Please use this site to share your thoughts, stories and memories of Howie for all those who knew his grand heart and love of life, and for his wife Sharon and daughter Celaena.
Howie lost his life in a motorcycle accident on Friday July 10, 2009 on Wasilla-Fishhook Road in Palmer, Alaska.
Howie was an avid unicyclist, road and mountain biker, climber, backcountry skier, sailer, and trail advocate. He was instrumental in developing the great winter trails in the Matanuska Moose Range through his grooming efforts. He leaves behind his wife Sharon, daughter Celaena, two dogs, a cat, and all his long-time friends throughout Alaska and beyond.
To share a story about Howie please reply to one of the links below. If you would like to start a new category of story or memory please email Robin
Photos can be emailed to Robin to be added to the slide show, or email a link to another online slide show from flickr, google, etc. (For example see Knik Glacier slide show in sidebar.)
Thoughts from Friends and Family
Cycling, Cycling, Cycling
The Younger Years
Ski, Hike and anything else!
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Howell N. Powder Obituary published 7/14/2009 written by Sharon Powder
Howell N. Powder, 50, died July 10, 2009 as a result of a motorcycle and truck collision.Visit http://howiepowder.blogspot.com to view photos and leave a story about Howie for his family and friends.
Howie was born September 29, 1958 in New York City. He graduated from Tottenville High School in Staten Island in 1976, and SUNY (State University of New York) Onenonta in 1980. Always the rock hound Howie headed west to climb in the Grand Tetons. Sitting around a campfire at Jenny Lake Campground he met Sharon Shaw. Soon they were on the road arriving in Anchorage on September 1, 1980. While in Anchorage Howie worked at the “old” REI and also used his skills as a competing college gymnast to teach gymnastics. Tired of city living Howie and Sharon pitched a wall tent high up highland road along the south fork of Eagle River. By 1984 they tested their relationship by building their home near Hatcher Pass. All the while Howie was mountain biking, white water kayaking, telemark skiing and climbing large mountains. In the late 1980’s Howie and Sharon took their klepper to kayak in Belize. Falling in love with Central America they returned and backpacked throughout the area. In 1991 Howie’s biggest adventure began with the birth of Celaena. No more falling into crevasses and white water kayaking. Instead it was telemarking with a baby pack and sailing in Prince William Sound. A can-do guy, Howie wanted better ski trails near his home, so he learned how to weld and built a groomer which soon led to longer better trails for many people. In the summer he gave the road bicycle a try, saw competition in the Fireweed in the 200 and 400, and road by himself from Palmer to Haines. Most recently, Howie amazed everyone with his skills and endurance by holding the one-wheel record in the 24 hour marathon.
Over the years Howie met and made many friends through working at Denali Gymnastics, Enstar, MEA, Slope work and home construction. For the last several years he put his college degree and life experiences to use at Edward Jones Investments as a financial advisor, mentor, and friend to his clients. Howie encouraged everyone to plan for the future, but live for today; and let those around you know you care.
Howell is survived by his patient wife and partner of 29 years Sharon; the daughter he was so proud of Celaena; mother Phyllis of North Carolina; brother Glenn (Jill), nieces Alicia and Erin of California; mother-in-law Catherine Shaw of Wisconsin; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and in-laws all around the country. He was preceded in death by his father Jerome Powder, and father-in-law Dayton Shaw.
In memory of Howell, memorial donations may be made to Alaska Dog and Puppy Rescue, PO Box 876888, Wasilla AK 99687.
