Arkansans Will Miss Win Rockefeller (Editorial)

It seems a bit ironic perhaps that a man such as Lt. Gov. Win Rockefeller — a man of relatively few words — should have so much said about him after his death on July 16.

But he deserved those words, not only for his business acumen or his political leadership but because he gave so much to this state in so many ways.

He certainly was a man who got things done and wasn’t afraid of working up a sweat doing it.

We honestly can’t think of much more to say that hasn’t already been said since his death at 57.

A plaque outside his home on Petit Jean Mountain 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?” Most Arkansans will agree that he did his best to follow that Bible verse.

His entire life was one of service — to his wife and children, whom he loved; to service organizations; to the state he loved; and to God.

Over the years he received numerous awards for his services, but it wasn’t the recognition that brought him joy — it was the giving. And not just of money, but of his time and talents.

Gov. Mike Huckabee said it like this: “Win Rockefeller embodied the ideals of compassion, generosity and humility. He was a wealthy man. But his real wealth was not his money, but his heart for serving others.”

A Republican, who would have loved to be governor, he was admired and respected by people of all political persuasions. And for good reason. He was more interested in serving the state than any particular party. He could have been the type of level-headed statesman that would have made a great governor.

Yes, he had great wealth given him. And most often that kind of situation leads to someone who wants people to serve him. That he delighted in serving others shows the great character of Win Rockefeller.

Surely Win Rockefeller was blessed in life by his giving. And all in Arkansas have in turn been blessed through his service in the state. He truly will be missed.