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Frank Salzhandler Obituary
July 18, 1951 - February 7, 2015
Frank Julius Salzhandler of Houston, Texas passed away on February 7, 2015. A life-long resident of Houston's Cherryhurst neighborhood, Frank was a pre-eminent environmentalist and founder of the Endangered Species Media Project. He also served on the boards of The Environmental Fund of Texas, EarthShare Texas, the Citizens' Environmental Coalition and C.L.E.A.N. He leaves behind a legacy of devotion to the environment and to Houston's Buffalo Bayou.
During his academic career, Frank was also active in competitive swimming. As a member of the Houston Swim Club and the swim teams at Houston's Lamar High School and the University of Texas at Austin, he received numerous awards and recognitions.
Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Frances Kelser Salzhandler and Joseph Salzhandler. He is survived by his brothers, Danny Salzhandler of Cardiff, California, and Richard and Henry Salzhandler of Houston, as well as many loving aunts, uncles and cousins.
Memorial services are pending. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Buffalo Bayou Defense Fund, c/o Blackburn and Carter, 4709 Austin Street, Houston, Texas 77074.
Memories and Condolences
for Frank Salzhandler
Sponsored by Bradshaw-Carter Memorial & Funeral Services - Houston.
18 Entries
Cindy Bernheim
May 8, 2017
I picked up a piece of art today, signed "Frank Salzhandler" and named "La Seine". I am just wondering if the family would like to have it?
jenifer webb
March 29, 2015
I didn't know Frank well, yet always enjoyed his friendliness at the many swim meets we attended together during our youth. Thank you, Frank, for touching so many lives with your positive energy.
Ashley Davis
February 25, 2015
I will miss you Frank and thanks for touching my life. Frank was 1 of a kind
February 24, 2015
Frank was a thoughtful fellow with a big heart and endearing hug. Followed his passion and principles and made a living by caring about the environment long before it was trendy. You'll be missed by all your cousins, big guy!
February 19, 2015
Frank,
If we could only ask for an encore, brother!
You are loved. You will be missed.
February 19, 2015
Frank,
Encore, brother!
February 19, 2015
Dear Henry, Richard, Danny and Norma,
We are so sorry about this unexpected loss of Frank.
It's overwhelming to think about his successful, steady efforts over the past few decades: working to get environmental groups into workplace campaigns; the art show with the original art from artists like Charles Frace and Robert Bateman; (and having his Vanishing Wildlife art show exhibited at Exxon! ); the book Images of Vanishing Nature, the dolphin trips for at-risk students, and invasive species removal projects with Title I high school students in Houston's parks (with many of those students visiting the ocean or park for the first time in their lives). His professional accomplishments mirrored the level of his earlier devotion and commitment to swimming, art and peace initiatives.
We're just exceptionally sad here. He was a collaborator, confidante and foil. I could always count on him to dredge up one of Joe's jokes or take him for coffee, where his penchant for Empire Caf cookies would always elicited a deep Cookie! reaction from him!
Environmentalists from all over the country have called, expressing their condolences as well.
We share your sorrow, knowing that Frank was one-of-a-kind and irreplaceable. He loved you all very much and never ceased to share updates about your successes and accomplishments.
We'll sign off now with Frank's standard closing,
Peace, love
Janice
February 19, 2015
Frank was a very unselfish, giving person that did everything he could to preserve the natural balance of the environment in the Buffalo Bayou area. He was a really funny guy - I will always remember him going 20 mph in 40, engrossed in a story. I will miss his laugh, his great heart and his smile. He left us way too soon. I hope his message continues among Houston's environmental community. What a loss!
Hunter
Max Woodfin
February 17, 2015
Frank always had a funny story to tell me, even if sometimes the humor didn't hit me until later! We would see each other at least twice yearly at Earth Share of Texas meetings during a 15-year span, and Frank would invariably pull me aside at some point during the meeting with, 'Hey, I thought about you when I heard this story . . . '. He left us too quickly. My thoughts are with his family.
Steve,Phil and Billy Mac
February 16, 2015
Hey Frank,
We heard you're on the way up. You'll like it here. No one cares if you turn around in the middle of the pool during a race or if your dog goes out in thimble of the night and kills chickens. No one cares if you change the lettering on a billboard advertising Sealy Posturepedic Mattresses from "Boy What a Mattress!" to read "Boy What a Mistress!" Can't wait to see you.
February 16, 2015
Frank was a fabulous guy! His passion for the environment was inspiring and his kindness will never be forgotten. My condolences to his brothers. Pauline Solnik
February 16, 2015
May his memory be eternal
George Magoulas
February 16, 2015
Deepest sympathy at the lost of your loved one.
Houston, Texas
February 16, 2015
Frank was a one-of-a-kind. His fight to save Buffalo Bayou through Memorial Park echos Don Greene's epic battle, who we lost 6 months ago. My condolences to Frank's family and close friends. I miss him so much.
Richard Wetzel
February 14, 2015
Frank was an awesome guy! My condolences to Danny and all of Frank's family & friends. What a group on this site so far. I was thinking of the loss of David on our Guadalupe trip and of you Don and Tommy Wooley. Jim do I recal that you and Frank had shot that Mission Valley Dam the year before? I liked Frank a lot but didn't know of his environmental work. I made a trip with Don Greene down Buffalo Bayou in the early 90's and it was beautiful. Thanks Frank and Burton Parks!
God Bless You Frank!
Richard Wetzel itchiray@gmail,com
Jim Wooley
February 14, 2015
We will greatly miss Franks golden energy. I swam with Frank at Lamar and enjoyed his comparadiere and saw his talent as a swimmer blossom to that of an All American. May God bless his Soul and my sincere condolences to his family.
John Santamaria
February 13, 2015
To the Salzhandler family my condolences at your loss of Frank. He embodied the spirit of making himself and the world better that all of shared but he led us in too. The same strength that helped him be successful in the pool he also used to fight for human rights to an enjoyable appreciation of the natural environment . Being someone who grew up and enjoyed many fun filled days on Buffalo Bayou I will always be grateful for his efforts to give others the same opportunity to experience this valuable part of Houston history and birthright .
Don Speck
February 13, 2015
Frank was one of life's characters. An All American swimmer at the University of Texas, a vocal student leader in the anti war protests of the early 70's at UT, an artist and a dedicated conservationist. His humor and good nature served him well and endeared him to many. I will miss our Sunday brunches, his laughter and his passion to make the world a better place. Peace be with you my old friend.
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