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Howard King Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Howard King
Jeremy Seaton
September 9, 2014
Mr. King was my teacher in 6th grade, 8th grade and again in high school. He was also my football coach. And yet, above all else, he was an exemplar of what it truly mean to be a strong man.
Mr. King was never, ever afraid to express basic moral truths, even those that defied political correctness. When many teachers wouldn't be paying attention, he was able to perceive which students were being bullied and I witnessed him stand up on behalf of those students firsthand.
He used to challenge me to arm-wrestling matches in front of other students and after making me work for it, he'd eventually let me win. He let me look good in front of my classmates and he also made me confident that some like him was in my corner supporting me.
Thank you Mr. King and God Bless you.
Joni English
February 21, 2014
When i was in 7th grade, his class sparked my wanderlust! Thank you, Mr. King for planting the traveling seed.
Mary Waxer-Leto (McCarron)
December 3, 2013
Mr. King was my 7th grade teacher. He and my father taught in the same middle school for many years. A good friend of our family, I knew Mr. King well. What a kind, thoughtful man with such a wonderful, even manner. Thank you for your positive influence on so many children including me! Rest in peace, Sweet Man
Holly Normington
November 29, 2013
I had Mr. King in 7th grade and he taught me the song Fifty Nifty United States and I still remember it now, that was 1974. It has helped me be able to state ll of the 50 states without error, loved that man!
Sarah Baughman
October 25, 2013
Mr. King was a wonderful and gentle yet dynamic teacher. I remember him saying: "Serve yourself well, and you will be well served." He always encouraged students to achieve at high levels. He'll be greatly missed.
M W
August 22, 2013
As a student of Mr. King, I have to admit that he certainly was one of the most soft spoken teachers I had while attending Hannah Middle School. Being an educator today, I really understand the power of a hushed tone and respect the intelligent choices he made and how his style was never judgmental or demeaning. He was someone you could always rely on and approach if you had a problem and didn't know who else to turn to. He would help anyone. A kind, wise, fair, gentle leader. Hearing of his passing gives me an opportunity to reflect on what he taught me, how he taught me, and a hope that I can bring more of his essence to my work and to my kids. Thank you Mr. King for choosing to touch so many lives.
Matthew Rechtien
August 15, 2013
Mr. King was one of my best, most influential teachers. I had him in the early 90s for a history class. He was one of those few teachers that took a personal interest in me, including by encouraging me to apply for and attend 1992 Michigan Boys State.
There are phrases he used, jokes he made, and stories he wove that I'm sure I'll never forget.
His love for teaching was obvious. Above all though, he was just a decent, affable gentleman.
I wish I'd heard of his death sooner, as I would have liked to have attended his funeral. I pray those closest to him will take comfort in the beneficial impact he had on so many.
Rest in Peace.
Bob Blackman
August 15, 2013
Like many others, I remember Mr. King as one of my very favorite teachers (from East Lansing Junior High, circa 1964-65). I have often thought about the mock constitutional convention we had, for a fictional country, in his Social Studies class; it was a brilliant and highly engaging way to teach us about the U.S. Constitution. He was kind, supportive, and a global citizen -- I feel very lucky to have had him as a teacher, and I wish I had known he was still living nearby so I could have kept in touch with him.
Clark McCall, ELHS class of 1973
August 14, 2013
Mr. King was one of my favorite teachers in middle school in the mid-1960s. Middle school students can be a challenge, but Mr. King always treated us with respect beyond our years and helped us to live up to his expectations. So sorry to hear of his death.
August 14, 2013
He was such a great teacher and a great man. He had such a profound influence on my education. He will live on through all he taught and influenced. He is dearly missed. John Ziewacz (Charlotte, NC. ELHS '97)
Alec Lloyd
August 14, 2013
I never had a class with Mr. King, but I got to know him through four years of UN Club. I remember dropping by at odd points during the day to chat with him about this or that world event. He cut our club a lot of slack in many ways, but he insisted that we learn the proper debating technique and parliamentary procedure and the guidance he gave me in that has been every bit as important as anything I learned in a formal class. Truly a wonderful person. Rest in Peace.
Daniel Harrison
August 13, 2013
I'm sorry to hear of Mr. King's passing. He was a kind teacher and made me appreciate both the topic he taught and the importance of enthusiasm for a subject.
Stephany Angelacos
August 13, 2013
Mr. King was a wonderful and unique human being and my most inspirational teacher! His stories of world travels inspired me to get out and see the world. I feel lucky to have known him.
Justin Martello
August 13, 2013
Mr. King was truly an inspiration. He brought history to life and loved travel with a passion. He will be greatly missed, but his legacy will live on in the students and friends he inspired.
CHRIS COMBS
August 13, 2013
MR. KING WAS MY TEACHER AT EAST LANSING JR. HIGH(1958-1960) MORE THAN A GREAT TEACHER ACADEMICALLY HE WAS A GREAT LIFE TEACHER..ALTHOUGH IT TOOK SOME YEARS FOR ME TO TRULY APPRECIATE WHAT HE WAS TRYING TO DO IT DID SINK IN.
THANK YOU, MR. KING
Barbara Martello
August 13, 2013
Mr. King was one of my favorite teachers in high school.. They way he lit up when he talked.. calling us his "cherubs".. Such a wonderful, warm human being. He will be missed.
Bob Tissot
August 13, 2013
Bair Lake Bible Camp is thankful for Howard's leadership in the early years of the ministry. Our summer season just finished with over 50 accepting Christ and many other decisions to move forward in the Lord. Howard's vision and leadership helped pave the way. Our prayers and love are extended to the family.
Aleksandra
August 13, 2013
What a delightful neighbor Howard was! Always ready to share a smile, a good word, a helpful suggestion when asked, or a tomato from his overflowing patch, Howard cared for all. I will miss our hellos at mailboxes, his storytelling and laughter. I will remember him fondly.
Joyce and family, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Laura (Burks) MacDonald
August 13, 2013
Mr. King was a special teacher and such a wonderful person. I was very sad to hear of his death. My condolences to his family. Please know that he touched many young minds with his gift of being an outstanding educator.
David Wright
August 13, 2013
Saddened to hear about Howard's passing. Looking back he was one of my most influential teachers. His class was always interesting and he inspired us to experience other cultures.
August 13, 2013
Dear Joyce, Jenna and Elizabeth,
We are so sad about Howard's death. What a loss of a treasured, dear man. Our hearts and prayers are with all of you. May you know God's comfort and peace.
Love, Deb Mark and Zach Wilson
Molly Stevens
August 13, 2013
What a fantastic teacher! He was one of a kind - he touched so many kids. So sorry to hear of his passing.
Diane Rigozzi
August 13, 2013
I am so sorry Jenna, you are in our thoughts and prayers. Hugs, Diane, Brian and Brianna
Connie Geissel
August 13, 2013
We were saddened by Howard's death. Memories of URC and family camp always bring him to mind. We had such a rich history of these camping excursions, and gentle talks with Howard and Joyce. Sympathies.
Chelsea Hare-Weat
August 12, 2013
Mr. King was one of the sweetest, insightful and most endearing teachers I had at ELHS. I loved running into him at the Wharton Center over the years, he was a lover of the arts and I know he shared that with me. He was a wonderful educator & we will miss him dearly.
August 12, 2013
We were so saddened to hear of Mr. King's passing. He was a wonderful person and teacher. Our children were very impressed with him. Our hearts go out to his family. The Hotchkiss family (East Lansing, MI)
Steve Spees
August 12, 2013
Mr. King was an incredible teacher who touched the lives of many. He will be missed very much. My prayers go out to his family. I was in the ELHS Class of 84.
Kris Nielsen
August 12, 2013
Joyce, Jenna and Elizabeth,
My deepest sympathies to all you during this time. This is such a shock to me. I always looked forward to your annual family gathering in Mexico. My thoughts and prayers are with you as well.
Erin Berkey
August 12, 2013
Thanks to Mr. King, those of us who were fortunate to have him as a teacher became oriented to our place in the world as global citizens. As part of his World Cultures class, he had us identify by name and placement on the globe every country on Earth! Now kids from East Lansing can think about Mr King every time they hear about Bahrain, Qatar, Myanmar, and Luxembourg in the news. May your Spirit be happy and free, Mr. King!
Rory Hoipkemier
August 12, 2013
When I think of Howard King I have a picture of serenity, faith and a wry smile that was hiding something we somehow wanted to know. Howard was a great family man who adored his wife and daughters and grandchildren. I knew his reputation as one of East Lansing High School's most beloved teachers. We were sad to know that he retired before our children could sit as his wise feet. He will be missed, but remembered most lovingly by all who knew him. Rory and David Hoipkemier
Jennifer Durrance White
August 12, 2013
Mr King shared such appreciation for other cultures. I'll never forget all the slides he brought in to share his travel adventures. He was such a kind soul, and an amazing teacher.
Matt Shinsky
August 12, 2013
Mr. King was my favorite teacher. He was such a passionate person and always showed a zest for teaching and for life. He always challenged and encouraged his students to push themselves. He even attended my graduation open house in 1993. He will be deeply missed.
Danielle Demeter
August 12, 2013
Mr King was my Social Studies teacher in High School (1983-1987). He was an excellent teacher, and one of the few that I recall. I knew he cared about his students, his career, and his family. His stories about his world travel excited me and made me think beyond my small town. I'm sorry to hear he has passed, but will remember him fondly. Please know that he will live on for generations to come because he was the kind of quality person that made a difference.
C Watson
August 12, 2013
Condolences to the family. Mr. King was one of my teachers in 9th grade. I had him for 1st hour class and he always got my day started happy. A funny and passionate teacher, am sure the same adjectives described his whole life. He made a difference to so many; and he will be missed.
Sara Stapleton
August 12, 2013
Mr. King was my teacher and Model UN Club advisor. He was one of the warmest people I've ever met and very passionate about history and teaching. This is a great loss.
Kathie (Leverille) Zimmerman
August 12, 2013
I was just thinking about Mr. King the other day! He was one of my favorite teachers in 6th grade! I am so very sorry for your loss and will be holding all of you up in my prayers! Kathie (Leveille) Zimmerman
Julie Gillespie-Dwyer
August 12, 2013
I had Mr. King at ELHS back in 1991. His "zesty" approach to teaching and his warm, kind demeanor has left me with many fond memories. With deepest sympathy.
Dalia Hoffman
August 12, 2013
Mr. King was the best, most memorable history teacher I had. He brought non-Western civilization to life because he'd traveled so much and loved every minute of it. He gave us vicarious connections through his memories, cultural artifacts, and zeal for adventure. He was also kind, patient, and held us to very high standards. I respected him tremendously and am so grateful for having been one of his students. I hope that anecdotes such as these might comfort you; we are all better human beings and world citizens because we were touched by Mr. King.
Anne Parnello ELHS '93
August 12, 2013
Mr King was one of my favorite teachers ever. His class was always fun and interesting. He instilled a life long love of history in me. I remember his first pair of Birkenstocks. He would show them off and laugh (in good nature) that his children were embarrassed. He was such a wonderful man. May he rest in peace.
Kathy Miller Smiley
August 12, 2013
I will always have many fond memories of Mr. King, as an amazing teacher, and as the Dad of Jenna and Liz. I was shocked to hear the news of his passing- I always appreciated his never-ending sense of humor, as well as his powerful testimony. Our prayers go out to Mrs. King, the girls, and the whole family. God bless all of you.
Gina Russell Henig
August 12, 2013
Mr. King was my high school teacher for 2 classes. He was a wonderful educator and will be missed.
Rick Simonds
August 12, 2013
Howard King made a lasting impression on me. I think I had him for English or maybe Social Studies somewhere between 1958 and 1960. He was kind, thoughtful, and considerate. He also expected you to perform at a high level. Thank you Mr. King.
Jennifer Preslar
August 12, 2013
Mr. King was one of my very favorite teachers at ELHS (I'm class of 1992). He always taught with passion for his subject, and I really enjoyed his first-hand accounts, and many photos, of amazing places all over the world. My deepest sympathy to his family. Never doubt how many lives he touched and shaped.
Robin (Welch) Miner-Swartz
August 12, 2013
Mr. King was one of my favorite teachers. My memories of him are of a kind yet firm, gentle man. I always enjoyed running into him over the years and will miss seeing his smile in unexpected places. Wishing his family much peace.
Jonathan Waldron
August 12, 2013
I am so sorry to hear of Mr. King's death. In 1988, I was an awkward 9th grader in Mr. King's social studies class. His energy, intelligence, and interest in helping each student improve was so infectious, I couldn't help but enjoy the class. I remember well how he would bounce around the room engaging all of us as he "accidentally" dropped pottery (to demonstrate a characteristic of Greek culture), or as he shared the importance of understanding world geography to us. Years later when I became a social studies teacher myself I often found myself thinking "How would Mr. King have done this?" as I sought to infuse energy and a love for learning into my classroom. I am sure that there are many, thousands I'm sure, who seek to model what Mr. King showed us each day, in classrooms, board rooms, or living rooms.
Please accept my sympathy for your loss, and know how grateful I am for the many lessons he taught me and so many others.
Sandra Seaton
August 11, 2013
We were so sorry to hear about Mr. King's passing. He meant so much to so many East Lansing students. Our sons Jeremy and Jim and their friend Will were having dinner with us on Wednesday evening, two days before Mr. King passed away. They were reminiscing about East Lansing teachers. I think they spent at least half an hour talking about Mr. King's dedication and willingness to roll up his sleeves and get involved with his students. They admired him so much. If I remember correctly, he was one of the first teachers to act as the East Lansing High Quiz Bowl coach. That was back in the eighties. Mr. King was so committed to getting the ELHS students ready for the competition--what a remarkable man! He was a gem.
Fran Loose
August 11, 2013
Joyce, I was so sorry to hear about Howard. He gave so much to so many for so long. Take care.
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