Arthur Louis Schechter, a prominent Houston attorney, philanthropist and political figure who served as U.S. ambassador to the Bahamas under President Bill Clinton and later chaired the Metropolitan Transit Authority, died Monday. He was 86.
Schechter, a longtime Democratic Party supporter, built a wide-ranging legacy in law, public service and philanthropy, with influence that extended from Houston to Washington, D.C.
“He departed this life surrounded by his loving family,” his relatives said in a statement. “A distinguished attorney, devoted philanthropist, dedicated public servant, steadfast political ally, passionate civic activist, and beloved pillar of the Jewish community, Ambassador Schechter leaves behind a legacy that touched the lives of countless individuals across Houston, the nation, and beyond.”
Clinton, who appointed Schechter ambassador to the Commonwealth of the Bahamas in 1998, said in a statement to the Houston Chronicle that Schechter was “a brilliant lawyer, a dedicated philanthropist and a wonderful friend.”
“If Arthur had your back, even when the going got rough, you never had to turn around to see if he was still there,” Clinton said. “Houston, America, and the world are better off because of his life of service. Hillary and I will miss him very much. Our prayers are with Joyce, his entire family, and everyone who loved him.”
Former Houston mayor Annise Parker described Schechter as a central figure in the city’s civic life.
“He was a pillar of Houston’s social and philanthropic and political life,” Parker said. “Yes, he was a passionate Democrat. But more than that, he was active in charitable organizations of all kinds and a pillar of the Jewish community.”
Those who knew Schechter described him as personable, charismatic and proud of his Jewish faith.
“He had a larger-than-life personality,” Parker said. “He was the life of the party – outrageous, silly, but brilliant.”
Born Dec. 6, 1939, in Rosenberg, Schechter earned his bachelor’s degree and law degree from the University of Texas at Austin before completing postgraduate work at the University of Houston. He was admitted to the Texas bar in 1964.
He went on to build a successful legal career, founding his own firm in 1976 and arguing a case before the U.S. Supreme Court in 1979. His work representing injured clients, particularly maritime workers, helped establish both his reputation and financial success.
As a significant political donor and fundraiser, Schechter was a close ally of Clinton and a fixture in Democratic politics in Texas and nationally.
In Houston, Schechter remained involved in civic life. He served as chairman of the Metropolitan Transit Authority under former mayor Lee Brown and held leadership roles with numerous organizations focused on education, civil rights and social services.
He was also active in the Jewish community locally and nationally, serving as president of the Jewish Federation of Houston and on the United States Holocaust Memorial Council, to which he was appointed by Clinton in 1994. His philanthropic work also included efforts supporting the resettlement of Soviet Jews.
Friends and colleagues said Schechter’s impact was felt not only through his positions and philanthropy, but through his relationships in the community. Gerry Birnberg, a Houston attorney and former chair of the Harris County Democratic Party, said Schechter was “totally committed to fairness and to equality.”
“He was somebody who would get involved and stay involved,” Birnberg said. “Democrats have lost a real hero.”
Christopher Ashby, a former U.S. ambassador who got to know Schechter during their diplomatic service, said he was thoughtful and a careful listener.
“He really looked at people and listened to them,” Ashby said. “He was very good at that.”
Schechter is survived by his wife, Joyce Proler Schechter; his children, Leslie Schechter Karpas and Jennifer Schechter Rosen; and grandchildren.
This article originally published at Arthur Schechter, Houston attorney, former ambassador to the Bahamas and Metro Chairman, dies at 86.