Handy Withers Jr.

I had the pleasure of knowing Handy while working at the Brooklyn Children's Museum. We often ate lunch at the same time in the break room. We had so many good conversations and I loved hearing about the richness of his life. He was a steady presence at the Museum and I was always happy to see him. After I was affected by the November 2009 round of layoffs, Handy sent me a wonderful email about the importance of going after what I was passionate about. I feel blessed to have known Handy....

Dear Lucille and Wister,

My wife and I had the deepest human pleasure of meeting Handy first by extensive email and then at his property in Bahia where we stayed 10 days -- what a uniquely memorable experience in time and space. I took the photograph I have posted to the guest book and wanted so much to send it to him (don't know where he would have put it given his extensive collection!).

This is how we will remember Handy, savoring a moment of quiet after serving...

Today I was googling for Handy in order to get back in touch with him and, with great sadness, I came across this obituary.

My partner and I met Handy at A casa das Portas Velhas, his hotel in Salvador da Bahia, Brazil. We stayed for ten days or so and in that time struck up a friendship with Handy. He was a true host, making sure that we were comfortable and happy but never intruding. He was unfailingly kind to and understanding of his Brazilian staff, who were not really used...

Dear Family of Handy Withers;

My heart is heavy and I can only imagine your feelings. I am a former Board Trustee of the Brooklyn Children's Museum and had the honor to serve with Handy. He as I am sure you know was a magnificient human being. I last saw Handy at Carol Enseki's retirement party and I promised him that when I retire I would volunteer with him at the Museum. So sorry that I will not be able to keep that promise.
Let me close by saying I know that he is in...

Dear Handy's family,

I ama former Chairman of the Board of the Brooklyn Children's Museum. I remember Handy fondly from all of my interactions with him. He was such a sweet person with boundless enthusiasm for the Museum. My (adult) daughter and I had a lovely talk with him at a BCM event this past year...and were both taken with what a wonderful person he was and his on-going commitment to BCM. He will be missed by all of us. Please take comfort in knowing how much he was...

Dear Lucille and Wistar,
My husband and I met Handy in Joan&David showroom in NY when we came to buy the line for our boutique in Dubai in 1991. He visited us in Dubai few years later, and since we became great friends . He had seen the birth of our three children. As they call him " Uncle Handy " he was truly special to our family. Everyone looked forward when Uncle Handy was coming over for dinner, helping them with homework, watching American Idol, going thru Presidential...