Archie Thompson
1954-2021
We were all saddened to hear about the passing of our friend and colleague Archie Thompson on November 2nd. Archie had been a volunteer for AWFS® for over two decades and joined our board at the same time as I did, when I was a volunteer for the Association back in 2000. In fact, he and I attended our very first board meeting together that year, and that is where I first met Archie. From the very start, he struck me as a mild-mannered and easy going individual. Over the years, I was very fortunate to really get to know Archie and grew to admire his ability to take the experiences that life had to offer, regardless of circumstances or outcomes, with a high degree of tranquility and grace.
Although he spent the majority of his professional career in the wood industry, most recently as the National Sales Manager for Spectrum Adhesives, he was actually an artist at heart, having graduated from the NC State School of Design and leaving behind a collection of poetry, woodcrafts, and art that will be cherished by those who will remember him.
Not knowing much about his artistic talent at the time, I remember the day Archie shared several photos of his paintings and sketches. At first glance, I was really impressed with his artistic ability as his work was truly exceptional. However, it also shows how such a soft-spoken individual, like Archie, was able to express himself through his artwork. It was truly heartfelt and said so much more than can often be expressed through words.
Besides his many contributions as a board and committee member volunteer for AWFS, Archie also left us a legacy that will allow us to remember him for years to come. During one of our board meetings, we were discussing the design of a trophy that we would award to winners of the new product awards. Midway through the meeting, Archie tapped me on the shoulder and handed me a drawing he had sketched during the trophy discussion. Needless to say, I loved the design and more importantly, the meaning behind the name that he called his artwork, which we now know as the AWFS® Visionary Award.
Every Christmas, Archie made a tradition of painting and professionally publishing a Christmas card for his family, friends, and coworkers. Although I will really miss receiving that card this year, I know that Archie left something to so many that equaled the beauty of the artwork he created – which was his kindness. That is the one word that I will always think of first, when I hear his name mentioned and cannot help but think how incredible our lives would be if that was the first word that came to mind with everyone we meet.
– Angelo Gangone, AWFS® Executive Vice President