerously dry” lecture topics into a delight for everyone present, said Whalen.
But Thomas’s involvement at Hillsdale College extended far beyond the lecture setting. Professors and students alike considered him a personal friend and an inspiration, even inviting Thomas to holiday meals, group gatherings, and weddings, Hol- leman said.
At a reception several years ago, Thomas held Whalen’s then-newborn son for over an hour. “[He was] beaming and pleased the whole time as if it were his own grandchild,” Wha-
len said. “In later years, he often mentioned that event, remarking upon how much the child had grown. In this way he really did become a part of many people’s extended family.”
His extended Hillsdale fam- ily provided Thomas with com- fort and support as his health began to fail, taking turns to clean his house and visiting him in Coldwate, professors said.
During the 2012 Spring Commencement ceremony, the college awarded Thomas with an Honorary Doctorate in rec- ognition of his generosity and continued service to Hillsdale.
“Art was a success in busi- ness and family, along with his service to the greater commu- nity. He was an inspiration to all who knew him and a successful person that students could aspire to be like,” Holleman said.
Thomas was survived by his son, David Thomas; daughter, Jacqueline Litchfield; four grandchildren, and four great- grandchildren. Thomas was preceded in death by his wife, and one daughter, Martha Kate Thomas, according to Eagle Funeral Homes.
On behalf of the students, faculty, and friends of Hillsdale College, we extend our deepest gratitude to Art Thomas for his commitment to Hillsdale Col- lege and the impact he had on everyone who knew him.