CFE Member Art Thompson Dies

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The Southern California Chapter of the Crown Firecoach Enthusiasts (CFE) are reporting the death of long time member Art Thompson. He passed away Saturday, November 7th following a battle with cancer. Thompson attended many CFE events including last February's SPAAMFAA convention in Pomona. According to CFE, he owned several Crown Firecoaches including the ex-Anaheim/Valley Center Pumper (F1502) and was a long-time member of the American Truck Historical Society (ATHS).

A service will be held Saturday, November 14th at 10 a.m. at Colton High School Auditorium, 777 West Valley Blvd., Colton, CA 92324. The graveside will follow at Montecito Memorial Park, 3520 East Washington St., also in Colton.  The family requests that  CFE and ATHS members bring their rigs to the funeral and participate in a procession escorted by the Colton Police and Fire Departments. Thompson will be carried on his 1955 Crown from the high school to the cemetery. CFE members participating in the procession should contact Mike Britt at crownfirecoach@earthlink.net or (909) 362-3625 so parking and staging can be planned. ATHS members should contact Mike McDonald. Rigs participating should be in place by 9:30 a.m.

Thompson was born in 1922 in Colton where he spent the majority of his life. He was the owner of Tom-Son Tank Lines, and was very active in his church and the local community, supporting many charities and local civic events. He began collecting Crown fire engines after acquiring and refurbishing a Crown pumper to donate to a local church camp in the San Bernardino Mountains.

The CFE meeting scheduled for Saturday has been postponed until Saturday, November 21th pending confirmation of the Ontario Training Center.


Author:Barbara Brooks - FDNNTV.com