2 years ago in Sept., I walked up to one of the buggy drivers on Jackson Square. I asked him if he would perform a brief "ceremony" so my wife & I could renew our vows for our 30th wedding anniversary. He said sure. I told him I would pay him the price of a ride for his time. I then telephoned my wife advising her to meet me in front of the square. I wanted to surpise her. When she got there, I told her to get in the buggy as the driver was gracious enough to take our picture. Howie then began reading the vows I gave him. When my wife realized what was happening, she began to cry & so did I. I think I may have seen a tear in Howie's eyes also. After the "ceremony" I offered to pay Howie for his time which was only a few minutes. He declined. We never took a picture with Howie as a remembrance. For the past 2 years, we have asked for him when visiting New Orleans, but each time, he was not working. Yesterday (1-17), we asked for him again & sadly were told the bad news. We only met Howie once, but will never forget him because he was so nice to us. RIP Howie.