By Staff Reports
Friends and former co-workers are mourning the loss of a former county administrator, community servant and columnist.
Regena Haden Handy, of Woolwine, died June 7, but those who knew her said her love and dedication for the county, the community and others will be an enduring legacy.
“I worked with Regena daily for 19 years, and when you work with someone so closely for so long, you get to know them well — for the good and for the bad. With Regena, it was unquestionably all for the good,” said Dave Hoback, also a former county administrator.
When she retired in 2007, Handy had more than 30 years of service to the county in positions that included board clerk, assistant (deputy) county administrator and county administrator.
Hoback recalled that Handy served as deputy county administrator during his tenure.
“She was a consummate professional, a trusted colleague and an invaluable advisor. I never heard anyone say a bad word about her, and that is a near impossible feat working in county government for as long as she did,” Hoback said.
“I know she made my job easier because she possessed a great institutional knowledge of county government dating back to the mid-1970s. I trusted and respected Regena so much that I have told people in the past, and would still tell them today, that if Regena and I gave conflicting accounts of a situation, I would tell them to believe Regena,” Hoback said.
But more than that, Handy “was such a sweet spirit and a dear friend. I count it a blessing in my life that I had the privilege to work with her for the time I did, and I know she made me better for the experience,” Hoback said. “I am heartbroken over her passing and my prayers and deepest sympathies are extend to her family and many dear friends in Patrick County and beyond.”
Mike Burnette, also a former county administrator who worked with Handy for about 10 years, said “Regena is one of the finest people I’ve ever known. She was the perfect public servant.”
He explained that Handy “cared about every decision she made with all of her heart” and always tried to determine “what’s in the best interests of the people in Patrick County” before acting.
“You can’t ask for more than that from a public servant,” Burnette said. “Regena was a true light in this world. We’re going to miss her more than we know.”
Crystal Harris, vice chairman of the Patrick County Board of Supervisors and among Handy’s friends, said “You can never say enough good things about Regena. She was firm and fair. She was a very respected county administrator, very professional. We didn’t always see eye to eye, but we always agreed to disagree, with respect.”
She recalled that even in the darkest times, Handy was a positive voice and had a reputation for putting the needs of others before her own needs. Handy also was instrumental in starting the annual Covered Bridge Festival and worked tirelessly to secure grants for other projects in her community, Harris recalled.
“She was such a lady,” Harris said. Handy “never complained and always led with class.”
Building Official Jason Brown worked with Handy for the better part of 12 years.
“I came to work here in 1995. Regena always had our best interests at heart. She will surely be sadly missed,” Brown said. “She always looked out for us. She was one nice lady—an asset” to the county, community and residents.
Finance Director Donna Shough, who also grew up in the Woolwine community, said she is unable to remember a time when she did not know Handy. However, “I came to work here in 2004, and that’s when I really got to know her.”
She recalled that Handy “was probably the best boss that I have ever had. The best county administrator I have ever worked for, and she was just such a loving, caring person. There wasn’t a day that you didn’t want to come to work when you worked for her.”
The fact that Handy cared for the county, “the people in the county and the community” also impressed Shough. “It was just obvious that she cared so much,” Shough said.
“I had the privilege not only to work with Regena but attend many bluegrass festivals and events with her. She was a kind and caring person who truly loved her family, her community and the citizens of the county. She will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved her,” said Glennda C. Morse, deputy treasurer.
In addition to her work in local government, Handy was known by many for her love of creative and eloquent writing that put others at ease and left them yearning for more.
“Her writings were guaranteed to lower your blood pressure. She would take you back to a much simpler time,” said Beverly Belcher Woody, a cousin and friend. “Her descriptions were so vivid, you were there strolling along with her. She and I always enjoyed discussing our mutual ancestors.”
Woody recalled one of her favorite memories with Handy was when the pair ventured across a meadow, forged a creek and climbed a mountain in search of their great grandparent’s graves, “That was a good day” Woody said.
Debbie Hall, editor of “The Enterprise,” recalled that she first met Handy in the 1980s. At the time, Handy worked in then-county administrator Barnie Day’s office.
“Regena was quiet and unassuming. A true professional in every sense of the word. She exemplified those same qualities throughout her tenure with the county, and regardless of the position she held,” Hall said, and added that she received an email from Handy a few days before her passing. “It began with ‘Hello friend,’ as did all of her emails.
“Regena was a phenomenal writer. In her columns, she shared bits and pieces of her family, her life, and glimpses into her childhood,” Hall said. “Regena was talented, but above all, she was a genuinely kind and decent person. I am better for knowing and working with her. She is sorely missed.”
