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"Plan for the future, but live for today..." Howie
Gather around!!
Thank you to the 200+ people who joined together to honor Howie. From clients and business associates to friends and family all shared a tangible link to a great friend.
Memories and stories about Howie will go on and on. Add your memory or story to the project too.
Memories and stories about Howie will go on and on. Add your memory or story to the project too.
Knik Glacier
I spoke to Howie just the day before the accident and I had the good fortune to talk about our kids who are about the same age. He was always so proud of his daughter. He was so happy that day as we talked about how glad he is that his daughter is a shining light for other people and we talked about how hard it is to find that balance between letting go of the kids and and keeping them safe. I know he is keeping watch now all the time and will help you keep the light shining! Go forward with faith!
ReplyDeleteOh, Sharon, I'm so sorry to hear this. My prayers are with you and your family. -Sue R.
ReplyDeleteSharon here. On our last big hike together Howie and I were at the top of April Bowl, on the ridge taking off of the back, just sitting having lunch. A lone hiker came along that we didn't know at all. Out of the blue, chatting about the surrounding mountains, he brought up this crazy story about this crazy guy named Leo. He started to tell us about this Leo guy taking a little raft down the Kashwitna. I looked at him and then pointed to Howie and told the guy that here was the other half of that story!!!...So anyway he learned more about their hike those so many years ago across the glacier to the snowbird cabin with their tiny little rafts from Outdoors and More. The slog down to the river and the part where Howie had to save Leo from a watery death. (Leo you are welcome to chime in at any time!) After the hiker left, we laughed about the improbablilty of what just occurred and Howie said "I'm famous!"
ReplyDeleteI’ve known Howie for many years now. We met as sophomores in college, hit it off, and became off-campus housemates for our junior and senior years. We lived in typical college squalor (despite my best efforts to keep the houses clean) but those were great times. In Oneonta, it wouldn’t surprise me if they are still talking about the kamikaze parties at 37 West Street thirty years after the fact! The friends you make at that time of life become your second family and Howie was no exception.
ReplyDeleteAfter college, Howie headed west, then north while I headed west, then south. We managed to keep in touch mostly around Christmastime but I eventually found my way back to NYC and managed to see Howie whenever he came to town. In 1997 I was fortunate to have been able to make it up to Alaska and drop in on the Powder clan. I met Sharon and Celaena and saw firsthand how lucky Howie was to have them in his life. It was a short but meaningful visit – I recall being in the yard trying to shoot down mosquitoes the size of sparrows with watermelon seeds – and I will always equate the majestic beauty of the area with the Powder family hospitality. (Except maybe sinking up to my waist in snow drifts on Archangel Trail in May – thanks for that, Howie!)
Recent years found Howie coming back east more often with his job and we were pretty much on a once a year schedule for getting together. Once he decided to meet me at my office unannounced – a government office building, post-9/11 – and just showed up at my cubicle on the 20th floor. I asked him how he managed to get past security and as soon as I asked I realized what a dumb question that was – I think Howie could charm himself past, around, over, under just about anyone. A couple of visits ago we lingered a little long in a bar in Manhattan called the Silver Swan and as the night got late we found ourselves in polite conversation with the transvestite and transgender folks that take over the establishment at a certain hour. Howie loved it and had that perfect icebreaker – “We don’t have anything like this in Palmer, Alaska…” and made many new friends that night! And just last February, Howie made it back east on the same night I had already planned to meet some other college friends and we managed a small reunion. I am glad to have had that night of good food, good drink, and good friends as a lasting memory of Howie.
Finally, I think it was our taste in music that Howie and I had most in common. It started with early Genesis (we’d blast Supper’s Ready with requisite drunken singing to clear a party when it was time to head downtown) and evolved through the punk years (Tuesday nights at the Sip’n’Sail Tavern – Oneonta’s own punk scene circa 1979!) and all the good music that came after. On at least one trip back east, Howie “borrowed” liberally from my music library and besides Genesis, I hope Celaena enjoys the Ramones, Brian Eno, King Crimson, Talking Heads, B-52s etc. that found their way back to Alaska.
There are many other memories that will come to me whenever, but for now this sums up my recollections of time spent with Howie. Bottom line is I loved Howie - he was a great guy and I am happy for the times we had together.
Sharon - your husband was a terrific person! He handled all of our investments and from day one he felt like a close friend. He will be missed. Dirk Craft
ReplyDeleteSharon - we will miss your husband - wow - he was so kind to our family. He was a great person with a good heart. Your family will be in our prayers.
ReplyDeleteI was in my early teens when Sharon met Howie and I remember thinking he was Hot! and Cool...good job sis!
ReplyDeleteOne of the funniest things I remember about Howie is from their wedding..." I guess if I'm gonna marry anyone it's going to be Sharon because she lets me play!"
In the late 80's Howie liked to refer to me as "my pretty pony" a dig at my overly large hair, he also got great glee from making me carry the "shit can" down from a glacier camping trip. I felt like he was my big brother. When I bought my 1st Subaru he sent me a bundle of wire, wrapped in lengths of Duct Tape, saying I should never travel without it. If I remember correctly, (Sharon, correct me if I've got this mixed up) there was a point in time when he was driving a Subaru with a flashlight duct taped to the back as a tail light. Very resourceful! Although I didn't get to spend a whole lot of time with him, I loved him like a brother and will miss him greatly.
ReplyDeleteMy wife and I talked with Howie and Sharon last week on the way down from April Bowl. As usual the conversation revolved around new adventures and outdoor challenges. Howie always had time to stop and chat about the outdoors. He was full of life and enthusiasm. This time Howie spoke of going over the top of the bowl, down the next valley and hauling out a 45 lb serpentine rock in a backpack some time ago. He was always going the extra mile. His love of life was infectious. As we parted, I said to my wife what an exceptional and inspirational person I thought he was. He never ceased to amaze me with his seemingly unending energy. He told me of his unicycle ride in the Matanuska 24 hour event. He also was a bit disappointed that he could only ride something like 250 miles on his road bike, as if that were nothing. I will never forget his zest for life and adventure. May we all be so fortunate to have a little bit of Howie's enthusiasm in our lives. I will miss him greatly. He was one of a kind.
ReplyDeleteDear Sharon and Celaena Powder,
ReplyDeleteIt has been one week from my last conversation with Howell and my own words continue to fail me. My wife and I are sincerely sorry for your loss. Howell was genuine and a treasure. For me, an exuberant full of sunshine disposition would describe Howell.
Unexpectedly arriving at our fathers 90th birthday last fall pleased all of us, particually our father. It spoke volumes to "being a friend".
My current inability to verbalize my own thoughts has led me to use the words of others as refuge.
A few lines from "Julius Caesar" as 'paraphrased' in the movie "Uncommon Valor" and spoken in the year 42BC are still valid today.
"If a man were to know the end of this days business there would come.....but it suffices that the day will end and then the end will be known.........and if we meet again.....well then we will smile.....and if not.....then this parting was well made"
I am eternally grateful that I have known Howell. His life was remarkable and truly well lived. I am honored to call him my friend.
Maurice Goff Jr.
How could it be true? Howie was a legend in our company. Endurance, energy, fun, conditioning, new adventures, organizing a bike relay, marathons, riding his bike to summer meetings (often 100-200+ mi.), his big smile. We knew him as highly capable, one we could rely on, dependable over the long haul, a true friend & companion, quick witted, always ready with a wry comment or comeback. There was one 'Howie Powder.' He's irreplaceable. Again, we think of Sharon & Celeana. There's a hole in our hearts along with you. May God Bless & comfort you. Love & prayers, Craig & Terrie
ReplyDeleteI remember browsing through some magazines last spring at the little shop at the Fairbanks airport. I opened the page to a photo of Howie on his unicycle, taken during a winter downhill race in Hatcher Pass. I exclaimed to no one in particular, "Wow, Howie is in Alaska Magazine! He's crazy!" People looked at me like I was the one who was crazy. I had to purchase a copy. He is famous. I loved running into Howie at bike races etc. I could always count on him for a hug and a compliment. I could also count on him to ask me uncomfortable questions or comments about my personal life. He was always good for that and he never failed. When Sharon was there she would shush him sometimes. I never minded though because he would always make me smile. I will miss that a lot. I will miss him a lot. My thoughts are with Sharon and Celeana. Keri Gronewald
ReplyDeleteI had the pleasure of working with Howie at Edward Jones. We met nine years ago in training class in St. Louis, Mo. Since then I was lucky enough to have many laughs over the telephone with my buddy. We spoke every month about our families and our lives. Howie always made me laugh when I was feeling down. I regret never getting up North to visit him. Howie was a "cool dude" who will be missed. Jim Marren, Reno, Nv
ReplyDeleteFor the last 8 years, I was one of Howell's clients at Edward Jones. Over those years, he became a good friend as well as financial advisor. He was great about keeping in touch regarding financial stuff, but the conversations always turned to stuff like family, career, fun things. It was really neat to know that your financial advisor was also a friend, and someone you could trust. Over the years, we learned that we both grew up in New York around the same time, and that we shared a love of the music of those times - we often talked about the many concerts we'd both attended and laughed that we'd probably seen each other there! Howell was a special, truly unique person with a huge heart. His love and pride for his wife and daughter were always present. I am so saddened at his loss and will truly miss him, as will the entire community, but I feel blessed to have known him and happy that we had a last chat the week before the accident. Sharon and Celeana, my thoughts are with you...Randi Perlman, Big Lake, Alaska
ReplyDeleteHowell phoned every Mon, Fri to check on me. That Fri. we talked about his upcoming unicycle race and I downloaded his latest picture. Everytime he called he bragged about Celaena.
ReplyDeleteHe visited me every year and I had to make sure I had the "honey do" list ready or he would be bored. The only time he played golf was here and I wouldn't let him use a driver because he hit it so far and with such bad direction I knew I would be paying for a neighbors window.
He was so fortunate to have a loving (and patient) wife. Sharon and Howie have produced an exceptional daughter.
Priscilla Goff said: When I first met Mr. Powder, I asked what name he wanted me to use for him. He said "you can call me Howell, Howie, or Powder." It wasn't long before I realized he would be called "a friend." That was the way with Howell in all our conversations, whether it was as a financial mentor or as a friend. He always had a story to tell and could make a person feel better about oneself, just by his compassionate nature. He was a friend of the family and he will be truly missed. He spoke often of his daughter Celaena, he was so proud of her. I visualize Howell cycling that high mountain in Heaven. My thoughts and prayers are with Sharon and Celaena.
ReplyDeleteHowie was one of the few people who truely altered my life. A little over a year ago, he wandered into the shop where I was working, looking for a gift for Sharon. Realizing that we had previously met on the trail and that we were somewhat neighbors, we started talking about everything else that one talks about with Howie.
ReplyDeleteI had the "gist" of a small business plan that I wanted to launch and Howie took particular interest. In the following days, he stopped by the shop again with a blank check in one hand and a whole lot of faith in the other. My little business was born.
I had the honor and pleasure of cooking for Howie, Sharon and Celaena for over a year. They gave me the courtesy of devouring and loving everything I threw at them. Even when Celaena turned the household into vegetarians (plus seafood, good for her), Howie and Sharon were right there with her. One phone call and we all made it happen.
Such a wonderful relationship was born from that chance meeting, that comfortable conversation you all knew so well. I got to visit with Howie almost every week, and with him, that knowing smile and good cheer. The Powders saw me through the loss of my beloved Daisy and the birth of my new nephew and treated me with nothing less than love and friendship.
Howie will be missed in an amazing way. Smiling through tears, I thank Sharon and Celaena for sharing such a special man with the world and for being the sparks in his life. I know his spirit will live on in you, in me, and everyone that he met.
Namu Amida Butsu
Sharon & Celeana we are so grieved & shocked over your loss. Howie certainly lived a “bigger than life” life with so much zest and energy. We so enjoyed Howie as a neighbor & friend and have had so much admiration for your family.
ReplyDeleteWe didn’t know of his gymnastics background but it certainly explains some things. Early in our 18 years of living in our little house we were troubled by some roof problems that resulted in various water damage spots on our logs and fairly tall vaulted t&g ceiling. Howie had been doing some work on our home, hanging new doors and installing new molding. Later he tackled the water damage, which had been daunting to us, as most of it was up in the highest area. I was concerned about how the heck he was going to get up there as we didn’t have any ladders tall enough and it was too open to stabilize an extension ladder. No problem. Howie put his climbing skills and, now we know also his gymnastic skills, to work rigging up quite the scaffolding system using boards, ropes and shorter ladders. His balance beam agility now makes sense! He did an awesome job sanding carefully and blending stains for a perfect match and today you would never know there was ever any water damage at all. Hence, you can add “artist” to his list of talents.
Clint & Rhonda Stark
It was as a father volunteering in his daughter's classroom that was my introduction to Howie Powder. I first saw him sitting on a very small chair surrounded by children. He was smiling. Each time I saw him in that classroom, he was smiling.
ReplyDeleteHolding this memory, now so very poignant, I dug out a dog-eared, homemade book from Mrs. Moe's Second Grade Class. The book contains a science experiment, recipes, and a grainy black and white photocopy of Howie making snow cones...with a smile.
Sharon and Celaena, there is shared sorrow for your grief. I hesitate to use the word loss, because the man that was husband and father gave much to those whose lives he touched.
Barb Baranowski
My wife, son and I met Howie last summer when my son was interested in checking out investments. My son did not make any investments (and still hasn't but we all felt he was a kindred spirit. He was engaging to talk with us and seemed to like talking to us. My son said he went to WMS with Celaena. My God bless his soul and your family.
ReplyDeleteI would like to thank Sharon and Howie's family and friends for the Saturday celebration of Howie's life. What a great honor and tribute to Howie. You did yourselves and everyone there proud. Although I didn't know anyone there, I met and talked to several people and felt right at home. If I was Howie I am sure I would have met and talked to all of you. His indomitable spirit shall live on in all of us.
ReplyDeleteLet me drink from the waters where the mountain streams flood...Let the smell of the wildflowers flow free through my blood...Let me sleep in the meadows with the green grassy leaves...Let me walk down the highway with my brother in peace...Let me die in my footsteps...Before I go down under the ground......Bob Dylan.....Adios Cy
I just heard about Howies accident from Hap -
ReplyDeleteOfcourse all I can ever think about was all the good times in the early days up at the Hatcher Pass Lodge - the "Hatcher Cup" that he and his good friend Todd along with many other friends competed in - the New Years eve parties - Howie was always there for all of it giving his all with a smile and some kind of joke, looking to help, always up, always a pleasure -
Sharon and Celaena - Courtenay and I are thinking of you - Love - Tom and Courtenay Murphy
... received by email from Kim Fitzgerald
ReplyDeleteTho I met Howie when he took over my modest Edward Jones accounts he was never just my financial advisor. In addition to mentoring me in the basics of investments he made me comfortable with his services. he never pushed. From the start he found a common ground with his clients - as people, Valley-ites, parents, and outdoor enthusiasts, what-ever - we mattered to him.
I always welcomed his calls and advice yet much of our time was spent conversing like old friends. he had such an enjoyment of life and a centered take on Life's ups and downs .. with a realistic take on his own quirkiness.
He spoke lovingly and often about his family. He expressed gratitude for his blessings..acknowledged his foibles.
My Thanks to his family for sharing Howie with so many people.
he repeatedly invited "when you are next in town..let's go grab coffee"
coffee" Being significantly older than young Howie, this invitation displayed a genuine interest in others.. regardless of age or gender.
I so regret I never took him up...
I missed some more time with a fellow who not only brought Zest to his community but moments with a gentle Man that mattered.
Knik
Sharon and Celeana,
ReplyDeletelike many others that have left comments here, I'm sorry that I did not know you better and I am thankful to you for sharing Howie with the rest of us. I too enjoyed the frequent calls from Howie that moved him beyond his role as financial advisor to that of friend. although we only met in our later years, we shared many similar experiences in our youth and Howie enjoyed my stories as much as I enjoyed his. our most common subject was our kids - and each of us only having the one, we also shared the unique emotions involved. Howie's pride in his daughter was only riveled by my own of my son. I will truly miss those calls and miss knowing that Howie isn't down in his office for me to stop in on any more.
We are all better off having known Howie,I am glad I was able to call him my friend.
safe travels Howie, until we meet again
meg
Sharon,
ReplyDeleteJust learned of Howie's death tonight. It's been years since I've seen you two, but feels like yesterday as I recall the wonderful memories of friendship 25+ years ago... now, I wish busy lives wouldn't consume us so much that we loose contact with those we love.
I am heartbroken for your loss.
I find comfort in the idea that he and Todd will pave the way for the rest of us when we meet again.
RIP Howie, RIP.
with much love,
Romney
Dear Sharon and Celeana
ReplyDeleteI was so saddened to hear of Howie's death. It has been years since I have seen all of you. Just a reminder I was the librarian at Palmer when Celeana was a little girl. You three made such a wonderful family. Howie always enjoyed his life and family. The community is at a great loss.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love,
Janice
Dear Sharon and Celeana,
ReplyDeletea third of our lives were spent as friends. Lots of laughs, and adventure. There is a big void in my life that my friendship with you and Howie filled.
Leo
Howie and I were gymnastics teammates at SUNY Oneonta for 3 years. Howie was a natural. He was always looking for a challenge. I remember him telling me about the first time he ever went ice climbing at Delhi Falls. He was half way up the frozen waterfall and when he pulled his hand pick out of the ice - water started shooting out of the hole. The falls weren't as frozen as he had first thought. He loved it. He was a kid in a candy store. I have never met anyone else in my life who had the same zeal for adventure and life experiences. I haven't heard from Howie since college and I am saddened to hear of his passing. I have alot of great memories of working out and competing with Howie. I had the opportunity to get to meet his family on a few occasions and I could see how much he loved his family. He was a great guy.
ReplyDeleteSharon, here's the lyrics for the song I wrote and shared with you at Howie's memorial.
ReplyDeleteMuch love, Melanie
For Howie
I can’t say I really knew you well, But today it made me cry
When I heard you passed, And I don’t mean you were passing by.
I’m sorry that you’re gone.
Sometimes life seems so unfair, I throw my hands in the air
Falling down on my knees, Begging won’t you please
Tell me what to do?
I’m falling down, I’m falling down…
I’m falling down, I’m falling, falling, falling down…
Gathering around the fire, Friends in the neighborhood.
Love and light and laughter, Remember to remember how good
This moment is.
Your smile shines so brightly, And it always will.
A ray of sunshine, A sparkle in the snow on the hills
That you loved.
I don’t know how, I don’t know how to say goodbye to you.
I don’t know how, I don’t know how…
And when you look down on us, you’ll be proud, you’ll see.
We’ll learn to love and laugh in spite of your absence.
And heaven will be a better place because of your presence.
And your soul will be free.
I’m rising up, I’m rising up, one day at a time.
You’re rising up, you’re rising, rising, rising up…
When I shared with my two (now mid-20s) children about Coach Howie's tragic death, they bubbled over with stories about their days with him as their Denali Gymnastics coach in the late'80s. How they remember his coaching style - always demonstrating, always encouraging, always setting the bar high and endlessly positive about their effort and work ethic.
ReplyDeleteAbout five years ago, Howie re-introduced himself to me at a cycling class. He first asked about my children and then about myself. Such a genuine, gentle spirit that is rare in our hurried world. He talked of you, Celeana and what a wonderful daughter you are in his life. I asked about his adventures and he spoke with a twinkle in his eye just enjoying the journey we call "playing" and "living life." I was saddened to hear about his tragic, senseless death. How I loved meeting his mom and brother, Greg, at a local B&B when they were here in July for his homegoing and sharing stories with them about their remarkable son and brother. Our family was blessed in knowing him. I hope you - Sharon and Celeana - know that we are each living our lives differently because of Howie. Believe that. A very warm hug, The Quinn Family Dick, Pattie, Ryan and Kelly Quinn
Sharon,
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to express my condolences to you and your family. I just learned of Howie's passing. Howie and I attended Junior High and Tottenville High School. Our fathers (my dad is Sam Weening)were teachers together at Tottenville and have really good memories of Howie while at school. Again my condolences to you and your family.
Sincerely,
Rob Weening, Moorpark, California
I knew Howie many years ago. We were in grade school, PS 36, together. Always a nice kid, we played together frequently hanging out at the big tree in his yard, playing with his dog (Jupiter?) I remember him spouting the virtues of pumpkin seeds for replenishing energy as we watched his father, just arrived home from playing tennis, collapsed in his chair, eating salted pumpkin seeds. Although we went to the same Junior High School and lived fairly close by, we drifted apart and I always regretted that. I was deeply saddened to hear of his passing but am happy to see that in spite of his tragic end he had a good life surrounded by people who loved him. Even as a kid he was a good guy and accepted everyone for what they were. My friendship with him will always be one of the happier memories of my early years.
ReplyDeleteDan Peters, formerly of Staten Island