Howard W. Meade's Obituary
Howard W. Meade, age 76, went to be with his Lord on Wednesday, April 1, 2020 at his residence. He was born on May 18, 1943 to William and Jean (Thorpe) Meade Jr., in Philadelphia, PA. He was a member of the St. Mark Lutheran Church in Norton Shores.
On June 6, 1964, he married Carole J. Boyer in Ohio and she survives him along with 3 children, Mark Meade, Brian Meade and Tracey (Jason) Piasecki; 5 grandchildren, Connor and Alayne Meade and Emma, Grace and Aaron Piasecki. Howard was preceded in death by his parents.
Howard began his career with Ford Motor Company in Dearborn and held several positions in their financial division. He moved to the Muskegon area to direct the purchasing and material management function at Brunswick Corporation. In addition he became a self-employed consultant in the project management field for several domestic and international clients.
Howard volunteered his time and was active in multiple nonprofit organizations in the Muskegon area. He was the President of the West Michigan Concert Winds, and directed the effort to bring the National Convention of the Concert Band Association to Muskegon in 2011. He was a founding member and President of the Shoreline Community Orchestra. He served as President of the Muskegon chapter of SCORE and was active in several leadership positions at St. Mark Lutheran Church. He especially enjoyed singing in the choir.
After Howard retired from the business world he returned to his first love - music. He played clarinet for over 60 years, studying both classical and jazz styles of performance. He played in the Shoreline Community Orchestra, West Michigan Concert WINDS and Ein Prosit German Band. He traveled with community bands to Germany, France, Ireland England and China. Music high points during the past few years were attending the Traditional Jazz Camp in New Orleans, playing at Preservation Hall, and playing at Carnegie Hall with the WINDS.
A private family memorial service will be held at St. Mark Lutheran Church with Pastor Mark Gilson and Vicar Scott Faith officiating. A Celebration of Life ceremony will be held at a later date at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., 49444.
Memorials may be directed to: St. Mark Lutheran Church Music Fund, Shoreline Community Orchestra, West Michigan Concert Winds Endowment Fund.
Interment Location: St Mark Lutheran Memorial Garden, Henry Street, Muskegon.
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