Community booster Bert Wright dies (Updated)

The outpouring for Bert Wright is amazing except for all those thousands of folks who know him.

Wright died Sunday morning (Mar. 11) after a sudden and short battle with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD). He was 77, according to information provided by Edwards Funeral Home.

“But not a day over 35 in his mind!” noted Jan Burd, a long-time friend and former co-worker.

Wright, a long-time advocate for downtown Fort Smith and community development officer for First National Bank of Fort Smith, was recently diagnosed with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD). The disease is a “degenerative brain disorder that leads to dementia and, ultimately, death,” according to the Mayo Clinic website. Symptoms are similar to other dementia disorders, but CJD “usually progresses much more rapidly.” There is an estimated one case of CJD diagnosed per million people each year, most commonly in older adults, according to Mayo Clinic.

Updated info: Visitation is scheduled for 5 to 7 p.m., Thursday at Edwards Funeral Home in Fort Smith. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Friday at First United Methodist Church.

The family will participate in a private graveside service Friday morning prior to the memorial service.

Also, the family has asked that in lieu of flowers, money be donated to the Fort Smith Parks Department to purchase flowers and greenery for city parks. Donations may be made to:
City of Fort Smith Parks Department
P.O. Box 1908
Fort Smith, AR  72902

On Tuesday, family and friends of Bert Wright will celebrate “Bert Wright Day” beginning at 11:30 at Pendergraft Park in downtown Fort Smith. Fort Smith Mayor Sandy Sanders is expected to read a proclamation making the “Bert Wright Day” designation official.

WRIGHT ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Without the advantage of any elected or official position, Bert Wright was the driving force or a key part of an innovative movement to improve Fort Smith.

Those who enjoy the signs on the poles in downtown, especially during Christmas when signs are replaced by snowflake lights, should thank Bert.

He was a tireless advocate for downtown Fort Smith — so much so that he was known for moving well ahead of planners. His modus operandi was to make something happen and then get approval.

Following the 1996 tornado that devastated parts of downtown Fort Smith, Bert was a consistent voice calling for chamber and city officials to think big with the rebuilding. While Bert was not the only one involved in that process, he is partially responsible for the push that resulted in the construction of the Fort Smith Convention Center, new main branch of the Fort Smith Public Library and renovation of Harry E. Kelley Park in downtown Fort Smith.

During the election to gain voter approval to pay for the aforementioned projects, Bert organized a unique grassroots effort know as the “Committee of 1,000.” While it may not have had 1,000 members, it did raise issue awareness and served to promote a get-out-the-vote campaign. Voters overwhelmingly approved the half-cent sales tax to fund a combined $45.6 million renovation and improvement package.

Bert was also a driving force in the creation of the Pendergraft Park in downtown Fort Smith. An event is planned at Pendergraft Park on Mar. 20 to celebrate the life of Bert Wright. The tentative time is 10:30 a.m. (The City Wire will have more info on this event in a later post.)

Bert has also been credited with recruiting restaurants back to downtown Fort Smith, and working with the late former Fort Smith Mayor Ray Baker to begin the Mayor’s Fourth of July celebration.

“He had the energy and excitement about life of a man at least half his age. It was fun being around him. Sometimes he had jobs for us to do, but it was always fun,” Burd said.

FACEBOOK SUPPORT
Wright’s Facebook page has seen a flurry of posts in recent days from his more than 3,130 Facebook friends. The hundreds of posts primarily offer thoughts, prayers and well wishes, but many also thank Wright for his generosity to them or their families, and his community volunteer efforts.

Several posters also include photos of Wright. Comments include the following.

• Bert Wright is definitely one in a million in Fort Smith. Such a kind, caring & compassionate man that brought so many people together in the spirit of friendship, you are truly an icon whose infectious smile & generosity will always be remembered. Many prayers for peace and comfort for you and your family.

• Bert, Words don't describe what a great man you are. You have done so much for Fort Smith, for your family & friends. I will never forget the memories of coming to your house for parties & to swim or the Snow Skiing Trips w/the Ski Club.

Bert, there are no words. I am so saddened to hear what you are going through. I pray for comfort for you. I pray for peace for your family. I pray that you feel the love from your FNB family, your entire community You are a fixture in our community. You have done so much to better our community. Thank you for all you have done. Thank you for that warm smile. Love you.