I have been sitting here torn over what I can say here. I found the sad news about our dear friend, Howie, this afternoon. After I started this topic.
I could only do that because I had some contact info for him from back when this site went down and I was trying to let people know where we were hiding out.
I found an account I was sure was his on a social site and, from that, I found his daughter's account. Beth has posted here before to bring us at least one update about her dad. From his daughter's account page I learned Howie passed on two or three days ago.
I won't say anything more without Beth's permission, but I will try to contact her after she and their family have had some time to work through this together. I will invite her here should she want to share with us, of course, but primarily to let her know how much we all love her father, how much we are all going to miss him.
I'm just not sure how we will make our way through Groundhog's Day from here on, not to mention every day. Howie has always been here to congratulate us, wish us happy birthday, help us, pray for us and make us laugh.
I know you're in a better place now, Howie, but I remember this song cheered you up back in 2012, when you were in C.C.U. I just sang it to you. That's what started the tears.
Here it comes again. You deserve sunshine, my friend. I cannot believe how much I am going to miss you.
I am so saddened to learn of Howie's passing. As a staunch regular of the TH forum, his wry, good natured humor and, yes, wisdom were some of the things that have kept me coming back here.
It is said that death is a natural part of life, but that doesn't make it any easier to accept the passing of a good friend.
I'm deeply saddened at the loss of such a steadfast, caring, truly remarkable man and Teammate. I know he's in a better place and I pray for this family and all who knew and loved him as we did.
This is very sad news.. he was a staple on this site and will be sorely missed! I hope he is resting in peace and send my condolences to his daughter Beth and family.
Few things remain constant,but for the last 13 or so years,I knew that when I got to TH early in the morning that Howie would already be here doing his thing. Howie was a good friend of TH,a team he helped create. Always willing to help if someone had a problem and if he didnt know the answer he would go and find one and stay with it until it was solved. He was kind and compassionate and friendly and always had a kind word. And he was funny! His antics as the "Groundhog" were a constant source of amusement for us here. Out of the cold and dark of winter you knew come January that he was going to bring the light and warmth of spring to us all with his countdown to "his big day" on February 2nd and the jokes and pictures that went with it. Howie said that Groundhog Day should be a national holiday and for us here in TH it will be as we honor his life and dedication and remember him every year. He was one of a kind and Im really going to miss him. R.I.P Howie!
R.I.P Howieh. My prayers and most sincere condolences and deepest sympathies to Beth and all of Howieh's family and friends. May GOD grant you the strength to get thru your grief. Keep your memory of him (especially the fun, good times) alive and he will never truly be gone. May GOD Bless you all. Howieh's help, wisdom, and funny posts will be missed.
I'm not really sure what to say. I can only echo my good friend Ick's response, as it will be virtually impossible to fill the void of our favorite groundhog.
I have been on an extended absence, and just now read this. May God bless & keep our ol' ground hog! I am gonna miss your brash humor, sir hog! I predict I am not the only one!
