An amazing man, Issa died on February 2, 2005 at the age of 86 in his beloved country, Haiti.

Internationally famous as an art dealer, he was in his early years an equally famous musician and orchestra leader.
His CDs of Haitian mambo and merengue music are still on the market. For 40 years he provided this gallery with works of art. Without him we would not have existed.
He was kindness itself to everyone, in particular the poor.  At his weekly lunches one could be sitting with the ambassador to England and Didi, a little girl in saffron robes who had a home for the poorest Haitian children.
In Haiti’s days of fine French restaurants, Issa was a well known figure in his black velvet suits and designer clothes, driving the “Issa Machine” and taking large parties out to dinner. Dashing in and out of the Oloffson Hotel, then the haunt of the rich, famous and titled, everyone loved him, but most of all he loved the poor and his painters. Caring for the nuns across the street from his gallery, inspiring, encouraging and helping his artists, many became famous, and staggering works of art came forth.
I do not think there is a book on Haitian art that does not mention Issa El Saieh.  Who will ever forget his sense of humour and his hilarious jokes!!! “Issa, How could you”-------- leave us?
It was an honour to have had Issa as a friend.
To his children Mannu and Babette and his grandchildren Tomm, Cleo and Victor, the deepest sympathy. Our love and thoughts are with you.

Liz de Lisser, Mark and children