Although Howard—better known as Dad, Brother, Howie (or "HowARD…HowARD!" to Grammy, and also affectionately called Professor, Richard, Zing, Buddy, MacGyver, Howlin’ Howie DJ, Salty Dog, Hagrid, and even Mensa) was a man of few words, he said everything through his actions; In the midst of life's craziness, he always showed up. Life was not fair sometimes, and boy, he knew that and his toughness is what got him through so much in his life. He survived a lot of life’s adversities and then made it look easy. Even though he had such a tough exterior, armor really, he had such a giving heart. He was a man of his generation, yet such a dichotomy. When it came to family, he was very traditional, but when it came to life, he was beautifully unconventional, such an anomaly. So handy, he could do everything, had the brain of an engineer but the absent-mindedness of a scientist and the eye of an artist. He was endlessly curious, always wanting to understand how everything worked. He was simply a brilliant and resilient man. He loved his family beyond measure. Maddie would call him a “sea sponge,” absorbing everything.

Howie found peace on the water. Fishing was not simply a hobby—it was where he felt most at home. He chased sunrises and sunsets, knew the rhythms of the tides, and seemed more comfortable on the ocean than on land. He was incredibly safe on the water and the “Sistah cruises were epic.” He taught many how to get “fish-on” and the last couple of weeks have been filled with thoughtful and most often hilarious stories. Howie and Liam shared many fishing adventures whether on shore or on the water. One fishing trip they caught so many stripers Liam was like “dang my arms hurt”! He absolutely loved to teach and if I had to list everyone this would be pages long. Matt, Trevor, Ryan, Marisa, Jon, Derrick, Liam’s buddies, to name a few that come to mind. Michelle and Howie weathered so much together and boy the ole’ boat days aboard “Rockfish Junkie” or “Forced Family Fun” were simply the best!

A side of Howie that some may not have known was his love of movies. He was a child at heart. He loved Disney and Pixar films, especially Toy Story and Despicable Me, Stewart the Minion was his favorite. The last movie he saw with his family was Toy Story 5. His favorite movie was Avatar. While some saw a story about blue people, Howie saw something much deeper. The main character, confined to a wheelchair, was given a second chance at life through an avatar. As Madison reflected, "The lengths I would go to give him an able body, just like Jake." I will forever miss watching movies with my Dad. As a family we have promised him that we will finish binging Northern Exposure. 😊

A favorite line from Avatar: "All energy is only borrowed, and one day you have to give it back."

Howie loved animals just as deeply as he loved the sea. His rescue Newfoundland/Lab/Shepherd, Mori ("Momo"), who was taken far too soon, held a special place in his heart, as all his dogs did…he adored Max. His final wish reflected both his humor and humility: "Just dump me in the ocean." We will honor him by gently scattering his ashes, alongside our dogs, in the waters that brought him so much peace and incredible happiness.

A private charter is being organized to give Howie the sendoff he would truly appreciate. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to Responsible Pet Care (501C3 Non-Profit). It would mean the world to him. Responsible Pet Care, PO Box 82, Norway ME, 04268 or Venmo

Assisting the family with arrangements is the Cremation Society of NH, Hampton. To view Howard's Online Tribute, send condolences to the family, or for more information, visit www.csnh.com.