Mr. Richard E. "Rich" Howe's Obituary
Early Saturday morning, Richard Howe left us to join his beloved son, David; parents, Edgar and Tillie; sister, Virginia Brown; brothers, Ned and Jim; brothers-in-law, Hugh Brown and Richmond Roberts; and grandson Anthony Bacon. How joyful they must be. He leaves behind so many who love him; his wife, MaryAnn; daughters, Lori (Jeff) Rohen and Mary Howe; step-children, Rosanne (Tony) Pace, Linda (Kevin) Bacon, Jaclyn Hitsman, John Anderegg, David (Melissa) Anderegg; thirteen beautiful grandchildren and his sister, Barbara Roberts. He will be missed everyday of our lives. Richard was born on September 11, 1926 and was raised in Grandville, MI. Following high school graduation, he joined the Navy and served his country honorably during the closing days of World War II. He returned to Michigan after the war and attended Michigan State University on the G.I. Bill. After graduation, he began his long career in the Michigan Public Schools, first teaching at the high school and elementary levels, then serving 25 years as an elementary principal. During that time he earned graduate degrees from both Michigan State University and Western Michigan University. Richard loved children, admired teachers, and believed passionately in the public schools. He was an advocate for children - a true educator. In 1987 he retired from Mona Shores Public Schools and worked for a time for Western Michigan University as a Student Teacher Coordinator. The following years were devoted to volunteering in the Muskegon Heights Elementary Schools, playing tennis, reading, gardening and traveling with his wife MaryAnn. He was a man with many interests - a kind, generous person with a brilliant intellect, and a wonderful sense of humor - a devoted husband, father and grandfather, and an excellent friend. A MEMORIAL SERVICE for Richard will be held at 1 P.M. on Saturday, May 2, 2009 at
The Lee Chapel
Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc.
6291 S. Harvey Street
231-798-1100
Visitation will be the hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry or Harbor Hospice. You may sign the online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com
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