Rockefeller dies "peacefully"
Lt. Gov. Win Rockefeller's office announced his death this morning at UAMS. The news release:
Lt. Governor Win Rockefeller, 57, died peacefully at 10:37 a.m. today at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock. He was surrounded by his family.
Funeral services will be announced by this office in a later press release.
Rockefeller had undergone two bone marrow transplants in Seattle through the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and UW Medicine - the first on October 7, 2005, the second on March 29 - after he was diagnosed with a blood condition described at the time as an unclassified myeloproliferative disorder. Neither achieved the desired results. He arrived in Little Rock early in the morning of July 8 and was admitted to UAMS.
He is survived by his wife, Lisenne, his mother, Barbara, three daughters, five sons, a granddaughter, a step-brother and a step-sister. He is the son of the late Gov. Winthrop Rockefeller.
Rockefeller lived in Little Rock and at Winrock Farms on Petit Jean Mountain, where a plaque outside his home quotes Micah 6:8: "And what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?" That verse summarized Rockefeller's views on his life and his responsibilities as a member of one of the world's wealthiest and most powerful families.
Rockefeller was elected lieutenant governor during a special election in November 1996 and by wide majorities was elected to a four-year term in 1998 and re-elected in 2002. As lieutenant governor he focused on economic development, education and literacy. As acting governor on September 11, 2001, the day terrorists attacked the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, he resisted calls to declare a state of emergency and instead urged Arkansans to remain calm and to donate blood, which they did. He sponsored Project ChildSafe, a national firearms safety program that has distributed hundreds of thousands of free trigger locks in Arkansas, and he served as honorary chairman of the Arkansas Literary Festival. In 2004, he served as chairman of the Republican Party of Arkansas.
He was running for governor of Arkansas when doctors discovered his medical condition and he was forced to announce he was withdrawing from the race July 19, 2005. In the year since that announcement, he drew strength from the thousands of well-wishers who sent him cards, letters and e-mails and phoned his offices to tell him they were thinking of him and praying for him.
Rockefeller was involved in numerous philanthropic and charitable ventures, but his favorite organization was the Boy Scouts of America, with which he had a three decades relationship. When once asked by Lisenne whether he would rather quit politics or Scouting, he replied that politics is less important because it is temporal, while his work with Scouting had eternal benefits. As in all of his endeavors, he contributed not only his financial resources but also his time and talents. He served on the executive board of the national council, and he was president of the Quapaw Area Council in 1997 and was a vice president in the years following. In 1997, he created Books in the Attic, in which Boy Scouts collect used books to distribute to families. Most importantly, he served for many years as an assistant scoutmaster for Troop 12 and attended Scout camp regularly. Although he did not have the opportunity to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout as a boy, he was very proud that one of his sons is an Eagle Scout and that three others are working toward that rank. Two Boy Scout councils, including the Quapaw Area Council, awarded him the prestigious Silver Beaver Award for his sustained and exemplary volunteer service in Scouting. He also was awarded the District Award of Merit. Camp Rockefeller, the summer camp at the Quapaw Council's Gus Blass Scout Reservation, was dedicated in his honor in July 2005.
The parents of two children with special needs, the Rockefellers in 2000 founded what is now the Academy at Riverdale, a school for children with learning differences. The school has tripled its enrollment since it moved into a state-of-the-art facility in Little Rock in 2004.
Rockefeller was involved in numerous other service organizations. He served from 1981 until 1995 on the Arkansas State Police Commission. He was appointed in 1991 by President George H.W. Bush to serve on the President's Council on Rural America and was elected chairman. An accomplished saltwater fisherman, in 1986 he founded The Billfish Foundation, an organization dedicated to protecting marlin, swordfish and other billfish. Through the foundation, he established the practice of tag and release as the conservation standard for offshore fishing. He served as a Texas Christian University trustee and was on the national boards of Ducks Unlimited and The Nature Conservancy. He served on the boards of the Arkansas Cancer Research Center and the Arkansas Arts Center Foundation. He was a trustee of the Winthrop Rockefeller Charitable Trust and was vice chairman of the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation.
He received numerous awards in recognition of his service, including the Arkansas Coalition for Juvenile Justice's Lifetime Advocate for Arkansas Youth Award, the Arkansas Association of Fundraising Professionals' 2003 President's Award, the U.S. Baltic Foundation's Baltic-American Public Service Achievement Award, the Arkansas Aids Foundation's Compassion Award, the Botanical Research Institute of Texas' 2005 International Award of Excellence in Conservation, the American Red Cross of Greater Arkansas' first annual Clara Barton Award for Distinguished Humanitarian Service, and the National Conference for Community and Justice's 2001 National Humanitarian Award.
Born September 17, 1948, Rockefeller was the great-grandson of John D. Rockefeller, who founded Standard Oil, and the grandson of John D. Rockefeller, Jr.
Rockefeller's father, Winthrop, moved to Petit Jean Mountain in 1953 and established Winrock Farms, which became one of the world's premier producers of Santa Gertrudis cattle. Winthrop Rockefeller soon became an active philanthropist and corporate citizen. During his tenure as head of the Arkansas Industrial Development Commission from March 1955 until April 1964, more than 600 plants were established and 90,000 jobs were created in Arkansas. After running unsuccessfully for governor in 1964, he was elected in 1966 and re-elected in 1968.
Lt. Governor Rockefeller spent his early childhood on an Indiana farm with his mother and his grandparents. The language spoken in the home was his grandparents' mother tongue, Lithuanian. He was educated in New York, Switzerland, France and England, and often spent part of his summers on Petit Jean Mountain.
He graduated from the ranch management program at Texas Christian University and became chief executive of Winrock Farms after his father died in 1973. He had interests in timber and minerals and owned four automobile dealerships in Little Rock and Conway. He also had interests in retailing, development and the resort industry.
He was an active member of Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church in Little Rock
Max here, briefly, in Santa Fe, where I happened to find a computer outside a restaurant and caught the breaking news. I knew Win Rockefeller more as a neighbor, public school supporter and a devoted Boy Scout leader than anything else. He walked the walk in these roles. He endeavored to continue the public spirited contributions of his father and it's a loss to us all that his mission ended prematurely. I've been told that one of his last conscious signals to friends was a thumbs-up sign -- as doctors moved to aid his breathing. May we all aspire to such dignity and courage.
Statements as I'm able to post them have come from the State Republican Party, State Democratic Party, Mayor Jim Dailey, Asa Hutchinson, State Police, Mike Beebe, and more.
Statement from GOP on Win Rockeller
Little Rock (July 16, 2006) – Statement from Republican Party of Arkansas Chairman Gilbert Baker on the death of Lt. Governor Win Rockefeller:
“We are saddened to learn of the death of Lt. Governor Win Rockefeller. Our hearts and prayers continue to be with the Rockefeller family during this time. The Republican Party of Arkansas will forever remember Win’s leadership of the state and the party that he loved so dearly. Arkansas has lost one of its best. He was an extraordinary individual who did extraordinary things for so many. Win Rockefeller was a true statesman and one of Arkansas ’ consequential leaders. We are all honored to have known such a remarkable person.”
STATEMENT FROM STATE DEMOCRATIC PARTY
LITTLE ROCK – Democratic Party of Arkansas Chairman Jason Willett issued the following statement regarding the death of Lieutenant Governor Win Rockefeller.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Lt. Gov. Rockefeller,” Chairman Willett said. “This is truly a day of mourning for all Arkansans. The thoughts and prayers of Democrats from all over our state are with the Rockefeller family at this time.
“I remember the first time I met Lt. Gov. Rockefeller in 1997. He was always kind and statesman-like, and he always showed his ability to transcend political differences to forward the interests of Arkansas and Arkansans. He was a public servant in the truest sense of the word and we are all richer for having known him.
“I will always regard Lt. Gov. Rockefeller as a gentleman who raised the level of political discourse in Arkansas and had a true, abiding love for Arkansas in his heart. This is definitely a sad day for us all.”
STATEMENT FROM STATE POLICE
LITTLE ROCK) - Speaking on behalf of the Arkansas State Police and its commissioners, Arkansas State Police Director, Colonel Steve Dozier released the following statement upon learning of the death of Lieutenant Governor Win Rockefeller.
"The death of Lieutenant Governor Rockefeller has deeply saddened our department. For 14 years he dutifully served this state as an Arkansas State Police Commissioner, but, long before he was appointed to the position and through today, he was known as every trooper's best friend."
"As a youngster, Win Rockefeller was often in the shadow of State Troopers assigned to his father's security detail and today, as our state's lieutenant governor, he died with State Troopers, assigned to that same protection detail outside his room."
"As I moved into the position of Director of this department, I personally found Lieutenant Governor Rockefeller to be of invaluable support, always willing to provide guidance and direction in helping me make critical administrative decisions. He always had the interest of our Troopers at his heart. Privately, he reached-out to help countless lives in our department, men and women who have retired and many who continue to serve as Troopers today."
"Win Rockefeller will always be remembered as part of the State Police family."
"The Arkansas State Police Commission, the commanders of the Arkansas State Police, our troopers and civilian staff all extend our deepest sympathy to the Rockefeller family and join with our state in offering prayers of support in this time of loss. We will forever be indebted to his service, thankful for his time with us and his friendship and will always strive to meet his impeccable standards of public service."
STATEMENT FROM JIM DAILEY
“ Little Rock lost a great friend today with the death of Lt. Governor Winthrop Paul Rockefeller. On behalf of the citizens of Little Rock , I want to express sympathy to Lisenne and the rest of his family.”
“Win was a great leader in the community; he led by example. There are numerous organizations that benefited from his contributions of time and talent. Youth, education, conservation, the arts, and healthcare organizations all were beneficiaries of his generosity and involvement.”
“Though a public official in his later life, Win remained a private man committed to his family. He was more concerned with serving others than being served. This interest in helping people is what ultimately led him to finally enter politics.”
“Since I learned of his diagnosis last July, I have kept him in my prayers. I have also prayed for his family as they supported him. Now, I direct those prayers to support his family in this time--and to thank God for the life of Winthrop Paul Rockefeller and the lessons he taught us.”
“The City of Little Rock and the State of Arkansas are certainly much better because of Winthrop Paul Rockefeller.”
STATEMENT FROM ASA HUTCHINSON
“Susan and I share the hurt of all of Arkansas in this great loss to the Rockefeller family and to our state, and our prayers go out to Lisenne and all of Win's family and friends. I knew Win for over 30 years, and my admiration for him grew in every one of those years. He was a dedicated public servant, a great Arkansan and, most importantly, a good man. He will be remembered for his devotion to his family and service to others; for his tremendous courage in the face of great difficulty; and for his deep love of this state.”
STATEMENT FROM MIKE BEEBE
““I was deeply saddened to hear the news today of the loss of one of our great public servants, state leaders and a close personal friend, Win Rockefeller. There are not enough words to pay tribute to his character and his good works on behalf of our state and our people.
“He faced tragic illness with the courage, character and class that had distinguished him for decades. Although he is at peace now, we face a great loss. He set an example for all of us.
“Having worked closely and been friends with Win for years, this is a personal loss for me and my family. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Rockefeller family.”
STATEMENT FROM BILL HALTER
Shanti's and my thoughts and prayers have long been with Win Rockefeller and
his family. Arkansans had hoped and prayed for a better outcome from his
treatment. His passing today means we have lost a truly caring public
official who made a difference for all Arkansans. Arkansas is fortunate to
have had Win for as long as we have. He will surely be missed. Shanti and
I extend our condolences to his family, friends and staff members.
STATEMENT FROM BILL CLINTON
"Win Rockefeller was a friend of mine for over 35 years. He was a good man and a fine public servant who loved his family and served his state with passion, conviction and humility. I will miss him."
Comments
Max, thanks for taking time out of your vacation to put up this sad post. RIP Mr. Rockefeller.
Warwick, go to bed earlier!
Posted by: Jersey Joe | July 16, 2006 01:02 PM
Sometimes there's just not much you can say. Sad day in Arkansas and again for the Rockefeller family. Two giants gone early.
Posted by: Quapaw | July 16, 2006 01:06 PM
A good and decent man who will be missed.
Posted by: Paula | July 16, 2006 01:08 PM
Regardless of what you thought of his politics, remember that he could have simply moved to Park Avenue or London and counted his money for the rest of his days. Instead he got involved, was engaged in the life of his state and tried to make things better. Prayers for him and fhis family.
Posted by: Anonymous | July 16, 2006 01:13 PM
Rest in peace, Win...
Posted by: rosso | July 16, 2006 01:14 PM
Win was one of the nicest people I've ever met. He will be greatly missed.
Posted by: Lorie | July 16, 2006 01:25 PM
One of the greatest losses this State will ever know is the premature death of Mr. Rockefeller.
Posted by: Fort Smith Observer | July 16, 2006 01:29 PM
As a Scouter who had the opportunity to see Win out with his "boys" it was obvious that he truly believed ih this program. If you didn't know who he was you couldn't tell it by his actions because he acted and did the same as every other leader. His Scouts and fellow Scouters from Troop 12 thought quite highly of him. He was a good man and his passing will leave a void in Arkansas. Thoughts and prayers to his family.
Posted by: Fellow Scouter | July 16, 2006 01:47 PM
I understand he had 8 children. I wonder if this will remain home to them.
Posted by: Spirit | July 16, 2006 01:48 PM
This is truely a sad day to all who knew WinRock. May his family find comfort!
Posted by: Tyler F. Dunegan | July 16, 2006 01:56 PM
They grew up here so I would image that they would.
Posted by: Anonymous | July 16, 2006 01:56 PM
A genuinely nice man, neighbor and fellow attendant at church. Politics in Arkansas just got a lot more coarse and mean. Rest in Peace, Winnie Paul. You were one of the good guys!
Posted by: bopbamboom | July 16, 2006 01:58 PM
As was said about Abraham Lincoln so should be said about Win Paul Rockefeller - Now he belongs to the ages.
Rest in peace Mr. Lt. Governor and God bless and watch over your family.
Posted by: Drew Pritt | July 16, 2006 02:02 PM
I choose to remember what a wonderful sense of humor Win Paul had.
A group organized by the late Pat Walsh included Win and we gathered monthly at Doe's to talk and enjoy each others' company.
During one of the lunches we were all gathered around a long table listening to Pat and the rest carry on. Most of us always ordered the hamburger steak, extra onions and lots of red Panola Sauce.
Win always ordered a steak.
As we swapped tall tales a great commotion arose there in the "back room." A giant rat as big as a fox terrier sprinted past our table, chased by a battalion of waitresses wielding brooms.
Max and I, both being terrified of Rattus norvegicus, began screaming like little girls. The rest of our crowd got agitated as the waitresses cornered the beast in a corner and flailed away with brooms.
Win never batted an eye. Just kept slicing and eating his steak. As Max and I whimpered about how much we hated/feared big rats, Win paused for a second and said, deadpan: "That's why I never eat the ground-meat dishes here." Then resumed eating.
He was a decent, kind man and will be missed by all Arkansans.
Posted by: Paul Johnson | July 16, 2006 02:03 PM
Arkansas has lost a truly good man. Rest in peace, Win.
Posted by: Pavel | July 16, 2006 02:05 PM
Such very sad news. WPR was a fine man and set a good example we should all want to follow. Bless his family and may he rest in peace.
Posted by: hugh mann | July 16, 2006 02:14 PM
I lost my best friend last year to cancer. He and Win were the same age, 7 years older than I am. I'm still in shock that my friend is gone. I thought life lasted longer than it does.....I thought there was more. It scares me.
We are all poorer for Win Paul having died.
Posted by: Deathbyinches | July 16, 2006 02:18 PM
Reminiscing about Win Paul Rockefeller, I cannot help but forget the Bradley County Pink Tomato Parade in 1997. A lot of the unitiated politicians show up with no car/truck and get lost in the hustle. So this apparently happened to the Lt. Governor.
That year, Sandy McMath was mulling a second bid for U.S. Senate for Bumpers seat. He arrived with his wife and kids in tow. My father was driving Sandy (with McMath for Senate signs) in the parade. Sandy saw the Lt. Governor and offered for him to hop up into the truck.
The Lt. Governor did this for a few blocks. But the Lt. Governor was also considering a run for the Senate seat. Anyways, he jumped down and started working the crowd.
Sandy McMath not to be outdone followed suit. It ended up being a wonderful day with lots of good memories.
Win Paul visited with my father afterwards and tryed to beat Sandy in the tomato eating contest that year.
This year at the dedication of the Little Rock Nine Memorial, I was there with my father. The Lt. Governor approached us, remembered Dad and their conversation, and talked for the longest.
He was a good, genuinely decent, man.
Posted by: Drew Pritt | July 16, 2006 02:52 PM
I told my wife this morning after hearing the sad news of Win Rock's death that Drew Pritt would post another self-serving post on the blog to draw attention to himself.
Turns out I was right about something today.
Posted by: typical | July 16, 2006 02:57 PM
"He was a good, genuinely decent, man."
And what in the world would you know abou that?
God bless you Winn. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Posted by: Anonymous | July 16, 2006 03:00 PM
Win was never v comfortable in crowd- unless a crowd of Scouts. The boys loved him, he loved them.and he was at his warmest and most relaxed in a campsite. A genuine nice guy.
Lisenne, our thoughts and proayers are with you.
Posted by: Diogenes | July 16, 2006 03:03 PM
typical 02.57 PM, whatever else you may have done today, that post was wrong, wrong, wrong. I will not say what I think of you.
+RIP, WPR.
Posted by: widj | July 16, 2006 03:26 PM
Win Rockefeller was one of the few public servants that I crossed party lines to support without hesitation.
There was something endearing and calm about the man that it seems all of humanity could use of more of.
Posted by: Dean Wheeler | July 16, 2006 03:36 PM
Truly sad news. Our hearts go out to his family.
Posted by: Doigotta | July 16, 2006 03:46 PM
the saddest news in the world today-
-i'd just sent something monday to win-hoping he'd receive a bit of a smile-
glad he wasn't suffering and sad to hear he's gone-
my prayers are with you and your family win-you're in a way better place now-
Posted by: kiki | July 16, 2006 03:53 PM
My heart is thankful for all that he did for Arkansas but yet aches for what he could have brought to our State that may never be. Governor Rockefeller thank you for your vision, your courage, and for answering the call to public service.
Posted by: State Representative Rick Green | July 16, 2006 04:13 PM
Thanks for all you did for Arkansas, Win. You will be missed. Rest in peace.
Posted by: Cato | July 16, 2006 04:49 PM
It's a sad day for all Arkies.
Posted by: Archaeopteryx | July 16, 2006 04:57 PM
I think the attacks on Drew Pritt in this thread are nasty and not the style of the man we all mourn. Win Paul Rockefeller would not have allowed such lack of grace and you only hurt his image when you make personal attacks in this thread on anybody. I don't see how his posts were self-serving "typical" but your attacks on him were wrong and mean-spirited.
Posted by: Not the Time | July 16, 2006 05:02 PM
A giant among men; a light of the world, extinguished much too soon. Rest in peace, sir.
Posted by: honestone | July 16, 2006 05:16 PM
There is no event too happy or tragic for a conservative troll to pollute.
Besides the acid posted above, I recall the attacks on Vic Snyder after the birth of his son.
They have no shame, and their "Christian" morals are nothing of the sort. They'd pimp out their mother just to see her demeaned.
Posted by: . | July 16, 2006 05:20 PM
Everyone needs to keep their comments to themselves, unless they are paying their respects to Mr. Rockefeller.
Thank you for your service WinPaul. You will not be forgotten. Our thoughts are with your family now.
Posted by: demvoter | July 16, 2006 05:28 PM
Paul Johnson,
I don't know how I overlooked your story earlier but I read it this time around, and it's terrific. I certainly didn't know WP on any personal level, but your tale speaks volumes.
This man was one of our own, regardless of party affiliation. Few of our current prominent state politicians have the level of widespread respect WP deserves and gets today.
Posted by: hugh mann | July 16, 2006 07:22 PM
Each time I saw Win, he greeted me with a huge hug. He was just a great, regular guy who wanted the best for our state. I would see his name on Caller ID when he called for my husband, pick up the phone and hear "Good morning, this is Win". There would be the typical chaos in the background of any house with a bundle of kids heading off to school. When we asked him for any favor, the answer was always "yes, as long as it doesn't interfere with family time or Scouts".
I asked him once for a donation for a charity silent auction. He could have given an item. Instead he gave lunch for 2 with him at a local restaurant (often Ashleys). This lunch brought in $600 for a local charity. It would have been easier just to give an item but he enjoyed meeting and spending time with fellow Arkansans. I can't tell you how many of these lunches that I personally know that he donated to charity silent auctions.
Win was incredibly loyal to his friends and to this state. He will be missed greatly.
Posted by: Repub's Wife | July 16, 2006 07:52 PM
I consider Win Paul one of the most genuine and open elected officials in the history of our state. In the midst of his always busy schedule, his door at the capitol was always open, on many occassions without an appointment, he would welcome me into his office to sit down and have many great discussions covering a myriad of subjects. I will always remember my rides with Win Paul, he loved cars, and anytime a new make or model came out he always gave the invite to go for a test drive with him. Win personified treating others as you would like to be treated, his heart and mind were constantly focused on helping others. I will miss him, Arkansas will miss him. Continue to pray for his wife and children. God bless and hold you Mr. Rockefeller, it was an honor to know you.
They that love beyond the world cannot be separated by it.
Death cannot kill what never dies.
Nor can spirits ever be divided, that love and live in the same divine principle, the root and record of their friendship.
If absence be not death, neither is theirs.
Death is but crossing the world, as friends do the seas; they live in one another still.
For they must needs be present, that love and live in that whch is omnipresent.
In this divine glass they see face to face; and their converse is free, as well as pure.
This is the comfort of friends, that though they may be said to die, yet their friendship and society are, in the best sense, ever present, because immortal.
William Penn
Posted by: DcNwA | July 16, 2006 07:57 PM
"Few of our current prominent state politicians have the level of widespread respect WP deserves and gets today. "
One kind of neat thing is that Win has gotten that respect almost from the first time he ran for public office. His dignity and kindness in every situation exemplified what we might wish all Arkansans, regardless of party, would demonstrate.
Posted by: My2sense | July 16, 2006 07:59 PM
I was fortunate enough to travel to New York for a fundraiser being hosted for Win. I arrived at the hotel a day early. Win was due on the date of the fundraiser and was going to change clothes in my room. I had a meeting prior to the event so I walked down to the front desk to explain that the Lt. Gov. of Arkansas would be arriving shortly and would need a key to my room in order to change clothes. The obviously bored, very underimpressed desk clerk seemingly rolled her eyes and asked me for the name of the man who, in her opinion , could only be a hayseed. After all he was from Arkansas. When I told her his name was Win Rockefeller her reply was " Rockefeller, as in THE Rockefellers?" Upon my affirming that to be the case, she immediately notified the Hotel Manager and summoned no less than a brigade of bellhops. Win arrived and shyly and patiently greeted each and everyone present, reminding them he was from Arkansas and speaking highly of our fair state. I have a feeling that was how most of Win's economic development recruiting visits went. People all over the world would open their doors wide to Win Rockefeller and he opened their eyes to this wonderful place he called home. He was a great man and Arkansas as a whole will suffer from his all too sudden departure.
Posted by: Anonymous | July 16, 2006 08:40 PM
Rest in peace Win and may God be with your dear wife and children during this painful time.
Thank you for teaching us as republicans how to transcend political differences to reach out to others in the interest of common good for Arkansas.
You were a giant among men and your legacy will live on.
Posted by: Richard Hughes, IV | July 16, 2006 08:55 PM
The last contact in person i had with Win. Paul Rockefeller, was the last Arkansas general session, we were there with our ,Group Arkansas AIDS Advocacy Assn., when we passed ACT 266 into law, it was very early in the morning, he drove up in his SUV and had a bag of donuts he spotted me standing by the Capitol tunnel and walked over a spoke with me i guess he had Remember me from the Arkansas Aids Foundation Compassion Awards committee
I
was proud to be the chairman of for 4 Compassion Awards Dinners, he said the compassion award was one he was really Honored to receive, a Thanks me for my work and service. with the HIV /Aids community, , he offered me a donuut,and went into the capital that day the BILL/ AR ACT 266 was passed in both chambers by an unanimous VOTE and became law,I can't help but wonder if he was advocating for it's quick passage of ACT 226 as he made his rounds in the statehouse that day. , Lt. Governor Win Rockerfeller TOGETHER we did made a difference in theprograms, services and care for people living with HIV/aids in the State , and Thank you for your compassion for this community, My deepest respects for the Family.
Rick L Ramsey,
Former Vice President , BOD AAF
Former, Chairman of the Compassion Awards Committee.
Arkansas Aids Foundation .
Posted by: RLR | July 16, 2006 09:11 PM
Our thoughts and prayers are with Win Rockefeller's family on this difficult day.
My best memory is of having WPR at an event for child abuse prevention month. I looked around for him and didn't immediately spot him because he was kneeling down talking to the children in the choir that was about to perform. He was far more interested in the children than in the other politicians or media present.
Posted by: Anonymous | July 16, 2006 10:00 PM
ACT 266 sorry i was upset when i wrote that post..
Posted by: RLR | July 16, 2006 10:21 PM
Arkansas has truly lost one of our best resources. I've never met him, but every story I'd heard from folks who had pretty well echoes the ones above. Just read on CNN.com that he sent his Lt Gov salary to charity.....how many other politicians or any other people who can afford to do that?
Prayers to his family.
Posted by: EY | July 16, 2006 11:18 PM
WP was, like his father, one of the most benevolent barons ever to stride the earth. Both of them spent their personal fortunes lavishly in the state, building schools, hospitals and clinics, founding arts and cultural centers, fostering industrial and economic development--doing what the best of history's nobles did, but without the undemocratic formality of a title. They bought their barony, but they used it nobly.
They were Republicans I could not only stomach, but actively like.
Posted by: widj | July 16, 2006 11:50 PM
If you want to talk about somebody who embodied the phrase "Believe in Arkansas," there was no better example than WPR. If we all believed in our state and the potential of its people as much as he did, Arkansas would be in the top 10 in all the "good" rankings; we'd be living in a practical paradise.
The most tragic thing in the world is when good people are taken from us while bad guys get to go around making things worse. I guess therein lies the challenge for all of us: to make the good outnumber the bad.
I hope everyone goes out this next week and does at least one thing to help make Arkansas a better place. Lord knows it's the most fitting tribute we could give to our departed friend and statesman.
Posted by: an actual student | July 17, 2006 12:06 AM
As I have stated before, my family voted en masse for WR's father, because he stood for what we believed and still believe.
The apple did not fall farfrom the tree.
Both of these great "adopted" Arkansans ran and were elected as Republicans, but we Democrats knew that they represented us and our values and beliefs.
Go in peace, WR, and God Bless.
Posted by: Paula | July 17, 2006 12:41 AM
Can I just say that I felt the DoG obit today is woefully inadequate? You'd think they were totally unprepared for this.
Posted by: Anonymous | July 17, 2006 06:53 AM
Despite not always sharing political ideas, I've always respected Win. He was a good Man, Arkansan, Methodist, and Christian. I wish him and his family peace and comfort.
Posted by: ColeWake | July 17, 2006 08:37 AM
My most sincere condolences to the family of Winthrop Paul Rockefeller.
I never had the opportunity to meet Lt. Gov. Rockefeller, but I do know several people from both sides of the political fence who have known and worked with Mr. Rockefeller -- all, to a person, have always spoken very highly of him.
The most common thread they spoke of was the caring, respect and decency that he always used toward others.
His death was not only a loss to his family, but to his other family at large -- the citizens of Arkansas -- regardless of their personal beliefs or political persuasion.
My condolences to all.
Posted by: Arkhobbit | July 17, 2006 09:37 AM
RIP
Win was a giant among men.
Posted by: Basil | July 17, 2006 10:27 AM
Has anyone mentioned who or where we can give in honor of Win. You guys are right this week we should all do something to better our great state. I would like to give to an organization that Win was a part of and that is helpful to Arkansas. Should we give to the school?
Posted by: Contributions | July 17, 2006 12:14 PM
According to kthv site, here's the info about memorials:
he family asks that memorials be sent to the Quapaw Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America. Rockefeller had a three decades relationship with the Boy Scouts.
Posted by: Anonymous | July 17, 2006 02:00 PM
I'm a bit late on this ... but ... the Capitol today, 7-17, was a really somber place. Work release inmates and Sec of State employees were working hard well before 8 a.m., sprucing the place up, trimming grass, watering lawns, and "policing" the area. It was clear, then, that WR would lie in state in the Capitol at some point this week. What a good man, what a good family. Arkansas has been blessed by having two Rockellers over the last 53 years to contribute their wealth, their hard work and their basic goodness to us. Both WRs left us way too soon, yet we keep reaping the benefits. This week, do a good deed, in the Scout's motto, for a neighbor ... a stranger ...
Posted by: Quapaw | July 17, 2006 11:11 PM
I remember meeting Mr Rockefeller during our EMS state conference. How nice it was for him to take the time to visit us. God bless his family. He was a nice Christian man.
Posted by: Southern ark friend | July 18, 2006 04:55 PM
As a fellow Myelodysplasia patient living with the rare blood disease my sympathy goes out to the family and country as we lose a fine politician. It gives me more of an incentive for helping to find a cure. Rest in peace, Mr. Rockerfeller.
Pamela Embrey, Colorado
Posted by: Pamela Embrey | July 19, 2006 07:51 PM
As a fellow Myelodysplasia patient living with the rare blood disease my sympathy goes out to the family and country as we lose a fine politician. It gives me more of an incentive for helping to find a cure. Rest in peace, Mr. Rockerfeller.
Pamela Embrey, Colorado
Posted by: Pamela Embrey | July 19, 2006 07:51 PM
Win Rockerfeller was at the 2001 National Scout Jamboree and someone pointed him out and asked, "Do you know that person?" He looked and acted just like everyone else there. What a wonderful family to give their lives to the state of Arkansas and ask nothing in return. God bless his familly!
Posted by: PR | July 20, 2006 08:46 PM