Arthur Byng Dickson of Vineyard Haven died peacefully on Jan. 1 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. He was 88.

Born in Chatham, New Brunswick, Canada on August 28, 1923 to the late Roberta (Coltart) and Roy Dickson, Arthur was the only one of eight siblings born in the hospital; he weighed just two pounds.

Arthur came to the Vineyard in 1939 at the age of 16 and attended the Tisbury High School, where he met Priscilla West, his lovely, devoted wife of 67 years. He graduated from high school in 1941. Shortly thereafter, he enlisted and served in the United States Army as a tech sergeant attached to the 3187th Signal Service Battalion as a high-speed radio operator. Before leaving for overseas, he married Priscilla in Manasquan, N.J.

Arthur landed in La Havre, Normandy, France during the European invasion. After receiving his honorable discharge in March of 1946, he returned home to start a family.

On the Vineyard he worked for more than 50 years for Colby Construction, then Goodale Construction, serving as foreman on many construction projects Island-wide. He retired in 2001.

Over the years, Arthur served his community in many capacities. He was an active member of the American Legion Post #257 of Vineyard Haven, holding many positions including post commander, historian and parade coordinator.

One project he was proud of was the construction of the Veterans Park in Vineyard Haven. Because of the numerous hours spent by the Legionnaires working on that project, their wives were humorously referred to as park widows.

Arthur was a longtime blood donor to the American Red Cross. He was elected to the Tisbury road commissioners/DPW in 1954 and served until 2011. He joined the Tisbury fire department in 1941 as a firefighter; in 1975, he became captain of the Legion fire truck; in 1980, he became an assistant fire chief and served in that position until his retirement in 1991.

Arthur served as veterans grave agent for the Island for 44 years. He proudly took care of putting flags on veterans’ graves. He also served the town of Tisbury in many capacities on numerous boards.

His hobbies included hunting and fishing and the many family activities which he attended. He epitomized the meaning of service to God, country, and family.

In addition to his wife, Priscilla, he is survived by his daughter, Linda Jane Unczur and her husband, Henry; his sons, Robert Roy Dickson and his wife, Annmarie, and Glenn Arthur Dickson and his wife, Linda Marie, all of Vineyard Haven; 10 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his siblings Marvin, Ilda, Vera, George, Janet, Ruby, and Betty.

Memorial donations may be made in his name to the American Legion Post 257, P.O. Box 257, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568.

Arrangements are under the care of the Chapman, Cole and Gleason Funeral Home in Oak Bluffs. Please visit ccgfuneralhome.com for online guest book and information.