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Howard Twiggs Obituary
Howard received his undergraduate degree from Wake Forest University in 1954; and went on to get his law degree there in 1957. He was still actively practicing law as a partner in Twiggs, Beskind, Strickland & Rabenau in Raleigh when he died, having been a lawyer for more than 50 years. Over his practice, Howard diligently represented countless North Carolinians injured in accidents and accused of crimes.
His service to the law and to his clients has included working with many organizations and commissions. Howard served as a director of the Roscoe Pound Civil Justice Institute in Washington, D.C., for 20 years, and as its president for two years. He was a charter member of the North Carolina Chief Justice's Committee on Professionalism. For more than a decade, he was a member of the North Carolina Courts Commission.
Howard’s excellence as a trial lawyer led to his election to fellowship in the International Academy of Trial Lawyers; International Society of Barristers; and American Board of Trial Advocacy. Fellow lawyers chose him for listing in Best Lawyers in America and in North Carolina Super Lawyers since their first editions and he was selected as a Top 100 North Carolina Super Lawyer by the latter publication.
Howard was a frequent lecturer to lawyers around the United States on trial advocacy and professionalism topics. He also lectured and taught trial advocacy in five foreign countries: Canada, Mexico, England, Holland, and Australia.
He was elected and served as a Board Member and as President of the American Association for Justice (formerly The Association of Trial Lawyers of America), the national organization of lawyers representing injured persons. For his service to that organization, Howard received many awards including AAJ’s three highest awards: the Leonard Ring Champion of Justice Award; the Harry Philo Award for commitment to individual rights and leadership in the pursuit of justice; and the David Shrager President's Award for visionary leadership, support, and service to the cause of justice. He was only the second person in the history of the organization to receive all three of those awards.
Howard served for 34 years as board member of the North Carolina Advocates for Justice (formerly The North Carolina Academy of Trial Lawyers). He was also elected its President and also its delegate to the AAJ Board. For his service to NCAJ, his awards included the Walter Clark Award for Extraordinary Service to Justice; the Outstanding Legislator Award; and Election as President Emeritus.
Howard was President of the Wake County Bar Association and of the North Carolina Tenth Judicial Bar. Recently, Howard was honored by the Wake County Bar Association with the Joseph Branch Professionalism Award. Named for a former Chief Justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court known for his integrity and public service, the Award recognizes a lawyer who exemplifies professionalism in the practice of law.
Howard was elected and served in the North Carolina House of Representatives from 1966 to 1974, serving as Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee in 1973–74. In the General Assembly, his major accomplishments included improving protection for the disabled and injured citizens of North Carolina through passage of a major revision of the state Wrongful Death Act; extending the Statute of Repose; rewriting the laws relating to mental health; and removing all references to race from state laws in 1969. During his time as chair of the State Building Code Committee, the North Carolina Building Code was rewritten, making buildings, sidewalks, vehicular parking, and other areas accessible to the handicapped.
Howard's love for his alma mater, Wake Forest University, played an important role in his life. He served as the past president of the Wake Forest University Law Alumni Association and as past chairperson of the law school's Board of Visitors. His service to the University as a whole was recognized when he received the Wake Forest University Distinguished Alumni Award.
Howard received the War Horse Award from the Southern Trial Lawyers Association for leadership in the trial bar, teaching trial advocacy and excellence in the trial of cases for a period of over 30 years. From the National Crime Victim Bar Association he received the Frank Carrington Champion of Civil Justice Award. The Eastern North Carolina Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates gave him Champion of Justice Award.
From the Raleigh Junior Chamber of Commerce, Howard received its Distinguished Service Award as Young Man of the Year. The Carolina Mental Health Association bestowed on him its Lief Valland Award for outstanding service to North Carolina as a leader and as a legislator in the field of Mental Health.
He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Betty McBride Twiggs, and four daughters, Mary Catherine (Sissie) Twiggs and husband Vincent Valverde, Jennifer Twiggs and husband Ivi Bilich, Elizabeth Johnson, and Ashley Bryan Twiggs and husband Brandtly Jones. He had six grandchildren, Savannah Valverde Twiggs, Julian Valverde Twiggs, Lauren Valverde, Sebastian Valverde, Juliana Bilich Twiggs, Logan Bilich Twiggs, Jamie Johnson and Stone Johnson. Also one sister, Carolyn Twiggs Fox of Winston-Salem, niece Margaret Fox Miller and nephews, Spencer Fox and David Fox.
The family will receive friends at the home on Friday, March 5 from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., and on Sunday, March 7 from 3:00 until 6:00 p.m. A memorial service will be held on Monday, March 8 at 3:00 p.m. at St. Michaels Episcopal Church in Raleigh.
Memorial gifts made be made to Pound Civil Justice Institute (Howard Twiggs Memorial Fund), 777 Sixth Street, N.W., Washington DC 20007, to the Capitol YMCA, or to the Wake County SPCA.
Condolences may be sent to www.brownwynneraleigh.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Howard Twiggs
Joseph Turner
March 10, 2010
Dear Mrs. Twiggs and family, I was saddened to learn of Howard's death. You don't need me to tell you what a great and wonderful man he was, but I wanted to say that as a young lawyer he helped train me at Academy seminars and the Trial Advocacy week-long course. I have since served with him on the Bench Bar Committee of the NC Bar. I am forever greatful for knowing him and will miss knowing he is over there in Raleigh doing the things for lawyers and clients that he has always done. My sincerest condolences to you all. Joseph E.Turner, Chief District Judge, Greensboro
Lisa M. Snyder
March 9, 2010
As the receptionist for the North Carolina Advocates for Justice (formerly the North Carolina Academy of Trial Lawyers), I always looked forward to greeting Howard upon his arrival for a Board of Governors or an Executive Committee meeting. He would come over to my desk, where I always felt a certain formality in addressing him with a handshake! He was such a gentleman in that regard! The last time that I saw Howard was in February; he was a whole month early for an Executive Committee meeting! But our conversation on that day will never be forgotten, and I will miss him dearly!
Don and June Baise
March 9, 2010
So very sorry that I learned of Howard's pasting Monday night. I would have been there with many of
his High School classmates,which he so dearly loved. He was an icon for many
to follow. He will be missed by all. What a great friend we have all lost.
God Bless Him!! Don and June Baise
James A. Miller Jr.
March 9, 2010
Howard, my long ago former brother-in-law, and I had not talked in a long time; he'd phoned me on business. He seemed relaxed, at peace. I suggested next time he's at Bald Head Island, lunch at PJ's? He's rarely down to his cottage he said; but he'd like that.
It was to be, but a matter of 'when'.
"When' came as 'never'. Anticipated pleasure, arrived as un-anticipated grief.
A young Winston-Salem law student came to our home, a'court'n. He saw that I was sad. Why?
My dad had told me that when, and if; I'd saved-up enough money from my morning and evening Winston-Salem Journal & Sentinel newspapers routes; I could buy a Model "A' Ford.
Quickly I'd saved the needed $300. The Model 'A's then in the late 1950's were still "real", though hard to find. For several months, I'd shown dad the occassional Model 'A' classified ad. Then dad stipulated, I had to also have cash for the insurance. My sister offered that, to his annoyance.
Dad had decided we could only buy one on weekends only. Come Saturday he said only on a Sunday, and then only after church. I explained "A" ads sold fast. He added, only after Sunday dinner, too. After dinner, I phoned: it had been sold. Sad again!
Howard wanted to know why I was sad? I explained the saga. Howard: "Mr. Miller,....". Dad did not want to talk about it. Young Howard cross-examined his future father-in-law; dad could evade nothing. My story finally extracted and confirmed. "Jim, get into the car. Mr. Miller, get your coat".
"Why?"
"Because we are going to see if we can get that car un-bought, and then bought". There, the old rusted Model "A" coup was un-un-buyable. "Mr. Miller, turn the car around, back the way we came".
"Why?" "Because that Model "A" Ford we saw in the garage, but at the wrong address; we are going to see if it can be bought". Turned-out it was a Model "B" Ford, two-door Victoria "four-banger" with automatic spark advance on blocks, cloth covered: body in great shape.
Now middle-aged "Do-dad" Hoffman said; "Yeh, uhmmmmmm..., $200?" Me: it's worth $300 and that was what I was willing to give you; let's share our mutual luck, here's $250 Mr. Hoffman".
That's a risky thing for a guy a'court'n to do, cross-examing your maybe future father-in-law. But it was the right thing to do, that's what Howard did. The right thing.
Later diagnosed a manic-depressive, old, and widowed; I became my father's personal-care giver. He told me he'd "lived his life wrong", and he'd come to admire me. Forsyth Hospital, dad died after twenty years of cancers, 3:45 PM, April 30, 1996; my sister at his bedside. An overnight airline mechanic, I was to relieve her at noon.
Howard soon after I met him; dad not long before I was to last see him; both did: the right thing. Both missed.
March 8, 2010
Howard was always a gentleman and a truly affable individual, not to mention a distinguished jurist and an exemplary public servant. Our sincere condolences to his family.
David and Jeanne Smoot
Tom Earls
March 8, 2010
Howard was a law partner and business partner of mine. More importantly, he was a friend, mentor and a living example of those qualities we all aim to have: respect, humility,kindness, and compassion. His passing leaves a large void in my life, but his legacy is oh-so powerful and comforting.
Arlene Pulley
March 8, 2010
I started work in the NC Legislature in 1961 and ended my career in State Government as a Member of the NC House in 1996. Howard Twiggs was the perfect example of a true public servant, always putting the citizens, not only of his District, but all of North Carolina first. What a pleasure he was to work with, always with a smile, that great laugh and great judgement. I will never forget his kindness to Lt. Governor Green. The first call to our Office: "Arlene, Howard, I'm worried about Jimmy. Do you need me?" He was there in ten minutes and by our side until the successful end of the trial. No, there are no words to truly describe Howard Twiggs, you just had to know him. He has left a tremendous hole in so many whose lives he touched. Thank you Howard for being my friend over the years. I know you had lots of friends who were really glad to see you "on the other side".
Laurie Thorp
March 7, 2010
I am so sorry to hear about Howard's death. He was a great friend of my father (William Thorp). My father always had so much respect and love for Howard. I remember a wonderful sail that we all had together at Oriental. And one summer he gave us his house at Bald Head where my family spent a most fabulous week together.
My heart is with you as you walk through these days, weeks and months, feeling the loss and the empty space left by his death.
Julie Whidden
March 7, 2010
My condolence to the family of Howard. He will be greatly missed.
Julie Whidden
Peter Cunningham
March 7, 2010
I am so sorry, he was truly a good man.
Barry Cunningham
March 7, 2010
Betty, I am sorry to hear of Howard's passing. I always enjoyed talking to him and sharing dog stories.
Anne Russell
March 7, 2010
Anyone who wishes to spiritually connect with Howard Twiggs should visit Old Milburnie Dam, better known as "Raleigh Beach," off US 64 East. His father purchased this Neuse River site with its mill and waterfall and acres of woods, which Howard and his sister Carolyn inherited, and Howard loved the place for its beauty. Our three children and I used to select our Christmas tree here, near where his father had once kept a pet goat. (Anne Russell, first wife, of ten years, of Howard Twiggs)
Kenneth Woodruff
March 6, 2010
I wish to extend my deepest condolences to the family of Howard Twiggs at a time of great sorrow. Howard was admired and respected by all who knew him. He will be missed, but never forgotten, by the countless individuals whose good fortune was to have shared a part of their lives with Howard.
Howard and I were classmates in the Broughton Class of 1950. We first met as homeroom classmates in 1945 and were homeroom classmates until our graduation in 1950. We shared numerous classes and activities during our high school years at Broughton.
May God comfort you in your sorrow.
Charles Kenneth Woodruff
Liz Eggleston
March 6, 2010
I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Twiggs passing. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all during this sad time. May God bless you and surround you with precious memories.
March 6, 2010
Betty, you and your family are in my thoughts as you adjust to a life without Howard. He will be missed.
Martha Brock, (Raleigh, NC)
Frank Wyatt
March 5, 2010
My friendship with Howard goes back to 1952 at Wake Forest. I have enjoyed knowing him as a man and fellow lawyer. We all will miss him.
March 5, 2010
My prayers are with the family...Always enjoyed Howard's friendship at Wake Forest's old campus...May God bless
jack crosswell, cripple creek, va.
Risa Lower
March 5, 2010
It is with great sadness that I say goodbye to my good friend, Howard Twiggs. He was such an example to all of us of humility, kindness, dignity and character. He measured a person by the size of his or her heart, not by their title. He fought for us all. While his loss diminishes us, his presence made us all better human beings. My condolences to his family and firm. He will be sorely missed, but not forgotten.
March 5, 2010
What a great loss to the bar and to the disadvantaged! He was my friend, my law partner for many years, and my business partner. I shall miss him deeply. My sincere sympathy to Betty and to all of his family. Alex Denson
Natalie Baggett
March 5, 2010
The Neuse Riverkeeper Foundation wishes to express their deepest sympathy to the family of Mr Twiggs who was a valuable member of the legal community and who helped us in our work to protect the water qualtiy of the Neuse River.
Vince Anderson
March 5, 2010
It has been many years since Howard's years at Broughton High School, where he welcomed my brother and myself as new members of the Class of 1950 when we moved from Charlotte in 1948. We all served as Acolytes at the Church of the Good Shepherd, and usually skipped Sunday School. Howard was the one with a car and we would go joy riding before heading back for church. Howard had such a joy of living. I can still hear his chuckle as I remember him.
Please accept my sincerest sadness at your loss. It is a loss for all of us. He was one of those unique people that it was a joy to know.
Dickie Hemric
March 5, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
rick hunter
March 5, 2010
Howard was a friend, mentor and hero to all of us. He inpired us by the consistency, sincerity and depth of his convictions. Howard led by example. He left the world, every person and every organization he touched better. Rick Hunter
Charlotte Twiggs Thorstad
March 5, 2010
Uncle Howard will be missed by the Twiggs family in Augusta. Although we didn't see him much, he was thought of often and will be missed by many.
Charlotte Twiggs Thorstad
Phil Kirk
March 5, 2010
Although I did not see Howard very often in the past several years, our last "meeting" was while we were filling our cars with gas! He was his usual charming, interesting self! In the legislature, we were often on different sides of legal issues affecting the business community, but Howard was always fair, tenacious, honest, and a gentleman. I know his family, friends, and colleagues will miss him greatly and I am honored to have known him.
Betty and Thad Adams
March 5, 2010
Our heartfelt sympathies go out especially to Betsy, Sissie and Jennifer and their families who are such an integral part of our extended family. May fond memories hold you together during this difficult time. Our dearest love always.
Dusty Baker
March 5, 2010
Howard was a recent friend to me and as sweet a man as I have ever known. My sympathies to the Twiggs family. The PR will not be the same without you.
March 5, 2010
We have learned with great sadness of Howard's most untimely death. It is with our utmost sympathy and heartfelt condolences that we contact you, his family.
We have learned this about our well loved class member while preparing to leave for what was to be a wonderful weekend sharing quality time and anecdotes of "then and since then." Howard was a 'raconteur par excellence' and we enjoyed hearing stories connected with his career as a lawyer. We had many a laugh with him and appreciated that he never had an unkind thing to say about his fellow men. "Hail Fellow, Well Met!"
We grieve with you and for you.
Lou and Jack Overman, Manteo, NC
Wake Forest Colle ge '54
Sherrill & Susan Brinkley
March 5, 2010
We join the untold multitude extending our heart-felt sympathy to the Twiggs family. We have known Howard since the early 60's as fellow Jaycees, and well recall the great job he did as president of that group. While our paths seldom crossed, he was always the same, with time for a smiling compliment or a funny memory.
We especailly appreciate his love and support of the Wake Forest College Birthplace Society in the Town of Wake Forest. It's always fun to hear the stories, from Dickie Davis and others, of his days at Wake Forest College.
Howard was a great man. His life leaves the world a better place.
Sherrill & Susan Brinkley
Wake Forest, NC
Charles McDowell
March 5, 2010
Howard was a keystone in his family and law practice. His absence leaves a space that cannot be filled.
I knew Howard as a fellow KA at Wake Forest. One could see his propensity and skill at work plus volunteerism budding there.
Here's to a great servant to family, friends, and his 'fellow men'.
Charlie McDowell
john o'donnell
March 5, 2010
Brother Twiggs was a fast friend who will be missed but long remembered by many. John O'Donnell
Sheila Jessup
March 5, 2010
I am deeply sadden by the passing of Howard. He will be surely missed. The Players Retreat will not be the same without him.Carry on in heaven my friend.
Anne Russell
March 5, 2010
During my marriage of ten years to Howard Twiggs, we set up his first law office in downtown Raleigh and conducted his first campaign for the NC Legislature as Wake County representative. Our three daughters, Betsy, Mary Catherine (Sissie), and Jennifer enjoyed sailing with him at Oriental and Baldhead Island. He had a dream of public service to North Carolina, and he worked hard to fulfill that dream. Last week we enjoyed a delightful conversation at his favorite "hangout" the Players Retreat in Raleigh, about supporting women who run for public office. The last sentence of his email to me the day before he died read, "The weather again is cold, damp and miserable. It will certainly make spring delightful and the calendar says it is coming." Howard was ever the optimist. When he was voted Young Man of the Year early in his career, the News and Observer story called him an "optimistic, lucky attorney," and so he was. Our 3 children and 8 grandchildren will miss him very much, as will I.
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