ELKINS, Howard F.

Howard F. Elkins died peacefully on December 22nd 2021, aged 87. Born on March 4th 1934 in New York City, Howard was predeceased by his parents, Flora and Frank Elkins. He is survived by his British wife of 61 years, Helen Grace Ferguson, his sons Gordon (Michele Adams) of San Antonio, Texas and Douglas (Stephanie) of Athens Georgia, his daughter Alexandra of Paris, France, his six grandchildren Quinn, Ian, Wesley and Owen Elkins of Athens, and Julia and Benjamin Therme of Paris, and his brother Stephen Elkins (Rosanne) of Denver, Colorado.

Howard graduated from St Lawrence University with a pre-law degree, majoring in Government and Economics. He was a member of the National Leadership Honor Society, Omega Delta Kappa. He was also a first lieutenant in the Army Reserve. Over the course of his 40-year business career in international strategic marketing and global management, Howard logged over seven million flying miles to the four corners of the world. He successfully created and developed businesses, both domestic and international, taking four different business opportunities over the span of his career, and building them into successful business operations. Howard was passionate about his work and devoted to his staff and colleagues. Throughout his life, Howard was deeply involved with his community, in both business and the arts. He served on many boards and committees including: founding member of the Atlanta Chapter of the World Trade Club, president for both the British American business group, and the Canadian American Society Southeast. He was a board member of the American Heart Association, the local boards of Miller Zell and REMAX. He was a guest lecturer in marketing at several overseas universities including Aoyam-Gakuin University of Tokyo. Howard was honored to have served as chair of the Board of Visitors at Emory University.

In the world of the Arts, he served as President of the Atlanta Friends of the American Ballet Theatre, and Board member of the Atlanta Civic Opera and the Georgia Museum of Athens.

After a successful career in international business, Howard became active at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta. In 2004, he assumed the role of a docent, and within a year had initiated the High Docent Enrichment Program to offer expanded programs and travel opportunities for docents. He personally organized over 60 trips to museums and private collections across the country and internationally. Howard was a beloved member of the docent corps and during his time, he enriched the lives of scores of local school children, averaging 100 museum tours each academic year. This extraordinary accomplishment earned him the High's Docent Service award. Howard became an esteemed member of the High Museum Board of Directors, bringing his business acumen and laser focus. He served on the Education and Marketing committees.

Howard loved to dance with Helen, with whom he shared many passions including a love of the arts and travel. She was the light of his life, together they were a perfect balancing act. The couple were devoted and involved with their grandchildren who brought them immense happiness.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Howard may be made in support of the High Museum of Art. For more information and online condolences:

www.lordand stephens.com.obituary/HowardF-Elkins.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Jan. 2, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Howard Elkins

Sponsored by Lord & Stephens Funeral Home - East Lord & Stephens Funeral Home - Athens.

24 Entries

Patra Evans

January 14, 2022

Howard was a man of many, many talents. He excelled in business....numerous ones in fact; he was very well traveled and certainly knew how to plan great trips for the docents at the High; he was so knowledgeable about art, particularly American art and was eager to share not just his knowledge, but his love of art with visitors to the High and any one else who might have the priviledge to discuss art with him. He adored his family and beamed when talking about his grandchildren. From a selfish point of view, the very best thing about Howard is that he was a great friend. , not just to me, but to just about anyone he ever met. He remembered names of all your family members and asked not just about you but wanted to know about your whole family. He was curious about your interests and travels and really listened when your spoke. He seldomed talked about himself (unless you asked him specific questions), he was more interested in others. He wanted to bring his joie de vivre to all those who knew him and I know that he succeeded doing that with me and I imagine many others as well. I count myself lucky to have known Howard and will miss him very much.

Missy L Shoenig

January 12, 2022

Everyone has already captured the essence of Howard as a docent and a friend. Howard interviewed me when I applied to become a docent. He became my mentor and I consider myself lucky to continue to learn from him through the years. I eagerly joined the trips we took and WOW he knew how to plan an amazing trip. He thought of every detail to make sure we had the best experience. He knew how to make our trips meaningful and fun. Howard always wanted to begin at Ralph Earl´s David Baldwin1790 ( a prominent merchant and civic leader, reveals his desire to be remembered as a wealthy, fashionable and learned man). I will miss Howard.

Carolynn Cooper

January 11, 2022

Howard and I both did tours on Thursdays at the High Museum. Like all of us he had his favorite works of art that he liked to share with young visitors. One day I asked Howard to relinquish his favorites. He looked a bit surprised but always the gentleman he agreed.

It was such a pleasure getting to know Howard over many years. My husband, Pratap, and I were also fortunate to get to know Helen and spend some lovely evenings with them at the High. It always brightened our day getting to spend time with the Elkins. We were even fortunate enough to meet their lovely daughter last year.

I can´t imagine what Thursday tours will be like without Howard but I know we will all carry on in his honor. He will be greatly missed.

Bryan Brooks, Fellow High Museum Docent

January 11, 2022

My time with Howard began as I prepared to graduate from docent training at The High Museum of Art. Howard was assigned as my mentor in the docent program. I remember being anxious to find out who would be my mentor and partner with me as I entered my next stage of learning. I was awe-struck when it turned out to be one of the iconic names that I´d only heard of - a man whose reputation preceded himself - none other than "The Howard Elkins" who was a legend and that everyone at The HIgh held in such high regard and great esteem. Howard took me under his wing immediately and began to shepherd me with a balance of kindness, humility, challenge and a dose of fierceness that was constantly challenging me and improving my skill as a museum docent. Fast forward, Howard became part of my family and I became a part of his. He led me on journeys I never really dreamed possible including mentoring me to succeed him as Chair of the docent enrichment committee. I specifically mention this because Howard took great pride in starting the program and continuing to raise the bar on exceptional experiences for the docents of The High Museum. He mapped out every detail and experience that was going to happen whether it was visiting someplace familiar and local that would expose us totally new experiences or taking us to Chicago, the Hudson River Valley or Paris. He was extraordinary and always full of surprises. He always had that twinkle in his eye that Leslie Berry described in one of the previous sentiments. The last trip we were planning was to Santa Fe, NM .....a place that Howard had never experienced before, so, in legendary Howard style, he was all about figuring out how he might be able to have that experience himself before opening the door to The High Museum docents. He wanted to ensure that the docent trip to "The Land of Enchantment" was perfect. So, off we go, Howard, John and me to map out the New Mexico experience. We were going to take in the entire experience by visiting Santa Fe, Abiquiu (Georgia O´Keefe Country) and Taos, NM. The attached pictures are from that trip. We mapped a trip of a lifetime and Howard was at the helm, as usual, forging relationships and assembling the itinerary that would literally create an out of body experience and exhaust you at the same time, squeezing every possible moment and memory before returning with the sights and sounds of the land and it´s people swirling in your head. Howard was once again going to raise the bar and create a memory that would last a lifetime -- Howard is the museum, Howard is docenting, Howard is the hallways and gallery´s of the museum.....I´ll not walk through the museum without Howard continuing to be by my side.....and he´s enlightened me beyond measure within the beauty and magic of the arts. I´m grateful to Howard for his care, kindness and his loving manner and I pay tribute to him along with his beautiful and charming wife, Helen, who welcomed John and I into their family with open arms. What an incredibly loving family for whom I am grateful for knowing. Thank you for the time with Howard......I´ll always cherish him in my heart and soul for a lifetime.

Bryan Brooks, Fellow High Museum Docent

January 10, 2022

Bryan Brooks, Fellow High Museum Docent

January 10, 2022

Bryan Brooks, Fellow High Museum Docent

January 10, 2022

My time with Howard began as I prepared to graduate from docent training at The High Museum of Art. Howard was assigned as my mentor in the docent program. I remember being anxious to find out who would be my mentor and partner with me as I entered my next stage of learning. I was awe-struck when it turned out to be one of the iconic names that I´d only heard of - a man whose reputation preceded himself - none other than "The Howard Elkins" who was a legend and that everyone at The HIgh held in such high regard and great esteem. Howard took me under his wing immediately and began to shepherd me with a balance of kindness, humility, challenge and a dose of fierceness that was constantly challenging me and improving my skill as a museum docent. Fast forward, Howard became part of my family and I became a part of his. He led me on journeys I never really dreamed possible including mentoring me to succeed him as Chair of the docent enrichment committee. I specifically mention this because Howard took great pride in starting the program and continuing to raise the bar on exceptional experiences for the docents of The High Museum. He mapped out every detail and experience that was going to happen whether it was visiting someplace familiar and local that would expose us to totally new experiences or taking us to Chicago, the Hudson River Valley or Paris. He was extraordinary and always full of surprises. He always had that twinkle in his eye that Leslie Berry described in one of the previous sentiments. The last trip we were planning was to Santa Fe, NM .....a place that Howard had never experienced before, so, in legendary Howard style, he was all about figuring out how he might be able to have that experience himself before opening the door to The High Museum docents. He wanted to ensure that the docent trip to "The Land of Enchantment" was perfect. So, off we go, Howard, John and me to map out the New Mexico experience. We were going to take in the entire experience by visiting Santa Fe, Abiquiu (Georgia O´Keefe Country) and Taos, NM. The attached pictures are from that trip. We mapped a trip of a lifetime and Howard was at the helm, as usual, forging relationships and assembling the itinerary that would literally create an out of body experience and exhaust you at the same time, squeezing every possible moment and memory before returning with the sights and sounds of the land and it´s people swirling in your head. Howard was once again going to raise the bar and create a memory that would last a lifetime -- Howard is the museum, Howard is docenting, Howard is the hallways and gallery´s of the museum.....I´ll not walk through the museum without Howard continuing to be by my side.....and he´s enlightened me beyond measure within the beauty and magic of the arts. I´m grateful to Howard for his care, kindness and his loving manner and I pay tribute to him along with his beautiful and charming wife, Helen, who welcomed John and I into their family with open arms. What an incredibly loving family for whom I am grateful for knowing. Thank you for the time with Howard......I´ll always cherish him in my heart and soul for a lifetime.

Sabine Luz, High Museum of Art Docent

January 9, 2022

I only knew Howard a very short time of his long and wonderful life, but he left a huge impression on mine. With his passion for the arts, his love for children, his humble wisdom, and his unmatched humor Howard became a very dear docent friend. It has been a joy and a privilege to have known Howard. I will miss him very much. With love to Helen and family, Sabine

Sandra S. Cross

January 8, 2022

Howard was loved and respected by our High Museum docent corps for his work ethic giving tours and working tirelessly in providing docent enrichment excursion opportunities. Everyone benefited from Howard´s love and devotion to the High including staff, docents and visitors to the museum. A huge hole is left in the space Howard occupied. When I now arrive to give my tours I will no longer see Howard standing around talking to the other docents and it won´t be the same.
Sandra Cross, High Docent

Margaret Greene

January 8, 2022

I am one of Howard´s fellow docents. To me he was and will remain the heart of the docent corp. he was unfailingly dedicated, flexible, respectful and joyful. He is my role model.

Margaret Wilkerson

January 8, 2022

Howard will always hold a special place in my heart. I had the privilege of working with him at the High Museum for 6 years. He made the museum-- and the world-- a better place, and we will miss him so very much. This picture captures the essence of Howard at his best as a docent. How lucky these children were! All my love to Helen and family.

Ellen Weinstein

January 8, 2022

Howard made a huge impression on my life. I became a docent at the High museum a bit over five years ago. Howard was a wise and dedicated docent whose constant presence at the museum brought a strength to the docent core and inspired us all to continue the work of connecting the community to the High Museum. His work will continue thru us and will pass onto future docents. I am sad to lose such a beautiful soul, but feel lucky to have met him.

Leslie Berry (Fellow High Museum Docent)

January 8, 2022

Never has enrichment been more appropriately used than in connection with Howard. He changed my life: I participated in practically every one of those 60+ trips with the High. We shared a deep friendship beginning with our 2004 docent training. His intelligence, humor (those twinkly eyes!), and compassion will always be with me. I will miss him so very much, but lasting memories stay forever. He was truly my heart friend.

Charles Hacker

January 8, 2022

Howard was an inspiration. I was amazed at how much commitment he had to giving the best tours possible. I was surprised when he told me he was in his mid-eighties. His energy level and zest for life is a model for each of us. I will truly miss seeing him at the High.

Ron Richard, High Museum of Art Docent

January 7, 2022

To me, Howard Elkins will always be an exceptionally insightful, good-natured, worldly gentleman who volunteered side by side with all of us docents at the High Museum of Art. Universally admired, he benefited our 150+ member program by arranging curated learning experiences that enriched the entire Docent Corps (a term he told me he coined out of necessity). His natural business acumen combined with his sense of humor made his leadership easy to follow. He shepherded and shaped the docent program in innovative and collaborative ways. He developed talent in others, and his measured advice was delivered like that of a favorite uncle. To thousands of museum visitors --children and adults-- he is remembered as that likable, knowledgeable fellow who masterfully connected them to the collections and exhibitions. Committed to his loving family and a wide circle of friends, how fortunate we are that Howard also shared his talents with us. He will be/is missed.

Gloria Brown

January 4, 2022

My condolences goes out to the Elkins
family.He will be surely missed. He was a wonderful person. I met Mr/Mrs Howard Elkins at Plaza Fifty Hotel many, many years ago very nice couple.
Rest In Peace .

American Heart Association

January 4, 2022

May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.

marc Heilweil

January 2, 2022

Until his last year Howard was seemingly ageless. He added a lot to the docent experience and My wife Caroline is grateful to him for that. Howard never seemed concerned about the past and looked to the future. When one talked to him you were struck by his unassuming way and concern for others.

Marc Heilweil

January 2, 2022

Until his last year Howard seemed ageless. His enormous energy enriched the lives of docents such as my wife Caroline. He seemed to focus on the future never the past. When one spoke with him you always sensed his concern for others and his own unassuming way. He will be very well remembered

Lord & Stephens Funeral Homes

January 2, 2022

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

SallyN, AngelaN, TerriT, DaleM

Planted Trees

Jack and Russell Huber, Atlanta

December 28, 2021

Howard was a prince of a man. A gentleman to the core, and a great friend to so many. The leader of the High Museum docents, with deep knowledge of historic American art. An avid, distinguished collector of the Hudson River school. We mourn his passing. Our sympathy to his beloved Helen, and family.

Sally C Neal

December 28, 2021

Howard was such a bright star in Atlanta. We loved him and will miss him terribly. Love and support to Helen and the family

Susan Ransom

December 27, 2021

My love, prayers and sympathy are with you at this difficult time.

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