TORRINGTON – Arthur “Art” William Thompson, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and cherished member of the Torrington community, passed away peacefully on February 27, 2025, at the age of 93. Art’s death marks the end of a remarkable life filled with kindness, dedication and service to others.
Born on January 19, 1932, in Platteville, Colorado, Art grew up in northern Colorado where he developed a deep appreciation for the outdoors and the strong values of family and hard work.
His formative years shaped him into the man who would become a pillar in his community and a role model to those around him.
In 1950, Art graduated from Fort Collins High School and soon after enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served during the Korean War. After his military service, Art returned to civilian life in Fort Collins. It was there that he met and married Geraldine Dietz in 1953. Art and Gerri had four children - Randy, Rick, Connie and Rob. At that time, Art and his brother owned an auto salvage and towing business in Fort Collins. In his spare time, Art enjoyed racing stock cars, fishing, hunting, playing golf and coaching baseball.
In 1963, Art moved his family to Torrington. Art and his high school friend, Lee Phillips, became business partners and built the Ten Pin Tropics bowling center and café on the east side of town in Torrington. Construction of Ten Pin started in 1963 and opened for business in 1964. Ten Pin Tropics was a well-known establishment and fixture in town, which the family owned and operated for 40 years before selling it in 2004.
Art enjoyed coaching youth baseball and devoted many hours to that passion. When he moved to Torrington, the town had no organized youth baseball. In 1965, Art and his friend Gene Koza started a youth baseball league. With land donated on the north side of town, they helped the town build two baseball fields. In 1967, Art and Gene brought Little League to Torrington. In that first year, the Little League all-star team they coached finished second at state tournament.
The following year in 1968, the Little League team Art coached won the state tournament and advanced to the Sectional tournament in Elko, Nevada. That team won the Sectional tournament beating the state champions from Colorado, Utah and Nevada and advanced to the Little League Regional tournament in Gallup, New Mexico. That run ended with a hard fought 2-1 loss in 10 innings to Albuquerque, New Mexico.
After a divorce in 1968, Art married Enid McKee in December 1969. Enid and her three children, Debi, Marty and Sonia moved into the Thompson house, and Art and Enid together raised all seven children.
Outside of his work and family, Art loved playing golf at the Torrington golf course. He was passionate about the golf course and was instrumental in helping to initiate the planning, design and construction of the back nine at the course.
Art was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Faye Thompson, his sister Meredith Koehler and his son, Randy Thompson.
He is survived by his wife, Enid Thompson; his brother Al Thompson and sister Dorothy Buderus both of Fort Collins; his three children: Rick (Janine) Thompson of Cheyenne; Connie (John) Seibel of Burdick, Kansas; and Rob (Karen) Thompson of Frisco, Texas; his daughter-in-law Suzanne Thompson of Tulsa, Oklahoma; and his three stepchildren: Debi (Randy) Edmunds of Torrington, Marty (Karen) McKee of Torrington, and Sonia (Mike) Andrews of Mobridge, South Dakota. He also leaves behind 25 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends who will forever remember him for his kindness, warmth and generosity.
The family will hold a Celebration of Life for Art at a later date to be determined. In lieu of flowers, Art requested that donations be made to the Torrington Little League in his memory.
Donations can be sent to Platte Valley Bank, 2201 Main St. Torrington.
Art Thompson’s legacy of service, kindness and love will continue to inspire those who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten. May he rest in peace.
