John Cumming Pagan

Deprecated: trim(): Passing null to parameter #1 ($string) of type string is deprecated in /home/ruebel/public_html/obits/obituaries.php on line 271
May 12th, 2018

Deprecated

/home/ruebel/public_html/obits/obituaries.php

279

Death Date: May 12, 2018

Deprecated

/home/ruebel/public_html/obits/obituaries.php

285

Deprecated

/home/ruebel/public_html/obits/obituaries.php

302

Save: Print this Obituary

Biography: John Cumming Pagan left this world to join his heavenly family on May 12, 2018. Born to Helen and Stefan Soszynski in February of 1945, in St. Andrews, Scotland. In 1948, Helen divorced Stefan to marry her childhood sweetheart John (Jack) S. Pagan, and they left Scotland to resettle in Little Rock, Arkansas, where Jack was a commercial artist and also an instructor in the museum school BFA program, thus introducing John to the Arkansas Arts Center. In 1965, John served in a volunteer role and assisted in the Children?s Theatre, working events such as the movies, Junior League functions and Fine Arts Club events. John attended Central High School in Little Rock, AR, where he then graduated and furthered his education at LRU College. In 1971, John was hired as a full-time employee of the Art?s Center where he would also drive the art mobile to various locations and work on the lighting in the theatre. In 1978. John moved into the role of Building Facilities Manager and in August 1998, he received The Winthrop Rockefeller Memorial Award for extraordinary commitment to the Ark. Art?s Center. John loved all the different roles he did for the Art Center and retired due to health reasons in 2017. John is survived by his wife of 37 years, Heather Rhodes-Pagan; sister in-law, Dr. Libby Rhodes of Rogers; cousins, John and Chris Cumming Ashstead, Surrey UK, Dorothy Cumming, Dundee Scotland, Graham and Sandra Cumming, Hampshire UK, Angela C. Crawshaw, Birmingham UK, Robert (Bob) and Alice Pagan, Gray LA, Shelia and Jimmy Horn, Pine Bluff, AR, and a host of many nieces, nephews and friends. We would like to thank the staff at Lakewood Nursing and Rehabilitation, especially the nurses, Taylor, Susan, and Willie Sue and the CNA?s Fred and Cornelius, the staff of Kindred Hospice and special thanks to John Rhodes. Funeral Services will be held at Christ Episcopal Church in Little Rock on Saturday, June 2, 2018 at 11:00am followed by a private family interment at Rhodes Cemetery in Sheridan, Arkansas. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Arkansas Art?s Center. P.O. Box 2137, Little Rock, AR 72203 or Christ Episcopal Church. 509 Scott Street, Little Rock, AR 72201.

Condolences(30)

Patrick & Beckie Smith

#30

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

We are heart broken to hear of John's passing. We weren't close but he had been a great friend of my husbands for over 40 years. If he needed a part or information on a/c's or other such he would call my husband and vice versa. Around 2 years ago or so he did something very special for me. It came as complete shock to us. We send wishes for healing for his entire family. He was such a good man. Look to the beauty in nature and you will see his spirit a live and well. He will be fondly remember and sorely missed. Fly free John.. fly free.

Shannon Roe

#29

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Condolences to John?s family and many friends. I lost touch with John after we graduated from high school, and it?s good to see what a full life he led and his remarkable contribution to the arts in Arkansas.

Barbara (Bobbie) Keith Whittaker

#28

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

John was a really great guy! He will be missed. Praying for your family for comfort, strength and peace as only God can give! RIP!

Brenda & Terry Campbell

#27

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Heather, We are so sorry for your loss. We really enjoyed talking and sharing stories with you and John. And it was so kind and thoughtful of you and John to visit my parents. I know it really made my dad's day. He looked forward to your visits. He missed it when you couldn't come. We will miss John very much. We miss you too. Sincerely, Brenda & Terry

Mary Dee Taylor

#26

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Dear Heather, I was so sorry to hear that John had suffered in the past few years, and now to hear that he is gone. John was my stalwart friend as I worked to turn the Vineyard into a successful restaurant in the early 70s. He kept our little kitchen operating with spit and baling wire, then ate with us every day! John stayed my friend for many years, and I was so pleased when you came into his life and made him truly happy. Your memories of this special man will sustain you as you enter this new phase of your life. Fondly, Mary Dee Taylor

Maggie Funderburk

#25

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Heather you are the sister of my heart and we have shared so many losses and joyous times together. Having you and John in our lives has meant more than you will ever know. The love that shone from his eyes when he looked at you was one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen. You were the best of wives and friend to him, and I know he will wait patiently till you meet again. He was so interesting and knowledgeable. We are poorer for his passing and Heaven is richer for his presence.

Ron Phillips

#24

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Heather and Family, I worked with John at KTHV, Channel 11 in Little Rock back in 1970. He was the Video Director and I sat next to him as the "audio man". After the 2 years I worked with him, we became close friends and I totally respect him and a colleague and a friend. I was so sorry to hear of his passing and will miss him, but He will always be with me.

James and Susan Jack

#23

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

We have known John for years, and have shared many good times with both John and Heather. We will miss him so much.

The Hinwood family

#22

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

To our dear niece and cousin Heather (Heady) Anne, we collectively send our heartfelt condolences on your loss. Through you we met and got to know John as a family member. We will remember him as warm hearted, attentive and welcoming on our numerous visits to Arkansas. Love from Heather Hinwood and extended family.

Libby Brandon Sheard

#21

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

John Pagan was a wonderful man and friend. He was such a help to me in my years on the board and the fine arts club. He knew everything about the art center there was to know. I will always be grateful for his kind support. John will be missed.

mary anderson

#20

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Dear Heather ,my sincere condolences to you . myprayers are with you.May god bless you<<

Rosalee and Dr. Joe Rouse

#19

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

My dear friend, we are thinking about you and sending love and prayers. May you be comforted by the Spirit of Love embracing you.

John Austin Cumming

#18

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Please be at peace, John. We lost touch for years as you spent all your time in the States. But we renewed our relationship when you were in touch with my sister, Angela; then in Hull. Thanks for that and it was good to be a part of your family again. We then did Buckingham Palace putting up with the rigours of Iraqi protests on the streets of London. Buckingham Palace was not missed although we were last through the door. Happy memories.

Take care, Heather.

jane lee wolfe

#17

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

John Pagan is part of my life whether he's in heaven chatting about art stuff with Townsend or down on planet earth getting something done to keep the institution open and running smoothly. He is a great man and great at his job. As many of us know, John for sure, working with Townsend Durant Wolfe is not always easy, but it is always worth it.
Thank you, John, from me especially, for being a person Townsend could rely on no matter what and I could rely on always too. You're the best, and by the way, you have one fantastic wife in Heather! love to all, Jane

Leon Kaplan

#16

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

This news has hit me hard and saddened me greatly. John and I shared many wonderful adventures together. He and I once had the opportunity to edit the classic movie "Wings" down from 2.5 hours to 45 minutes as a special birthday film for one of the Arts Centers trustees who had rented the Arts Center to celebrate his birthday. Another adventure had Townsend Wolfe dispatching us to Dallas to choose and drive back a British Omnibus that someone had donated to the Arts Center.

But the best adventure of all was that John and I were
chosen by Townsend Wolfe to drive to NYC to pick-up and bring back to the AAC an important and valuable collection of art works. It was an all expense paid trip that included tickets to any theatre production we wished to see during our three day layover before our return. The only hitch in the trip was the van we had driven to NYC broke down in Manhattan forcing us to make the rounds to the galleries in a taxi while the van was in the shop being repaired.

I am so glad John was in my life. My heartfelt condolences to Heather.

Eric Tillman

#15

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

I'm going to miss him so much!!!

Angela Cummings

#14

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

I worked with John for 23 years at the Arts Center. We had many heated discussions through the years about various gas and electric kilns, building codes, air conditioning, the lack of heat or the stifling heat in the studios; nevertheless, we always worked through it and moved on. John seemed to know about every little thing in the building and who to call to get it fixed. Many times I went to him with a problem and he would know immediately, without hesitation, what to do or who to call. When John and Heather were on vacation, it seemed the Arts Center was on hold until he returned. John never complained when I needed to call him after hours at home, he was right on top of whatever problem had occurred. The Saturday afternoon I fell from our big kiln and broke my wrist, he took control while the rest of us were standing around not knowing what to do. If someone happened to do something wrong or stupid, instead of turning it into a massive big deal, John would just yell at us for about five minutes?then it was over, done with! I appreciated that and I know others did as well. John and I had many conversations about our beloved dogs and cats; this was when his gentle and caring heart was revealed. I have missed him since he retired and will continue to miss his spirit.

Louise Palermo

#13

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

While it was a big part of his life, John was so much more than his role at the Arkansas Arts Center. I appreciate the conversations we had that were not work related. John had a wicked sense of humor and loved a good stand-off. We shared many of the same concerns for people we loved, and he did love Heather so much. He gave good advice, and took some begrudgingly. I will continue to remember him as the tall, handsome, well dressed gentleman and stubborn man that he was.

Keith Melton

#12

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

I was fortunate to have worked with John about 18 years. His connection to the Arts Center was unparralleled and could never be repeated. We shared many times together, we were a lean team early on, followed by many accomplishments and growth along the way. I found that he was caring in ways that -perhaps by design- would go unmentioned. So I like to remember John for this complexity- I can still hear his voice in an occasional heated disagreement, balanced with a humble sensitivity- all in the same breath. Rest in Peace.

Kathy Cole

#11

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

So sorry to hear about the passing of Mr Pagan. I?m glad the Lord allowed our path to cross, he will be missed from the AAC

Dick Seifert

#10

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

John was a very talented individual. He was always kind and helpful to me.

Philipp Patch

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Best wishes for the next journey.

Emily Atkins (Serow)

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Much love and many thoughts to send you on your way John. I?ll always remember your visits to the land down under, and our trip to visit you in Little Rock. You will be missed. Love from all of your Aussie family Xo

alexander mcleod

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

only ever met john once great guy never forgoton

Les Hauschild

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

I never knew John, and I have known Heather only a short few months. She has become a friend. My only choice as I have vicariously watched John's decline is to conclude: He was a special man with passion for bringing art to people. Judging from the loyalty of those close to him (that I know of) he was a reliable friend. The world is a better place for John's having passed through.

Andrew Graeme Serow

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

We are all greatly saddened by the loss of John Pagan. A kinder and more polite gentleman I have never known. He will live on in our memories. See you later John.

Michael Rhodes. CRICKET

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

HEATHER SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. I KNOW YOU DID ALL YOU COULD TO GIVE HIM THE BEST CARE POSSIBLE. YOU NOW KNOW HE IS AT PEACE AND NO MORE PAINS. PRAYERS FOR YOU

Mary Triulock

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Dearest Heather,
Steven, Drew and I are thinking of you and sending our love and sympathy for your loss. John loved you so. I remember your wedding and how happy you both were. I send you love and peace knowing he is no longer in pain. We love you Heddy.

Beverly S. Stang

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

I adore you both. Many prayers for gentle grieving of loved ones. For John, I celebrate your life, your your dedication to Heady and and the AAC, your friendship and you extreme shopping skills! Love you and miss you already, bev

John Cooke

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

John Pagan was a dear friend. I started working at the Arkansas Arts Center around 1975, working with both Byl Harriel (the resident Theatre Technical Director) and John. John became an invaluable co-worker as I moved into full time employment as the designer and technical director of the newly established Children?s Theatre. The Arkansas Arts Center was his life, he loved the place and the institution - it was literally ?in his blood?. The AAC has lost one true friend.

John Cumming Pagan

Leave your Condolence