Howard F. Harpel

Olympia Towing Co., retired tugboat Captain and Naval Veteran of the Korean War 1951-55, Howard F. Harpel, passed away April 30th at home at the age of 81. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Donna Harpel Copeland. He is survived by his wife Jackie of 55 years, daughter Diane Lewis (Rick), two sons Ronald (Christin), and Russell, son-in-law Mike Copeland, five grandshildren Ian and April Lewis, Katelin and Morgan Harpel, and Sabryee Copeland. Since his retirement Howard gave his time to others as a fix it man and blood donor. He was on various church boards and committees. He was a sponsor of Little League, coached baseball and football, and was involved in Senior League softball. He was a hunter and a fisherman who also enjoyed wood working. A Memorial service/luncheon will be held at First Baptist Church, Olympia, 904 Washington St, May 5, 2012 at 11am, and interment at 2:30 at Mills & Mills Memorial Park in Tumwater.

When I come to the end of the road

and the sun has set for me,

I want not rites in a gloom-filled room,

Why cry for a soul set free?

Miss me a little, and not for long,

And not with your head bowed low.

Remember the love that once we shared.

Miss Me – but let me go.

For this journey that we all must take,

And each must go alone,

It is all part of the Master plan,

A step on the road to Home.

When you are lonely and sick of heart,

Go to the friends we know,

And bury your sorrows

in doing good deeds;

Miss Me – but let me Go.