Ivy J. Howard

1924 - 2010

"God has you

in his keeping;

we have you

in our hearts"

Ivy was a devoted husband, wonderful father, loving Grandfather, and faithful friend. His passing will leave a void in all our lives, and he will forever be remembered. Ivy left a footprint everywhere he roamed. Ivy passed away February 20, 2010 at RiverBend Hospital surrounded by his family.

Ivy was born in Eugene on November 16, 1924, the son of William and Blanch Howard. He lived in the Oakridge area for most of his childhood where his father was a logger. Because much of his time was spent in logging camps, he became a great outdoorsman. He and his parents spent as much time as possible hunting and fishing. Ivy's passion has forever been exploring and experiencing the outdoors, whether it was hunting in Oregon, or fishing the waters of Alaska.

Ivy graduated from Oakridge High School and immediately joined the Navy to fight for his country in WWII. He served as a sonar technician on submarines and destroyers in the Pacific. Upon his return home in 1946, he met and married Marjorie Michelsen and they settled in Eugene. Ivy worked construction for several years. In 1958 he founded Ivy Rents, later renamed Ivy Hi-Lift. Ivy and Marge worked side by side struggling to make a go of their new business. Ultimately Ivy Hi-Lift grew to include seventeen branches in seven states employing over 600 people. Fulfilling their dreams to travel, they retired in 1981, turning the business over to their children, Ron & Peggy.

Ivy devoted his weekends to his family, camping, water skiing, fishing, and sports. Ivy never missed an opportunity to get involved in Ron's sports, often coaching his teams. He was an original founder of the Willakenzie Dad's Club, a predecessor to the Eugene Boys' Athletic Association (now KidSports) He helped to build several baseball fields in the area, including the field at Sheldon High School and Washington Grade School.

After Ivy's retirement he and Marge spent 25 years living their dream. Their travels included Mexico, New Zealand, several South Pacific Islands, Canada and Alaska. They spent many winters camped on the beaches of Cabo San Lucas, where they fished everyday. Ivy taught Marge to trust his boating skills after years of fishing the Pacific in a twelve foot car top boat! Their summers were spent in Alaska, on Prince of Wales Island where their days were filled with fishing, shrimping, clam digging, exploring and camping on the boat. Ivy was an accomplished seaman, and guided their boat, the "Giddy Up Go" through the inland passages with ease.

Ivy is survived by his two children, Ron Howard and Peggy Schmid, both of Eugene, and his six grandchildren. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, February 27th, at 1:00 pm, at the Emerald Bible Fellowship, 1855 Cal Young Road, Eugene, OR 97401.

Memorial contributions can be made in Ivy's name to the American Cancer Society or the NRA - National Rifle Association.

Good Bye to a wonderful Dad and Grandpa, our world won't be the same without you. We have loved you, enjoyed you and were greatly blessed by you. Thanks for the legacy that we will pass down to our Grandchildren, you will live on in our memories and stories forever.

Please sign the guest book at www.registerguard.com/legacy