Handley Memorial

Wayne and Estella Handley were very active in Chapter G for many years. They helped to make the club what it is today. We could never thank them enough for all the love and effort they poured into our activities, adventures and fellowship. They opened their home to us time after time. We will miss them dearly....

We want to share a brief story of Wayne and Estella taken from a biography in the Chapter newsletter that they may be honored and remembered.

Wayne and Estella Handley met when they lived in neighboring towns in Ohio. After dating for four years, they married and set about to raise a family. The Handleys have two children. Carrie, their daughter, is an analyst with American Insurance Company here in Houston. Scott, their son, got his degree in Industrial Engineering from Purdue and now lives in Oregon. Carrie also provided them with a grandson, Matthew, who is married and has recently given them their first great grandchild.

Wayne served his tool and die makers apprenticeship in a General Motors plant in Cleveland, Ohio. He later moved to a General Motors plant in Indianapolis, Indiana, where he eventually headed the Manufacturing Services Department for fifteen years. This department bore responsibility for the creation of tooling, molds, special machines, as well as the maintenance of all the production machinery. While the machine shop has occupied most of Wayne’s professional life, woodworking is the hobby that he would like to incorporate into his future and leisure plans. Wayne retired from General Motors and he and Stella moved to Houston to be near their daughter.

Now you’ve got to understand that while Wayne was accomplishing his goals, Stella was not exactly sitting around watching the grass grow. She put her time in with factories and at one time ran a mill at Sterling Die making thread dies. She was a licensed beautician, and at one time ran a business where she catered to the elderly and shut-ins. She loved to crochet, and was also an excellent seamstress. She loved to show off the lovely bedspread she made from men’s neckties.

Wayne and Stella started riding motorcycles in 1956. Wayne, like so many of us, rode Harleys in those days. They rode his Harley 61 until 1959, when parenthood made them re-evaluate their priorities. With the children grown, they started to ride again in 1986, and this time it was a Gold Wing. The Handleys were members of GWRRA when they came to Texas, having been active participants and staff members of their local chapter IN-R in Indianapolis. They became a vital part of Texas Chapter G’s family as soon as they arrived in Texas, and were always ready to participate and help in any way possible. They were a great addition to all of our Chapter activities.

Although married for over 40 years, the spark that brought them together was obviously still there for this couple -- and they made the trip together.

Good memories can keep fresh and alive the gift of love that God has given family and friends.

To My New Family,
Chapter G
of Tomball, Texas

How do I ever begin to thank a special group of people who are helping me through the most difficult time of my life. The Internet letters, Chapter G's newsletter, and all the wonderful cards expressing your comfort and love have touched my heart so much.

Six years ago after he retired, my father Wayne and my mother Estella, moved to Houston from Indianapolis. This was a tremendous adjustment for them. Even though Russ and I, and my son Matt, were already living here, it wasn't until they joined Chapter G that everything fell into place and they began to enjoy their retirement. Dad and Mom spoke highly of the club to our family. They enjoyed the love and fellowship that was exchanged among each other. Russ and I had the pleasure of attending many club dinners and the annual ice cream social that was held at their home. I could see the love and fellowship pouring out of Dad and Mom to all of you also. With little effort and without asking, Dad and Mom always volunteered to help make any social, charity, or travel events run smooth as possible. They were there if someone was in need of help. Soon after joining Chapter G, they became known as Toolman and Stitches.

I want to share a short story with you. Dad invited me to ride with him and the group one Saturday morning. Mom was going to ride with Val. I really didn't want to go at first, because I thought I had more important things to do. But, "something" told me that I should go and enjoy the day. So, I decided to go. Before I could get on Dad's bike, Mom fussed at me, like a mother does, making sure I was dressed appropriately and safe. Well, I had a wonderful time. I really enjoyed that day riding with both of them and the club. It was then that I understood why they enjoyed riding in company or their friends, who became their family. I am so glad that "something" changed my mind and I decided to go that day because that would be my last ride with them. The following Monday the accident occurred. I truly believe that God knew. There was nothing more important for me to do that day but to be with them. That day I rode with my Dad is a day I will always remember. A moment in time I will cherish in my heart for the rest of my life.

Since the tragic death of my parents, it has been one day after another of intense sorrow and pain, an emotional roller coaster for Russ and I. But, with the strength of God, each other, our family, and the family of Chapter G, we have been able to put one foot in front of the other and little by little move forward.

I want to thank everyone in Chapter G for supporting my family with their prayers and attendance at the memorial service. I want to thank the other Chapters for their support too.

I also want to express my sincere appreciation to everyone for the memorial ride to Blessing, TX. Butch and his staff did a remarkable job of organizing this event. I thank God for a beautiful day and a successful, safe ride. As most of you know, several of my family members from out of town were able to attend. The attendance and the amount of bikes were overwhelming. And then there was Grandpa. He rode with Sharon on her trike. He is 90 years old and showed everyone that age does not matter. His heart was in it from start to finish, 270 miles later. It tickled Russ and I to see that Gramps was determined to do this for his son and daughter-in-law.

I have one more thought to share with you. My Dad's youngest brother, Gary, told me that when he feels sad and down or is having a bad day, he will look over his shoulder and Wayne and Estella will be there. He told me to do the same. The morning of the memorial ride, Judy surprised me with a pin of an angel riding a bike. Judy pinned the angel on my shirt and told me that Dad and Mom will be riding with me. Then I remembered what my uncle said. Sure enough, I looked at my pin and looked over my shoulder and I knew Dad and Mom were with me.

With sincere thanks from Russ, Matt and his family, my brother Scott and Lesley, the entire Broberg and Handley family, and myself. Thank you for being a family to Wayne and Estella.

Love,

Carrie

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