George Lawrence Wildgen

GEORGE LAWRENCE WILDGEN, 77, of Little Rock died Tuesday, Aug. 28 from complications of pancreatic cancer. George was the youngest of six children born to Jerome Charles Wildgen and Frances Norton Wildgen. He was predeceased by his parents and all his siblings: sisters, Bette (Bill) Havens, Helen (Doug) Cross and brothers, Jerome, Robert (Arlene) and Leo. Frances, a devout Catholic, was a lady of indomitable faith and pluck, who, after being widowed when George was only a few months old, moved to Canon City, Colo., where she leased a hotel and reared her family single-handedly. His mother's strength of spirit and abiding love of her church were principle legacies she bestowed on George which inspired and informed his Catholic faith. A bon vivant and raconteur extraordinaire, George touched all who knew him with his humor and humanity. A world-class writer and voracious reader, he enjoyed many pursuits: art, music, movies, the theater, as well as less literary pleasures. The great love of his life was his wife of 42 years, Mary (nee Zack) of Pine Bluff. To friends they were G.O.G. (Good ‘Ol George) and Big M, a devoted couple and two of the nicest people in the world. Theirs was a household of light and laughter, filled with books, pipes and dogs. George was seldom seen without a pipe (accompanied evenings by a gin on the rocks with a twist), and play-time with his pups was his favorite time of day. Over the years they had many dogs, all rescue animals, whose unqualified affection their master returned ten time over. George loved his priests and religious with whom he enjoyed a particularly close bond. Stimulating conversation with these friends provided intellectual challenges for his psyche and his soul; companionable hours in their company a balm and a blessing. A 1957 graduate of the University of Colorado, George's professional life included positions with the Blass Firm, Architects-Engineers; the Cromwell Firm, Architects-Engineers; Arkansas Building Company/Arkansas Gazette; Urban Progress Association; Martin-Marietta Corporation; and the Hot Springs and North Little Rock Chambers of Commerce. For his many years of meritorious service he was awarded the title of Honorary AIA by the American Institute of Architects, and on Sept. 14, 2012, he was to receive The Award of Merit from the Arkansas Chapter of the AIA, both rare honors reserved for non-architects who have contributed significantly to the furtherance of architecture. He was a co-founder of the Quapaw Quarter Association, former president of the Serra Club of Little Rock and Arkansas State Ballet Company, and served in board-advisory positions for the Historic Preservation Alliance of Arkansas, Philander Smith College, University of Arkansas School of Architecture and the Abbey School, Canon City, Colo. He was also past president of his university fraternity, Alpha Sigma Phi. In addition to his wife, Mary, George is survived by his two brothers-in-law, Pete Zack (Gaile) and George Zack (Kerry); sisters-in-law, Pat Wildgen and Jackie Wildgen; 26 nieces and nephews; and Diane Burleson, for whom he was always "Uncle George." The life-long support and affection of friends and family is deeply appreciated, and with especial thanks to Dr. Joseph Beck, for his care during the past four months. Rosary will be Tuesday, Sept. 4, at 6:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will follow on Wednesday, Sept. 5, at 4 p.m. The venue for both services is Christ the King Catholic Church, 4000 N. Rodney Parham, Little Rock. In lieu of flowers please consider memorials to Subiaco Abbey, 405 N. Subiaco Avenue, Subiaco, Ark. 72865; Christ the King Catholic Church; Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, P.O. Box 7328, Little Rock, Ark. 72217; or the Humane Society of Pulaski County, 14600 Colonel Glenn Road, Little Rock, Ark. 72210. Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home. The on-line guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.