Withington Legacy & Current Staff
Dick Withington Lives On
“Grand Master of the Auction Block” – As a boy he worked for the local country auctioneers during the summer, as well as helping his mother in her Antique Shop. Dick then worked for Keene auctioneer, Jim Hall, doing everything from setting up the tents to calling on occasion. Under his guidance, Dick learned how to combine entertainment & humor, while selling some of the finest New England antiques. In 1949, armed with ambition & lots of natural ability, Dick started his own auction company. He soon surpassed his competition to become the best Country Auctioneer in the business. Demonstrating that Auction selling can be entertainment, he has deservedly earned the title of “The Bob Hope of the Auction Block!” Through the years, he led almost 2,500 auctions, as a leading player in the auction world, he sold some of the finest American Antiques and Furnishings. His involvement in selling Dolls at Auction began back in 1959 when he sold Mrs. Alexander Smith’s Doll Museum and since then has sold doll collections for individuals and museums continuously.
As New Hampshire Auctioneer’s License #1, Dick would sell until his last days … “as long as he was able to stand up and talk!” Dick always worked tirelessly promoting the business he so loved. We are enormously grateful to be allowed to preserve his legacy We have been fortunate to be able to learn from the master and will always miss him.Marcia and Larry Leizure
603-478-3232
withington@conknet.com
Larry Leizure – “President, Computer Tech, Appraiser” – Began working part-time for Withington a generation ago, running the auction business when Dick was wintering in Florida. Innovations such as a WEB-site and full color catalogues have helped to bring the auction company into the 21st century.
Withington Auction Inc. was formed in May of 2005, separating the auction business from the many-faceted business dealings of Richard W. Withington Inc. This enabled Dick to stay involved and active in the auction business, without the drudgery of daily operations. Since then, Larry and his wife Marcia have owned and operated the company, using Dick’s principles of Honesty and Integrity as the guidelines for running the business. With a degree in business management, a builder of custom homes and historic restorations, and 12 years as director of Buildings and Grounds at Lawrence Academy, Larry can correct, create and solve almost any problem… from plumbing to WEB-site maintenance… he does it all!
Marcia Leizure – Auctioneer, Publishing & Merchandising” Graduating college with a degree in Art and moving to NH with Larry as newlyweds, the world of antiques became a major part of their lives. Both as collectors and dealers, they owned and operated many shops since the 70’s. In addition having 20 years experience in financial management, Marcia brought her skills to Withington’s in January of 2005. Prior to that time, she would assist with an occasional estate clean-out or an appraisal and was responsible for setting up the country auction previews in the barn. Over the past 18 years, she has learned the gentle art of auctioneering from the “Master” and received her NH Auctioneer’s License (#4028) in the summer of 2004.
I am sure Dick Withington would be extremely proud of both Larry and Marcia for maintaining his legacy. Withington Auctions is still a force to be reckoned with in the auction world.
Mike Reopel
Partner/Chief Executive Officer, Auctioneer
1-603-731-9876
mike@nhauctionsandappraisals.com
Auctioneer, collector, veteran, and successful business owner and executive, Mike is passionate about continuing the legacy of the Withington Auctions company. He is a seasoned antiques collector with a special interest in White Mountain (New Hampshire) paintings, rare books, historical documents, early firearms and Dunlap and Seymour furniture.
A graduate of West Point and Harvard University, Mike served as an airborne ranger in multiple infantry units, taught economics, worked in the White House and created and led several successful businesses. He received his New Hampshire auctioneer’s license in 2005 and currently owns several small businesses in New Hampshire and abroad.
Mike is a current board member and Treasurer of the New Hampshire Historical Society.
Ken Labnon
Partner/Chief Auctioneer, Appraiser
1-603-680-1676
Professional auctioneer and appraiser, Kenneth Labnon, brings 50 years’ experience in the auction business to the Withington Auctions team. Having worked for multiple auction companies, Ken has completed over 2,000 auctions during his career. Along the way, he has acquired an excellent working knowledge of antiques market values, as well as expertise in valuing silver and jewelry.
Ken has donated many hours calling auctions for numerous charitable organizations including, the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth (CHAD), the New England College Alumni Association, the Henniker Rotary Club, the Cardigan Mountain School and others.
Ken’s extensive experience, professionalism, energy and integrity make him a welcome addition to the Withington Auctions team.
Gary Yeaton
Partner/ American Furniture and Clocks Specialist, Appraiser
603-491-7136
As a professional antiques dealer, appraiser and furniture conservation specialist, Gary brings his knowledge and expertise in valuing American furniture and decorative arts to the Withington Auctions company. Over his nearly 50-year career buying, selling, restoring and appraising antiques, Gary has acquired a broad range of knowledge in such areas as early paper, books, glass, tools, art, clocks and furniture from every period. Over time, he developed a particular interest in furniture and clocks of the 18th and early 19th century, with a special focus on New Hampshire furniture makers, including the Dunlaps, for which he is well-known.
Gary’s excellent professional reputation and wide-ranging knowledge of antiques and the antiques market make him an invaluable member of the Withington Auctions team.
Gary is a current member of New Hampshire Antiques Dealers Association.
