One might say, when reflecting on a person’s full and meaningful life, that they wore many hats. But for the late Art Thompson, Maine Community Foundation fundholder and volunteer, it was what he wore on his feet that signified his life’s passions.

There were the waterproof waders he wore fly fishing and the cross-country skis he stepped into during long Aroostook County winters. He pulled on boots to work the Thompson family potato farm in Limestone and laced up running shoes to pound the pavement for miles with Aroostook Mustards. He slipped into dress shoes for days at the office of Thompson Financial Group.

But no matter what shoes he wore, one thing remained constant: his love for his community, state and the people in it.

Thompson, who died in December 2023 at the age of 89 on the same farm where he was born, was an active, tremendous force for good in Maine and leaves behind an incredible legacy of community building and philanthropy. He was a vocal champion for MaineCF’s mission and work as a member of the Board of Directors from 1998-2007 and strengthened his community as an Aroostook County Committee member from 2003-2012.

Thompson was a 1952 graduate of Limestone High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in agricultural engineering from the University of Maine at Orono in 1956. He returned to the family farm before founding Thompson Financial Group, an estate planning firm, in 1962 where he guided clients for the next five decades.

Brian Hamel, Thompson Financial Group advisor and former MaineCF board member, recalled Thompson’s generous spirit.

“Art was a dear friend for nearly 30 years. He taught me many things, but one important lesson was to give back to your community,” Hamel said. “Art was my mentor and the driving force behind my joining the MaineCF Board of Directors. Thanks, Art, for setting the perfect example for others to follow.”

Tim Crowley, president of Northern Maine Community College and MaineCF board member, said, “Art was a wonderful, community-minded person. He was an avid runner for many years and always encouraged others. He will be missed by many and his kindness will be remembered for many years to come.”

Erica McCrum, MaineCF community partner, will remember not only Thompson’s generosity, but his “goodness to all.” McCrum knew Thompson from childhood when he became her family’s financial planner after her father’s death left her mother a young widow.

“He always took such good care of us,” recalled McCrum. “There was not a birthday that went by that he didn’t call or stop into our house. Every time a picture or a snippet about points scored in a school sports game appeared in our local newspaper, he cut it out and send it to me with a card that always said, ‘Nice job, Erica!’”

“Aroostook County has definitely suffered a loss. We will miss his kind demeanor and the twinkle in his eye. May we carry on his spirit of generosity and putting others first as we move forward without him.”

It’s clear that Thompson, a man of many shoes, left big pairs to fill.