The FSLSO extends its deepest sympathies to the family, friends and colleagues of John Kelly Handel who passed away on Thursday June 7, 2012.

John was born January 24th, 1941 in the Sub District of Andover in the County of Southampton England. At a young age John started his Excess & Surplus Lines career at Lloyd's of London as a runner and then went on to work with two brokerage firms in London. John came to the States in 1969 and went to work in New York before heading his way to Florida in 1970. After working with the likes of Hull & Company and Dana Roehrig & Associates, he established John Handel & Associates in 1983 after purchasing the office from Markel Service, Inc.

A tireless contributor to the surplus lines community, John remained steadfast in his conviction that a vigorous excess market is vital and necessary for a healthy insurance environment. His enthusiasm and passion for the industry will be greatly missed.