Arthur (Art) Forster Thompson, 65, of San Diego and formerly of Denver, passed away March 20 following a valiant battle against cancer. Art was born to the late Arthur Ray and Nanette Couts Thompson on June 29, 1945, in San Diego.
During his early career he worked for both San Diego County Supervisor Lou Conde, and California State Assemblyman and Senator John Stull, before founding his own consulting firm. Later, he served as the Executive Director at San Diego's Lesbian and Gay Men's Community Center and was recognized for his outstanding contributions to the LGBT Community by the California Legislature, San Diego's Mayor Dick Murphy, San Diego City Council member Toni Atkins and United Way of San Diego Council.
During his early career he worked for both San Diego County Supervisor Lou Conde, and California State Assemblyman and Senator John Stull, before founding his own consulting firm. Later, he served as the Executive Director at San Diego's Lesbian and Gay Men's Community Center and was recognized for his outstanding contributions to the LGBT Community by the California Legislature, San Diego's Mayor Dick Murphy, San Diego City Council member Toni Atkins and United Way of San Diego Council.
Art was the chair of San Diego Mayor Dick Murphy's LGBT Advisory Board and treasurer of AIDS Foundation San Diego before moving to Denver to serve as Executive Director of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center of Colorado. Art served as the Executive Director of The Center from 2002 to 2005, during a particularly trying time in The Center's history. Art lead Colorado's LGBT community through some lean years, always ensuring that The Center's doors remained open and continued to provide the greatest number of services possible. Art was also instrumental in stewarding Roy Wood, a donor whose planned gift enabled The Center to take the first steps toward building and owning its permanent home at 1301 East Colfax Ave. in Denver.
Art, a kind and true gentleman, enjoyed the theater, loved to cook and to travel, and spent as much time as he could at the family's ancestral cabin on Palomar Mountain. Art is survived by his domestic partner, Catherine (Kitty) Chisholm. He also leaves behind a sister, Cathee Harris, and a brother, Barnard Thompson, along with his loving extended family including his ex-partner Mark Bjorstrom of New York City.
Following private family services, a Celebration of Art's Life will be held in June 2011. Memorial donations in Art's name may be sent to: The GLBT Community Center of Colorado, 1301 E Colfax, Denver, CO 80218.
