Edward Howden

I had the good fortune and honor to meet Mr. Howden several years ago, when he donated his papers to the San Francisco Public Library. He was, and remains, my favorite donor. We talked and met several times over the next couple of years; always astute and seemingly grateful for that day. A giant of a human being, committed to righteousness and fairness. Peace to his family. He would wish peace to the world.

In 1982, as a member of the Humboldt County Human Rights Commission, following the murder of Virgil Payne by two Sheriff Deputies, I accompanied Ed Howden, U. S. Department of Justice, Community Relations, as we interviewed representatives of five tribal organizations as well as of the County Sheriff's office. We arranged a series of joint meetings. The resulting Memorandum of Understanding established a tribal and Sheriff-Office liaison enforcement officer on the Hupa Reservation.
Ed...

I had the opportunity to have worked with Ed from 1972 up to his retirement in 1986. I personally witnessed Ed's many contributions in civil rights endeavors in the Community Relations Service. Please let me know of a charity to which I can make a donation to honor the memory of Ed Howden. I will forever honor my wonderful memories to known and worked wit Ed Howden. Booker Neal

I just learned of Ed's transition. I had the wonderful opportunity to work with Ed in the Community Relations Service after leaving the San Francisco Human Rights Commission (Bill Becker)I learned so much from Ed. He was truly an inspiration for me, and I learned my mediation skills directly from Ed. Ed's life and values will forever be a part of my life.

I had the great fortune of being invited to join my neighbor Bill Becker in a long running poker game that included Ed Howden as well as Earl Rabb, Frank Quinn, Orvil Luster, Art Carter, Jeff Mori and Mel Wax. This game started in the 50's with many local activist and politicians and it turned out to be a great education form me. As a somewhat younger member of the poker group I learned about poker as well as SF and California politics. Ed had great recall for stories going back 70 years...

When I joined the Community Relations Service (CRS) as its Director in 2012, I had the privilege of sitting down with Mr. Howden. Because I was born and raised in San Francisco and a Cal grad I was excited to meet the first CRS Western Regional Director, before moving out to DC to head the agency. Then SF based CRS Conciliator Carol Russo connected me to Mr. Howden. We had a really enjoyable conversation. His decades long social justice and mediation passion were still evident and inspired...

My deepest condolences to the family. I had the good fortune of meeting Ed and Ann at my grandmothers memorial many years ago. I have a very cute photo of the two Ann Howdens. We all got a chuckle over that.

May pleasant memories fill your loss at this time.

Love,
Ann Howden

Grand daughter of James Watson Howden
Daughter of James Lindsay Howden

Jonathan. Even though I did not know your father, but after reading his obituarie I could see he was not only a wonderful father and husband, but was a person who spent his career helping others. My sympathies to you and your family.

Always a gracious and giving person with a personality to match.

Douglas A Howden
(His youngest cousin)