October 6, 1938-February 15, 2017
ArthurHammond-Tooke 78, passed away on February 15, 2017. Arthur wasborn and raised in South Africa and kept his English accent all hislife, to the amusement of many friends. He came to the USA in1986 and worked as an Economist. Arthur retired with his wifeMary to Hatteras in 2000. They built a home for windsurfers onthe sound in Frisco. Arthur and Mary ran the windsurfing schoolat “Windsurfing Hatteras” from 2001 to 2005. Arthur loved toexplain the physics of windsurfing, to the delight of the engineeringtypes and to the consternation of the ladies who really did not carehow the fin worked!
Arthurtruly never met a stranger. He was called the “Mayor of Frisco”by locals and visitors alike. He walked with his dog, first Katieand then Bella, both black Labrador Retrievers, every day and greetedeveryone he encountered. He was always ready to help or offer theuse of his canoe, screwdriver or whatever.
WhenMary wanted to learn to kiteboard, he bought a waverunner and patientlyfollowed her while she struggled to learn. He was also thelifeguard for Frisco soundside and mounted many rescues of kiters andwindsurfers.
Arthurcould recite yards of poetry, tell outrageous stories and make peoplecringe with his puns. He was known for his killer “Gin andTonics”, that resulted in many an unplanned overnight guest.
Arthurwas very active in the Coast Guard Auxiliary. He loved the peopleand the missions when the Coast Guard planes would practice droppingrescue equipment to CGA boats.
He was missed when he could no longer take the minutes at meetings.
Arthur had a wonderful bass voice and sang in the choir at Our Lady of the Seas for many years.
Arthuris survived by his wife Mary, his daughter Anne and his twograndchildren Lillian and Elliott. He was step-father to Mary’sfour children and 13 grandchildren and he will be missed
bythem. He was always doing something interesting which kids love,and he taught several grandchildren to shoot a bow and arrow.
Arthurwished to have his ashes returned to South Africa to be with hisbrother. There is no celebration of life planned inHatteras. His many relatives in South Africa will have a MemorialService there.
