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Henri Landwirth Obituary
It is with great sadness that the family of Henri Landwirth announces his peaceful passing from natural causes, on April 16, 2018 at the age of 91, in Ponte Vedra, FL. Born in Antwerp, Belgium, in 1927 to Fanny and Max Landwirth, Henri had a rags-to-riches life story. He survived five years in concentration camps during the Holocaust, reunited with his twin sister after the war, and then immigrated to the United States with only twenty dollars in his pocket, a 5th grade education and speaking little English. Not long after arriving in the U.S., Henri was drafted to serve in the US Army during the Korean War, and after the war he used the GI Bill to learn the hotel business and went on to become an honored, respected and successful, hotelier in Orlando, FL.
Even after seeing the worst of humanity, when he came to the United States Henri chose to let go of the pain and anger, forgive the past, and live a life of peace, compassion, and unconditional love. Henri believed in angels, miracles, had a legendary sense of humor, and lived every day as if it was a "gift from God". He tirelessly devoted himself to improving the lives and wellbeing of children and families in the communities where he lived. Henri's philanthropy touched the lives of hundreds of thousands of people around the world through numerous non-profit organizations he founded including Give Kids the World, the Mercury 7 Foundation, Dignity U Wear, and the Fanny Landwirth Foundation. Henri's life and story are chronicled in the books, "Gift of Life," published in 1996, and "Love & Hate" published in 2007, as well as a full-length documentary film, "Loving Henri."
Henri formed hundreds of close personal friendships including some of America's greatest heroes - Sen. John Glenn and the other Mercury 7 astronauts, Walter Cronkite, and Jane Goodall. Mr. Cronkite once said about Henri, "he gives instinctually of himself in whatever task he undertakes, and he goes far beyond the extra mile when a friend is in need. Since he seems to have embraced the whole human race, this largesse is beyond our ability to count, particularly since so much of his help goes unremarked by him."
Henri's philanthropy has been recognized with many honors, including being recognized as one of the 12 Most Caring Individuals in America by the Caring Institute in 1988, Parent Magazine's Humanitarian of the Year and Orlando Sentinel's Floridian of the Year in 1994, Ellis Island Medal of Honor Award in 2003, and the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Humanitarian Award in 2004. Henri received an honorary doctorate in Humane Letters from the University of Cincinnati, and has twice been honored to carry the Olympic Torch.
Preceded in death was Henri's twin sister, Margot Glazer. He is survived by his three loving children (Gary Landwirth, Greg Landwirth, Lisa Landwirth Ullmann), four grandchildren (Rebecca Landwirth, Sarah Ussery Rudolph, Max Landwirth, Emily Ussery), and great grandson (Owen Rudolph).
A private family funeral service will be held at Temple Israel Cemetery near Orlando. A celebration of Henri's life will be held at the Give Kids the World Village on Saturday, April 28th from 2:00 – 3:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Give Kids the World, 210 Bass Road, Kissimmee, FL 34746. (www.gktw.org)
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Memories and Condolences
for Henri Landwirth
Sponsored by Jacksonville.com.
Gina Reynolds
December 7, 2021
I met Mr. Landwirth when he came to speak to the College Students at Florida State College at Jacksonville about his experiences and his organization, Dignity U Wear. I spoke with him privately after his talk and I felt that I was in the presence of a very unique individual. His kind demeanor almost brought me to tears. I just learned of his passing, and I would like to extend my condolences to his family. I'm so thankful that I got a chance to meet him personally, albeit briefly, and if his kindness touched me that much in such a brief moment in time, I can't imagine how he touched others that he knew well. I pray that his legacy lives on for a very long time and that it inspires others to do what he's done in his lifetime.
Patti Keenan
May 2, 2019
Our Family had the honor of meeting Mr. Landwirth at Give Kids the Village while our Son received his Make a Wish at Disney World and accommodations at GKTW. Mr Landwirth, gently picked our Son up from in his baby stroller, cuddled him and kissed him on his forehead as if he was his own grandchild. The man was so considerate and loving to all of the children that was in his presence. We will forever remember Henri and he will hold a soft spot in our hearts. He will live on thru our Son, Brennan. Our deepest Sympathies to the family.
Lisa Martin
December 16, 2018
our family had the pleasure of meeting Henri Landwirth in March 2004. at Give kids the world village.We had a brief visit as we had birthday cake with him. May you rest in peace Sir'.
Love from,
Matthew Martin and family
That's me at the mike and my dad with the white hat & blue shirt on the Park's paddle wheeler boat ride.
Wendy Wallace
April 30, 2018
My sympathy goes out to the family and friends of Henri during this strenuous time. Although we did not know Henri personally, my family's waterpark in northern NJ became a Give Kids The World partner back in the '90s. Since then we have welcomed wish kids and their families to our Park with the greatest enthusiasm. All of our staff learns about the GKTW program and about Henri. We will continue forever with this venture while Henri continues on his next one. My thoughts and prayers are with you all and with everyone suffering from his loss.
Kate Desmond
April 25, 2018
My heart goes out to your family for the death of this wonderful man. My family was touched by his kindness just last month when we became part of the give kids the world family. It was the first trip our family has made all together and will forever be cherished. It was so much more than we ever expected when our daughters wish was granted. I am inspired to do more as a mother of one of these precious children your father loved so much. I am working to start my own non profit to help families with special needs children to have their homes be more accessible for their children. I will forever be grateful for Mr. Landwirth's example and plan to eventually return to give kids the world as alumni and volunteer. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing your dad with the world. I never met him but feel his loss too.
April 23, 2018
I "met" Henri when my students and I wrote him a letter in 2007 about our Tolerance projects. I was blessed to have a group of 4th graders who were passionate about learning more about the Holocaust. Henri replied to us and even supported our big Tolerance trip. Shortly afterward, I wrote a play that I called, "Hate Hurts, Tolerance Heals." One of the scenes in it was his story about his death march and his survival. I admire his passion and work ethic that touched so many lives. He is a part of my classroom as part of our murals and part of our lives. As long as I teach, my students will learn about Henri! God Bless you Henri and thank you for reaching out to us.
Lisa Liss Roseville, Ca
faith/rory tobin/dockett
April 22, 2018
Dear Landwirth Family Rory and I wish to extend our condolences's on the loss of Henri Landwirth.luv,faith/rory
Mary Grenville
April 22, 2018
Mr Landwirth was a gift from God to humanity. We were very fortunate to have him as long as we did. May he rest in the peace he so richly deserves.
April 22, 2018
22 years ago our family was blessed to stay at Give Kids the World. It was the last year of our daughters life - and some of the lasting memories of seeing her with joy and happiness. Henri's gift to us is everlasting. I hope and pray that you are blessed with love during your time of grieving. Thank you.
Lisa Harris
Tina Johnson Powers
April 19, 2018
Hi Gary, Greg and Lisa,,,
Would like to extend condolences for the loss of your Dad. Actually, condolences would like to include the loss of your Mom, too. It has been awhile since I last spoke to Gary. Sharon Dillon called with the news. Your Mom's birthday was the same as my Mom. Actually, my Mom passed away the next day on the morning of March 23rd the day of my husband's funeral. The 2017 year was a very busy year. Dad and Mom always held your parents with high regard and enjoyed them as friends. I will remember them as wonderful people who shared their love.
Many blessings to the Landwirth family.
Take care,
Tina Johnson Powers
321-794-7166
36 Fairway Drive
Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
April 18, 2018
I volunteered at Give Kids the World for 5 1/2
years and made 560 pillowcases for the little
pillows given to the children. My time there was
so rewarding. Mr. Landwirth was a remarkable man.
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