1914 - 2004

Arthur first joined the North Shore Musicians Association in March of 1943.  He became the Local 126 Secretary/Treasurer.  I have no idea what year he took office, but he was in office by the time I joined the local in July of 1973. Until his death, he was the only person to fill that position.  For over 30 years he served as an officer in Local 126.

In 1973 Arthur was playing trumpet in many of the local concert bands on the North Shore one of which was Larry Drouin's band.  He continued to perform with Larry until right before his death.  Even though he had been in failing health and suffered the loss of his wife, Minnie, only a year before his own death, he continued to play his horn and work his roll as Secretary.  It must have been very hard for him to play last years concerts without Minnie.  She accompanied him to all the Salem Willows concerts except for the 2004 season.

Arthur was dedicated to the union and performing in these concerts.  This coming concert season will be the first in many years that Arthur will not be sitting in one of the trumpet chairs. The photo above was taken in late July of 2004. He was in his trumpet chair at Salem Willows when I snapped the photograph.  This was to be his last concert.  After the concert he fell while going to his car.  He never recovered from the injuries he sustained from that fall.  He will be greatly missed at the Salem Willow Concerts this year.

It is because of his dedication and loyalty that this entire concert season will be dedicated to his memory.

Gerry Barrett