Donald Hugh Howard

Donald Hugh Howard, age 78, of La Mesa, California, died of pneumonia on May 6, 2019. He was brave and calm in the face of death. There are three words that sum up Don’s life: intellectual, sensitive, humorous.

Born in Nampa, Idaho on March 20, 1941 to Hugh and Merle Gowey Howard, Don was raised in Marsing, Idaho along with his older brother Roger. He raised award-winning cattle as a boy, and always loved the serene Idaho farm country, but chose to follow an academic path. He graduated from Marsing High School then earned a bachelors degree in History from University of Idaho at Moscow and a Master of Library Science degree from UC Berkeley. The majority of his career was spent serving countless students and faculty with genuine care and respect at Brigham Young University in the Harold B. Lee Library.

He married Jocelyn Kingdon on June 16, 1965 and they were the proud parents of four sons. Their family life revolved around many activities within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Camping was a favorite summer activity, particularly in unique places with beautiful views which he loved to savor. Don always enjoyed cooking and discovering interesting new recipes to try out on family and guests. His goal was to have all components of the meal presented nicely on the table, with nothing turned cold that was supposed to be served hot.

Don was a proficient handyman and took on many projects around the house, and tried hard to make a more comfortable and efficient home for his family. One would almost always hear classic country music playing on his radio while he worked on these projects. He found joy in making sure his family was happy, and would ask often to make sure we were, with that classic grin on his face. He also loved watching thunderstorms on the edge of his seat next to the big window, even in the middle of the night, and would repeatedly exclaim, ‘Oooh, that was a good one!’

Don and Jocelyn divorced in 2001, and after retirement headed to sunny San Diego, where he began dating Robert Holt in February of 2005. They became registered domestic partners on October 24, 2006 and were married exactly seven years later. Despite health challenges, which were never complained about, they enjoyed years of travel, meeting interesting people, organ concerts in Balboa Park and their beloved Episcopal Cathedral, and many other activities together until his sudden death.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, brother Jack, and his oldest son David. He is survived by his husband, former wife, and sons Brian, Eric (LeAnn), and Rob (Michelle); his brother Roger (Eleanor); step-daughters Pamela Peters (Kevin), Laura Amicucci (Joseph), and Mary Holt; as well as two nephews, two nieces, twelve grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. A Memorial Service will be held at St. Paul’s Cathedral at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 1st. Immediately thereafter, the family will leave for a private service at sea. It is requested that memorial contributions be made to St. Paul’s Cathedral or Doctors Without Borders in lieu of flowers.