Posted 7/26/2015 11:53:34 AM by Mort Gamble
News from editor viewed 1066 times
Sunday, July 26, 2015 - News
Passing of a beloved member of the CFA.
Jack Painter, Past President of the CFA, passed away on July 25 of an apparent heart attack. Ill health had prevented him from attending last week's Worldwide Circus Summit, according to reports. CFA President Gary Payne issued the following statement on the passing of this kind, gracious, and generous member and officer of the CFA:
To our circus fan family,
The hardest part of serving as CFA's Nat'l President is receiving
news, that we've lost a family member. This weekend we've lost Jack
Painter.
Three weeks ago I realized Jack had canceled his reservation for
the WorldWide Circus Summit 2015. I knew only that Jack's
diagnosis was cancer. At the convention I learned that the prognosis was
not good. It would seem that his death yesterday due to a heart attack
was God's way of sparing Jack the pain and suffering that can come with cancer,
and for that I am very grateful. I am also grateful that CFA had the
benefit of Jack's staunch support, love, and kindness.
I have a room in my house in which a few items of circus
memorabilia hang. One is a certificate from CFA's Past President's
Circle. I am proud of that because TWELVE Past Presidents signed
it. Jack Painter's signature is in the middle of the twelve.
I am told Jack was a member of the PPresident's circle for 47 years.
I am so proud to have his signature. I think that we surpassed that
mark of twelve Past Presidents at WorldWide Circus Summit 2015. Jack
would have been delighted.
Jack had a custom of passing out gifts to the fans at
conventions. My wife Amy uses his calendar book daily. When Amy
asked about Jack I remember saying that CFA needs a few more like him.
Truly, on this day, I must offer condolences to the entire Circus Fans
Association of America, because Jack's passing will affect so many people.
I am deeply sorry for your loss.
May Jack rest in peace where a circus big top is always coming and
going and sawdust is spread and a wonderful show given with flags fluttering in
the breeze and grassy lots and straw houses occur daily. Jack Painter was
a gentleman and a gentle man. I will remember him fondly.
My sincere condolences to everyone....
Gary C. Payne, Nat'l
President/Circus Fans Association of America
Please watch this website for further details. (Photo of Jack in blue jacket, far right, courtesy of Paul Gutheil)
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