Christopher Arthur

Born in Providence Rhode Island, Chris was a handsome, sharp-dressed young man who drove a Black Model T Ford. He became a gifted Brick and Stone Mason who took great pride in his work. He married the love of his life, Harriet, and they had a beautiful family of seven children. He then moved his family to Tampa in 1974, building many of our beautiful Downtown and Ybor City structures as well as adding much beauty to our South Tampa neighborhoods. He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Harriet Havey. Their love created a small village... Having 7 children, 25 grandchildren and 28 great grandchildren who were all the light of his life...

The all-star list includes...

Children:

Christine Suschena Vos, husband Phil of Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Donna Worthington, husband Frank of Tampa, Florida

Doreen Barrett, husband Robert (Bob) of Valdosta, Georgia

Christopher Arthur of Tampa, Florida

Steven Arthur, wife Christine (Christy) McCullough

Lori Finitz, husband Shawn of Daytona Beach Shores, Florida

Terri Arthur Berger of Tampa, Florida

Grandchildren:

Sherri Suschena, husband Eric Slinkard

Michelle Fox, husband Gabriel (Gabe)

Kristen Taylor, husband Vaughn

Deanna (DeeDee) Perez, husband David

Alicia Suschena, partner Lucas (Luke)

Melissa Henderson, husband Anthony

Steve Vos

Fawnda LeClair, husband Michael (Mike) LeClair

Jennifer Ryle, husband Sean

Jeff Worthington

Melissa Fisher, husband David (Fish)

Olivia Barrett

Brittany Arthur, Fiancé Ryan Everetts

Victoria Arthur

Hannah Arthur

David Casperson, partner Rachael

Nicole Casperson, partner Jordan

Christian Casperson, partner Cassie

Christina (Nina) Crouch, husband Michael

Ashley Ferianc, partner Miguel Ortiz

Laura Albenzio, husband Jeff

Sara Finitz

Robert (Rob) Schoos, wife Erin

Elizabeth (Bizzy) Schoos

Steven (Bear) Schoos

Great Grandchildren:

Tanner Slinkard

William (Willie) Slinkard

Alexis Henderson

Zac Henderson

Emily Henderson

Natalie Vos

Trent Vos

Rowan Ruebke

Frederikke Vladislava Lane (Fritzi) Fox

Janel Taylor

Gavin Taylor

Kaylee Taylor

Kylee Mc Intosh, husband Estebon (Stevie)

Jacob LeClair

Ava LeClair

Ricardo (Ricky) Ortiz

Lola Ortiz

Cameron Ryle

Dylan Ryle

Aubrey Casperson

Aleah Gallart

Alex Gallart

Aviana

Sophia Crouch

Aubrey Albenzio

Ebba Rose... still baking

Benjamin Durfee

Nola Pearl Schoos

Nieces and Nephews:

Steve Arthur, Mary Arthur, Linda Arthur and Michael Arthur of Atlanta, Georgia

Dennis Poissant and Michael Poissant of Attleboro, Massachusetts

Arthur Hinds, Bobby Havey, Bruce Havey, John Havey

Gene Brady and Nancy Brady Childers

... Along with their partners and many beautiful children, his great nieces and great nephews.

Let's not forget the abundance of friends he made over the years...

Nothing made Poppy light up more than to see his children, grands, great grands, and special friends walk through the door. Poppy knew no strangers and welcomed everyone into his home as if it were their own. Once you broke bread together, you had a permanent invite to come eat and drink whenever.. no special occasion needed.

This is how Poppy led, by example. Never at a loss for a funny story, Poppy was as smart as he was funny. He read the paper everyday of his life, enjoying the comics in color on Sunday. He could discuss any topic with great insight... Particularly who owned what land or building and what was being built next. He taught us that history was important, sharing stories of growing up in the segregated North and South with his unique perspective as the son of a restaurant owner in the Deep South. He worked hard and exemplified that a hard day's work builds character and integrity, no matter what type of work it is. He was that man who related to everyone in the same manner, regardless of status or wealth.. Our Poppy taught us that we all put our pants on one leg at a time, that everyone is probably intrinsically good and deserves respect. But most importantly, Poppy had the most generous soul imaginable. He was strong, yet gentle. A true gem of a man.

Poppy loved beer and chocolate (especially dark kisses and Oreos), oh! and ice cream was a bedtime must. He was always sure to throw a wink and smile at the girls... always certain that Nana knew she was his most special doll ❤️

We will miss Poppy at the table, but we will be sure to keep his coffee cup warm. We will miss him sneaking us chocolate, but we will keep his jar full and make sure the grands and great grands continue to enjoy sneaking treats from his room...

But most of all we will keep our promise to you, Poppy, to take care of the love of your life, our Nana, until she goes to be with you again.

We love you, Poppy... Rest in Peace. We will be together again ❤️