Arnold Thomson, owner of Semaphore’s Steam Train Kiosk mourned after tragic death
The owner of a Semaphore cafe has been remembered as “one in a million” by regulars and loved ones after his sudden death on Tuesday.
Tributes have been laid at a Semaphore kiosk where a beloved community member worked and died.
Arnold Thomson, owner of Arnold’s Steam Strain Kiosk suffered a medical episode and tragically died on Tuesday morning.
Mourners left a bouquet of white flowers at the closed kiosk on Wednesday, with a note that read: “Rest in peace Arnold”.
“Semaphore lost a legend today,” it said.
“We will miss you always.”
Police and ambulance crews rushed to the seaside cafe about 8am on Tuesday, cordoning off the area.
Ken and David had ordered a coffee at the kiosk when it was taking longer than normal, Ken said on Facebook.
“So we went and seen him, then we found him in a bad way,” Ken said.
Despite attempts from emergency services, Arnold was not able to be resuscitated.
Arnold was remembered by a friend on Tuesday, Rodney Shugg, 59, who would walk his dog Pablo at Semaphore every morning before going to say hello to the kiosk owner.
Breaking down in tears, Mr Shugg said Arnold was a “beautiful bloke” that would “help anyone that ever needed it”.
“He knew I didn’t have many people in my life, he became my friend,” Mr Shugg said.
“He’s going to be sadly missed by so many people.”
Michelle Petrevics said in a Facebook tribute that the kiosk owner was a “true legend”.
“Arnold was the most beautiful, funny, kind gentleman. He will be sadly missed,” she said.
Another post online from Annette Daisy Anderson said Arnold was “one in a million”.
“Arnold had a heart of gold,” she said.
“So so sad the visits to Semaphore will never be the same.”
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