Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Howard Beye Obituary
Rochester: Suddenly Friday, September 19, 2008, age 75, surrounded by his loving wife, daughters, & Pastor. Predeceased by parents, Sidney J. & Dorothy A. (nee Hall), & brother, Richard K. Beye. Survived by wife of 52 years, Dorothy June Beye; daughters, Elizabeth DeFrancesco, Elaine (Leslie) Cox; 5 granddaughters - Nicole (Michael) Miller, Natalie (Scott) Perterka, Chloe, Phoebe & Hillary; one grandson, Evan, & one great-grandson, Max.
A graduate of RIT (1956), member of Sigma Pi (Gamma Phi) fraternity. He served in the Army reserve for 8 years with 1 year of active duty. Employed at the RG&E for 42 years as an electrical engineer. He retired in 1993. Howard was scout master of Troop 55 for over 50 years achieving the highest rank of Eagle Scout, & as a leader, received the Silver Beaver award & Scout Master of the Year among many others. He was a lifelong member of Covenant United Methodist Church, serving in many capacities most notably President, Board of Trustees for some 30 years. He felt it was his duty to take general care of the church & spent untold hours there helping others care for the property, solving problems, getting others involved. He was like a dog with a bone, never letting go until it was done. 35 years ago he became involved with the Finger Lakes Trail Conference becoming a board member, President, & for the past several years served as Trails Committee Chairman overseeing the building & maintaining of over 800 miles of trail. He was a walking encyclopedia of trail information for the FLTC & also he was involved with the North Country Scenic Trails a 3,500+ mile hiking trail beginning in North Dakota & running to Lake George in NYS. Howard was totally committed with his involvements. No task was either too big or too small. His unselfish dedication will be long remembered & admired. He seems to know people everywhere & they him. He will be missed by many whose lives he touched, his shoes hard to fill but they will be.
He left this world peacefully & to quote Gandalf, the White Wizard from Lord of the Rings, Return of the King as the final battle was raging & their death seemed forthcoming, Pippin the Hobbit remarked, "Well, this is the End". "End, no Pippin this is just the beginning ……."
The family will receive friends to share memories SUNDAY from 1 - 4 & 6 - 8 PM at CRAWFORD FUNERAL HOME (495 N. Winton Rd., between Browncroft & Humboldt). Howard's Memorial Service will be held SUNDAY (Oct. 5TH) at 2 PM at Covenant United Methodist Church (1124 Culver Rd. 14609). Gifts in his memory may be directed to Boy Scouts of America, Otetiana Council, (474 East Ave., Rochester, 14607); Covenant United Methodist Church, (1124 Culver Rd., Rochester, 14609), or The Finger Lakes Trail Conference (6111 Visitor Center Road, Mt. Morris, NY 14510). Online Condolences welcomed at:
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Howard Beye
Patrick Hanss
September 14, 2020
I will never forget Howard. I still think of him often and will never forget the lessons he taught me about being patient , allowing people to make mistakes and grow. A giant among men, I will hold him in my heart always.
Joseph Deaton
October 14, 2008
I deeply appreciate all that Howard did for the FLTC, and am greatly impressed by all he did for his church and the scouts as well. I met Howard only a couple of times in person, but enjoyed his friendliness those times.
Willa Powell
October 10, 2008
Howard's legacy should not stop with his physical effort. I know that those who have worked with him on the trails will commit their efforts to his memory. I commit to taking up a small piece of his work as my own for as long as I am able, and to recruit others to his calling, whether as laborers or as beneficiaries of that labor.
Patrick Hanss
October 6, 2008
Howard is one of the greatest persons I ever had the chance to meet. Howard was my scoutmaster for many years. I learned so many life lessons from him. I remember as a scout, each patrol would collect money for the weekend meals, determine a menu and purchase the groceries. Howard provided some oversight but never got involved until after the third meal of hot chocolate powder on bread! In a quiet way you learned about the food groups, the appropriate foods for open fire cooking and a little budgeting advice. I found out much later, that what I also learned was the art of patience with others, allowing others to grow, to try, to make mistakes and finally the right choices.
Howard will always be a giant amongst men, and I will remember him fondly always.
Lynda Rummel
October 5, 2008
I am lost. It is impossible that this gentle, wise, man is gone. I cannot believe that I will no longer hear his voice on my answering machine ("Hi Lynda, this is Howard. Say, I wanted to tell you about..." -- can't you just hear him?!) or get to laugh with him when he thought some idea was incredible and therefore outrageously funny.
For 10 years, Howard guided my work on the FLT. The day he passed away, I was working in the woods, by myself, on a trail rebuilding project that he and I had planned two years ago. At one point, I stopped, looked up to the sky above the trees, and said out loud: "Look, Howard, I'm still here, just as you would have been and as you would want me to be." Now I want him to know that we did it -- the project is finished, and the new trail survived the recent heavy rains. He would have been delighted.
Thank you, Dorothy, for all that you did for the FLT and for sharing so much of Howard with the rest of us. We WILL carry on, because of Howard.
Peter Collinge
September 26, 2008
Howard spent over 50 years as Scoutmaster of Troop 55, leading urban Scouts into outdoor experiences. He fulfilled the phrase, "Leave no child indoors" long before it was popular. His Scouting experience helped lead him to FLT work, and his trail experience was a valuable resource for Troop 55 and for local Scout camps. Condolences to Dorothy and the family, and to everyone who will miss Howard's gentle but giant presence.
Ray* Kuzia
September 26, 2008
Howard was a significant reason the Finger Lakes Trail and the North Country Trail go across New York State and not out of it.
John Clancy
September 26, 2008
I am so sorry for your loss. As a state forester I worked with Howard on several trail projects over the years and admired him greatly. Among his many talents, Howard was a gifted collaborator and always brought people together.
Tiffany Stram
September 25, 2008
I met Howard 8 years ago as when I became the cartographer for the North Country Trail Association. Whenever there was a question about the FLT, he was the go-to person and always knew the answer. The amount of time Howard put in to mapping projects and GPSing the FLT was huge, and that was just a small piece of his involvement with the organizations. His active involvement with FLTC and NCTA will be missed, but we are thankful for all the time he shared. My condolences to Dorothy and the family.
Marty Howden
September 24, 2008
My condolences to Howards family. Howard will long be remembered for all he did for so many good causes. No matter what the question I had he took the time to find an answer for me.
Vicki Vetere
September 24, 2008
As a scout leader, I first met Howard when participating in a scout conservation project. Subsequently our paths crossed several times at scout events. I remember his enthusiasiam and commitment to scouting and know that his passion has been planted in the lives of many scouts and scouters throughout the area.
Thank you for setting the example.
Kalista Lehrer
September 24, 2008
Dear Dorothy,
It's hard to imagine the FLTC, or the FLT, without Howard. He truly gave himself to the causes he believed in. He was invaluable to the FLTC. Without his dedication the FLTC wouldn't be in the solid position it is today, nor would the trail be complete across the state or in such good condition. And, reading about his other volunteer activities, I can only imagine how many people's lives he has touched. My deepest sympathy to you and the family. We will all miss him.
Bill and Mary Coffin
September 23, 2008
Our sincere farewell to Howard, a wonderful friend.
There is no one we have ever known who has done more for the hiker. Howard's presence will be in our forests forever.
John W. Skawski
September 23, 2008
"Full many a flower is born to blush unseen,
And waste its sweetness on the desert air."
Gray's lament does not suit Howard's passing; too many have been in his bloom, taken in his sweetness. His legacy will far outlast we solemn and pensive today. I am thankful to have known him the short time I did and the trails I love and loved as a child, will have even greater meaning.
My regards to his family, sorrow for their loss.
Nick Vandam
September 23, 2008
Howard's dedication to the Finger Lakes Trail and the people who worked and played on the trail was unsurpassed. He was an invaluable resource to me and many others who helped maintain sections of the trail. I recall spending an "Alley Cat" week with him working on the Kimmie lean-to. I have always suspected that he had cloned himself so that he could be everywhere at once working on trail projects (in addition to a regular job and other volunteer work). He will be missed, but not forgotten. My condolences to Dorothy and the family.
Kristin Schafer
September 22, 2008
I participated in an Alley Cat Crew organized by Howard several years ago. What I remember is his patient manner and smile, and that he labored every day alongside me hauling rocks, and then cooked dinner each night for the entire crew. I'm sure no one will forget his energy and dedication to the FLT.
Sigi Schwinge
September 22, 2008
I remember Howard while sitting and talking to him at the Paradise Garden Lean-to Alleycat week just a few weeks ago. A pleasant memory to hold in my mind.
Donna Flood
September 22, 2008
Howard was always helpful and kind to all us trail stewards seeking the way to do it right. His help was delivered with a kind tone and gentle hand. He will be missed by all outdoors people and my sympathies go to his family and our friends at FLT.
John Andersson
September 22, 2008
Howard was a great man to look up to! He could handle almost anything calmly, and competently. He will be missed!
Richard Gastauer
September 22, 2008
Howard will live on in all who have worked and hiked with him on the FLT and the Conservation trail,he will never be forgotten for his zeal and love of others and the outdoors he loved so much.Thank you for all your sharing Howard!!!!!!!!!
Kevin Gordon
September 22, 2008
My condolences to his family, his church family, and to all Troop/Pack 55 members past and present. Peace be with all of you.
Ronald Hand
September 22, 2008
Thank you Howard for your patience with me. You knew every step of THE TRAIL including those not yet in placed.
God be with you.
Gail Merian
September 22, 2008
You will be sorely missed. Thanks for all your knowledge & expertise.
Gene & Liz Bavis
September 21, 2008
Howard was one of a kind. Nobody I have ever met was more devoted to "the cause" than he. He was ALWAYS there volunteering for whatever needed to be done. Our sympathy to Dorothy and the rest of the family.
Kurt Seitz
September 21, 2008
Now that he has passed on, the contributions that Howard made to society have become so clear. It is easy to take people for "granite", as the word has been mispronounced, and not realize the place they have made for themselves and for all of us in the process. Let us strive to emulate the great ones like Howard as we find our own way in this world.
My condolences to Dorothy and thanks for all you have done.
Joe Dabes
September 20, 2008
I first met Howard nearly 30 years ago, when I came on the Board of Managers and Howard was president of the FLTC. Soon he became in charge of trail operations after the passing Erv Markert. In this capacity, he worked hard, and as time went on he worked even harder, founding and taking charge of 3 or 4 week-long Alley Cat work crews each summer, even procuring all the food for these crews.
The FLTC office (with much help from wife Dorothy) was in his home until recent years.
No one has put in more hours working to improve the Finger Lakes Trail, and further its mission.
Howard is irreplacable. My condolences to Dorothy and the family.
Diane & Gordon Joslin
September 20, 2008
Dear Dorothy and family,
Howard’s passing is truly a loss to society. He has always been an exceptional person, even as a child. I hope knowing what a fine man you were blessed to have in your lives will help comfort you through this hard time of loss. May his many achievements always remain gentle in your hearts.
Todd Miner
September 20, 2008
I never met Howard, but as an avid user of the FLT I know I have much to thank him for. As a member of the Greatest Generation he left this Earth a better place.
Linda Parlato
September 20, 2008
My deepest sympathy to Howard's family. I learned a great deal from him while working on the Alleycats in Holland. He was such a valuable part of the FLT.
Mary Zuk-Domanski
September 20, 2008
Dear Dorothy and Family,
I still have Howard's voice on my answering machine. He just called the other day asking for information. He was such an accurate record keeper. It must have been that science background. I will remember Howard as being soft spoken and always seeing the good in a person or a situation no matter how dire. How many times I relied on Howard for help or information I can't even begin to count. But, he was there.
His loss will leave a great void in all of our hearts. He will always be remembered with great kindness and love.
God Bless,
Mary D.
Jacqui Wensich
September 20, 2008
While Howard will never be replaced, he will always be remembered and honored for his dedication to the FLT, NCTA and Boy Scouts.
Mark Ferraro
September 20, 2008
I can't possibly express the thanks i have for the privilege of knowing and learning from Howard. if it weren't for him i would not be the person that i am today. He was a constant presence in my life as a young man, always willing to give of himself for what was in the best interest of his scouts.
Thank you Howard. Your legacy will live in all of us.
Mark Ferraro
Eagle Scout, Troop 55 '93
Mike Gebhard
September 20, 2008
The FLT truly lost a hero! His shoes will indeed be hard to fill. I for one shall miss his phone calls and online correspondence. Rest assured Howards work will certainly be continued in earnest just as he would want it. My sympathies go out to all of his family.
Mike Gebhard
FLT Catskills Central Coordinator
Jay and Bill Fair
September 20, 2008
Howard's "family" extends to a huge crowd of people, all of whom admired his friendly and faithful, cheerful and unflagging perseverance and problem-solving abilities. We are finding it difficult to imagine how we will manage without him. He was a very dear man, and Dorothy, bless you for allowing him to be Howard right to the end.
Jill Renshaw
September 20, 2008
Liz and family - My sympathies for your sudden loss. May the wonderful memories you hold in your heart help you through this difficult time. God Bless....Jill
Showing 1 - 36 of 36 results
Make a Donation
in Howard Beye's name
Memorial Events
for Howard Beye
Funeral services provided by:
Crawford Funeral Home Inc495 N Winton Rd PO Box 10280, Rochester, NY 14610
How to support Howard's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Howard Beye's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
