Where do we start when it comes to the life of Arthur Vance Thomson, Sr.? Born August 20, 1943 in a garage apartment on Neptune Ave. in Neptune City, NJ, Artie as we liked to call him was a man of many talents. A graduate of Neptune High School in 1961, he was the drummer for his band The Chordials in the 60s and 70s. He was the Prince of Paint as the owner of Robin Hood Painting in the 80s and 90s. He was the official Poet Laureate at the former Sea Crest by the Sea bed and breakfast in Spring Lake, NJ where he also moonlighted as an innkeeper in the 2000s. It was in this position perhaps that he was most happy, interacting with guests and taking in the salt air he loved so much. If there was one thing Artie could do well it was talk. He had an ability to strike up a conversation and befriend just about anyone. From the cashier at his beloved Dunkin' Donuts to just a stranger walking down the street. A true storyteller, Artie was for sure. But his greatest role in life was as a husband to his wife Terri Thomson, and as a father to his children Michael Thomson, Jacqueline Thomson, Jeffrey Joworski, Arthur Vance Jay Thomson, Jr. and his twin boys Shawn and Jason Thomson. He was so proud of all of his children. Artie loved Vic's pizza and his Dunkin' Donuts coffee, he loved his books and he loved to laugh. That laugh was infectious. His favorite song was Take 5 by Dave Brubeck. He also loved boxing. Truth be told Artie was a fighter and fought for his life until the very end. Just when we thought he was down and out he'd fight back even harder and prove us all wrong. Artie's final match was a victory in love and life, surrounded by his family as he removed his gloves, took one last breath and passed peacefully at the age of 75 years old. He is survived by his loving wife Terri Thomson of Lakewood, his brother in law, Burton Dodge, his son Michael and daughter in law Denise of Andover, his daughter Jacqueline of Brielle, his son Jeffrey and daughter in law Patti of Sea Girt, his son Jay and daughter in law Marissa, his son Shawn and daughter in law Lindsey and his son Jason and daughter in law Sonia all of Shark River Hills, his grandchildren Travis, Jessica, Dylan, Brooke, Quinn, Teegan and Lola and his great-granddaughter Madison. A memorial service is scheduled for Thursday, January 24 between 5 and 8pm at the Ocean Grove Memorial Home, 118 Main Ave. in Ocean Grove.