Robert Edward Howe

Robert (Bob) Edward Howe, age 77 of Bothell, Washington passed away peacefully on July 11, 2019 holding the hand of his beloved wife of 55 years, Lina Howe. He had a larger than life spirit that had a way of brightening every conversation while at the same time bringing smiles to everyone that he had a chance to meet. Bob took role as a father and husband to heart with family being the center of his universe. He found great joy in seeing the successes of his children, Michelle, Marie, and Tim and their spouses Kirk Pearson, Jason Shaw and Tara Howe (Pierce). Whether it was an early morning wakeup call, or the tossing of a roll across the dinner table, he knew how to lighten the mood with humor and make everyone feel at home.

The time he spent with his five grandsons Connor, Alex, Drew, Jacob and Brennan was always full of laughter and lessons that every boy should be lucky enough to experience. Whether it was setting up a fishing rod, planning an Eagle Scout project, sharing an ice cream, or tearing apart their favorite electronic toys, Grandpa was the buddy that could fix anything, find hidden joy in small moments, and have fun doing whatever it was as long as it was together.

Bob’s career as a Network Engineer in Telecommunications spanned 40 years and involved a variety of accomplishments, including groundbreaking expansion of the initial internet backbone across the nation and being part of the cutting edge development of early Wi-Fi technologies. He strived for a level of excellence in all that he did, and was a mentor to many both inside and outside of his positions in a variety of work settings. Relocating nine times during his lifetime, Bob had a chance to introduce his family to new adventures, instilling a love of travel that they have since carried on within their families. No matter where he was, friendships were made along the way, building relationships that were very dear to him with many friends becoming just like family. Bob was compassionate to the core, and expressed this through service to his community with a sense of humor and dedication.

Proudly, Bob served in two branches of service, the United States Army and Air Force. His time served post Korea had a huge impact on his life and he had great respect for those who have served our great country. He attended night school while working to support a young family. He vowed to put his kids through college and he successfully achieved this with all three of his kids. He adored his wife Lina. Their relationship was one of a kind and he was always proud to talk about the years, precious memories, and love they shared together.

Bob would have been celebrating a 78th birthday on August 27th. He was born in 1941 in San Diego California to Janice and John Howe. His mother divorced when he was very young and remarried Wylie Day, who was the father he really knew, and whom he loved dearly along with his mother. He is survived by his brother John Howe Sr, nephew John Jr, sister-in-law Pat Howe, cousins, friends who were family, and extended family across the US and Canada.

Faithfully joining our lord, he will be forever in our hearts. We find peace in knowing that he will join his brother Keith Howe, and his dear friends Bruce Valentine and Jürgen Plog most likely in search of the next big fish and adventure with them or telling one of them there is something on their shirt. We will treasure the time we were able to share in his laughter and be adorned by his love, and we hope to honor him by living with love, compassion, humor, and service to others just as he did in his life We know that he is smiling upon us and watching over all he cared about.

Funeral services will be held at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church 2316 180th St SE Bothell WA 98012 at 10:30 am on Friday September 13th with entombment memorial services following at Tahoma National Veterans Cemetery 18600 SE 240th St Kent, WA 98042-4868 at 2:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you make a donation to a charity dear to his heart, Wounded Warrior Project, https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org.