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BORN
1949
DIED
2015
Arthur Wilkins Obituary
Born in Richmond, Virginia, on July 10, 1949, he was the son of Samuel and Shirley (DeShields) Wilkins. He moved to Washington, D.C., at a young age. He graduated from McKinley Technical High School in 1967.
He was an avid reader and exemplary student. Arthur became a proud graduate of Amherst College Class of 1972, with a bachelor of arts degree in theater. After his graduation, he moved to Paris for the next 25 years.
He was an avid lover of the arts. He studied pantomime with Marcel Marceau's family. He danced with Josephine Baker, and was a member of the popular musical group, Sheila B. Devotion. He also enjoyed traveling throughout France and Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Arthur has touched the lives of many with his "joie de vivre." Amherst will miss him.
He leaves behind his many French students, neighbors, and many loved ones, namely his mother Shirley, brother Michael, sisters Kim, Velma, and Stephanie, and cousins Gavin, Riko, Julius, and a host of nieces and nephews. The family has requested a memorial service for April.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Arthur Wilkins
Lionel Le Gouard
April 17, 2022
Remembering you from the old days in Paris and cherishing those memories still... Rest In Peace , dear Arthur..
Richard Charles, Devon
November 30, 2021
Artie was a friend and deep talent at competitive Amherst College. Our paths met with Masquers. Senior year he and Tony Frost next door on North Fourth Floor were great entertaining musical company.
Artie did a Bahamas Movie Venture with Jim Steinman and Woody Merrill that graduated him in '72.
In 1976 he brought his elegant friend Bernard from Paris and Nadia Boulanger, The Opéra national de Paris, to hike the mountains in Desolation Tahoe Wilderness.
In particular we took the Eagle Falls hike from Emerald Bay Fanning Tea House Island and Vikingsholm Castle to Eagle Lake, a memorable energetic event to be sure.
Artie shared his joy and we are grateful to this day.
Thank you Artie, one in a million.
Amy Ben-Ezra
December 9, 2015
I just learned today of Arthur's death. I am saddened and send my deepest condolences to both family and friends. I knew Arthur as a French teacher here at ILI in Northampton, and we had some mutual friends. He was a sweet, gentle man, always gracious to me, and it was an honor to know a dancer of his caliber and learn of his life in France during such a critical artistic period. I will remember his joy at living on the river in S. Hadley.
October 14, 2015
Quel talent et quelle élégance ! on te t'oublieras pas Arthur, beaucoup se souviennent de toi en France....De belles années joyeuses ou tu illuminais la TV avec ton groupe disco.
October 13, 2015
A great dancer a splendid artist and a smile that we ll never forget. R.I.P Arthur
Sheila and B Devotion
June 9, 2015
He never needed the sunshine, he was singing in the rain.
Tom Wartenberg
May 19, 2015
I just learned of Artie's death from the Alumni News. I had no idea he was living in Northampton. I am deeply saddened as I know many other of his Amherst classmates are.
April 15, 2015
We are saddened to learn about your loss. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during your time of bereavement. Arthur was such a wonderful son and brother and your memories of him will be with you always. Love, Dorcas, Adriene & Anita Bowles
Ken Jacque
March 12, 2015
We all miss your spirit and friendly good will. We are all better people for knowing you.
Tony Hom
March 12, 2015
I knew Artie from college, he had me over to his home outside Washington DC in November 1969. He was a gracious host and funny guy. My prayers are with him and his family.
Marty Boxer
March 11, 2015
So sad to learn of Artie's passing. Condolences to his family.
Thomas Bias
March 11, 2015
I remember him best as a cheerleader at Amherst football games. And, yes, that's what he brought to our lives: cheer. May peace be upon him.
Henry Goldman
March 11, 2015
He played Peter Pan in a magnificent production of the iconic musical presented at Amherst College about 45 years ago. Everyone at Amherst loved Artie. He's forever etched in our hearts and memories.
Russell Ryan
March 11, 2015
Artie's 1971 classmates at Amherst College remember him with great affection and send our thoughts to his family. He was a unique and special individual and we are pleased to see such loving comments from his students.
Russell Ryan
President Class of 1971
Reed Perkins
March 11, 2015
Arthur was a friend and colleague on the substitute faculty at ARHS. He was a delightful man I was glad to have known him. I am saddened to hear of his passing. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Armand Provost
March 10, 2015
I had met Arthur when I was 30 years old and have known him for 13 years and though I have not spoken to him in over a year, I am saddened to hear he has passed on.. My heartfelt condolences go out to his sister Kim, his brother Michael, and his mother Shirley in whom I had the pleasure to meet. I love you Arthur and you will always be remembered in my thoughts and the friendship which we had.. He is and was a remarkable person and am glad to have known him...
Ian Kaye
March 9, 2015
I had Mr. Wilkins as a substitute teacher many times. He was an amazing and hilarious man with an incredible life story.
candice Wells
March 9, 2015
I worked with Arthur at Amherst High School. He was a wonderful person, always friendly and helpful and very good with the students. I was very sad to hear of his passing. I know he is in a wonderful place of peace now. my thoughts and prayers go out to all who had the pleasure of being touched by him.
Richard Hogans
March 4, 2015
Outstanding and interesting substitute teacher at ARHS. We will miss him here.
Kathleen Mellen
March 1, 2015
So sad to hear about Artie's passing. He was, and will always be one of my favorite people. I will always remember his spectacular smile and his contagious laughter. Shirley, Michael, Kim, and other family members I haven't met, my thought are with you all.
February 28, 2015
Blessings to Arthur and his family. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Though I never met Arthur - clearly he was loved so very much by so many here and across the 'big' pond. Peace to you and your family and loved ones. Memories will sustain you. Peace
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