The Passing of Arthur Thompson

Fruit growers and researchers across the country have spent the last couple months reflecting on the life and career of Arthur H. Thompson, who passed away in August 2008 at the age of 90. Thompson, who earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota and his doctorate from the University of Maryland in 1945, spent much of his career on the East Coast. A pomologist at Maryland, he spent years educating the likes of several prominent fruit growing families, including the Heineckes in Washington, and the Milburns and the Blacks in Maryland.

Thompson was also a graduate instructor, and helped forge the careers of such respected educators as George Greene of Penn State University, David Ferree of the Ohio State University, and William Bramlage of the University of Massachusetts.

Although he “retired” in 1983, Thompson took many opportunities to travel throughout his career. He was a fixture at International Fruit Tree Association events, both national and international, and continued to advise up-and-coming growers even in his later years. “He was a great teacher and a great friend to our family,” said Nathan Milburn of Milburn Orchards in Elkton, MD.