Henry was my first cousin but in truth he was like my younger brother. He used to call me “Sis”. 
He loved life and embraced it to the fullest.  Whether watching a fierce storm or an eclipse or traveling to some interesting city or foreign country. He tried to right the wrongs he saw in every day life. He had a wonderful way of weaving words together to make you laugh or bring you to tears.  Hank .. I miss you terribly. 

   I had the privilege to get to be friends with Henry when we were at Hampshire College in the '70s (where I knew him as Hank). He was one of the sweetest, sincerest, funniest, and most passionate people I've ever known. Hank was a romantic in the mold of Lord Byron, and, like Byron he was willing to risk his own life for causes he felt deeply about.
   During college, my family was fortunate to have him as a regular guest at our Passover Seders where he rapidly became part of the mix; he especially liked my uncle Paul (the only political conservative in our clan), and they would have friendly but heated debates between cups of wine, and mouthfuls of salty parsley, horseraddish, and matzah. For decades after we graduated he would call or send a card wishing my family a sweet Rosh Hashannah, or Passover, or Channukah (we still have the menorah he gave me in college). 
   It was only after we graduated when I found out about the extent of his activism, and it really took my breath away. We stayed (or I should say HE stayed) in touch until about ten years ago; fortunately, I was lucky enough to get back back in touch with him about a year ago, and learn about the new flowering of his poetic output. It makes me sad that the world will be deprived of all the great things he would have done, but it is a better place for all he did do. I guess I'll just have to be a little more like him now, and pass it forward.

Dear Henry,
Thank you for your friendship, for your passionate activism and for your writings. 
I highly recommend your book: “SING TO ME OF A WORLD TO WIN”
www.vagabondbooks.net/2018/04/vagabond-is-happy-to-announce-launch-of.html    
- to those involved in the Peace & Justice Movement. 
Love,
Frank Dorrel


We, Pilates Studio West,  enjoyed vibrant, informative and lively conversation with Henry. He has been such a joy and human rights activist. We will miss him dearly. God bless you, Henry. Rest in Peace until we meet again.

Henry gave his heart, soul and bravery through his courageous actions to lift up the oppressed.  We saw each other often at OOA events.

Thank you for all the great dinners filled with memorable conversation. You are a warrior for human rights. The world has suffered a tremendous loss. In choice and love. Joyce 

Pierce Brothers Valhalla Memorial Park and Mortuary

Henry Howard

immediate need

Death has occurred or is near

plan ahead

Pre-plan a funeral or cremation

Plan a Funeral or Cremation Default Desktop

Find Obituaries and Services

Send Flowers

sympathy and etiquette

grief library

celebrations of life

What to Say When Someone Dies

Show Your Support

Sympathy and Grief

obituary

services

memories

Obit Detail

In the care of

share to facebook

share by email

share link

Share Obituary

ideas and resources

Sympathy and Grief Mobile

OBITUARY

Henry L. Howard

March 1, 1958 – April 23, 2019

Pierce Brothers Valhalla Memorial Park and Mortuary

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services