Lee Keller Howeth December 17, 1945 - November 20, 2019 San Diego Lee Keller Howeth was a good man. He passed from this earth on November 21, 2019, surrounded by his loving family. Lee was a true gentleman - a kind and compassionate man. Born in Los Angeles on December 17, 1945, to Jane and Herb Howeth, he graduated from Glendale High School (1963) and UCLA (1967). Lee had a 35-year career working for the County of San Diego, Department of Social Services starting as an Eligibility Worker and retiring as an Assistant District Manager.Lee was passionate about his family and friends. He dearly loved his wife, Jennifer Brimhall Howeth, and son, Sam Howeth, and his sister, Elizabeth Murray, and her family. Lee had friends spanning his lifetime, and he cherished every one of them. He took the time to maintain these precious friendships, many times traveling cross-country for a visit. Lee's friends and family filled his whole life with love and affection, and for this, we are incredibly grateful.Lee loved history, travel, skiing, acting, and playing the saxophone; he loved bridge and attending SDSU basketball games with the guys. He and Jenny were very enthusiastic members of their couples' book club. He was fortunate to be able to travel to Costa Rica, Canada, Mexico, Europe, and nearly all the United States. Through his many travels, he found a special place in his heart for Venice, Italy, and the Grand Canyon National Park, both of which he had the opportunity to visit numerous times with his wife and son. Lee was an avid reader and could usually be found in his favorite living room chair, book in hand, ready to tell you about what he'd read so far.He had a love of theater, which he shared with his family, enjoying numerous plays over the years. In his retirement, he found added joy in taking the stage, and nothing was more exciting to him than performing or watching his friends perform. Lee had the opportunity to perform in many plays, including All My Sons and The Third Wave, as well as several commercials. Lee's passion for acting was matched only by the pleasure he took in being with his family, and his absence will be a cut that is sharp, deep, and felt by all those whose lives he has touched.Lee is survived by his loving wife, Jennifer Brimhall Howeth; his son, Sam Howeth; his sister, Elizabeth Murray (Bruce Murray); nieces and nephews; Thomas Murray, Emily Murray, Casey Pollastrini, Blair Mischner, Jessie Pollastrini; and his sisters-in-law, Rebecca Pollastrini and Nancy Brimhall; and loving cousins, extended family and friends.Many thanks to the Kaiser Hospice team for their compassionate care as Lee battled pancreatic cancer. A Celebration of Life is scheduled for Sunday, December 8, 2019, 2:30 p.m. at the Kensington Community Church. In lieu of flowers, Lee would have loved donations to your favorite community theatre. http://www.sandiegotheatreworld.com/directory.php

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Published by San Diego Union-Tribune on Dec. 1, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Lee Howeth

8 Entries

Marcia Kern

November 29, 2020

We always will remember Lee. He was such a wonderful person and a great neighbor.

Dale Dawson

November 25, 2020

When we walk at the Zoo and pass your bench, I think of Lee. He was never too busy to pause and chat. I hear his voice and remember to appreciate the gift of the present.

Lon Cumberworth

December 7, 2019

As a euphonium player in the Kearny Mesa Concert Band, I sat near Lee during band rehearsals. Years ago, he used to go with us for after band rehearsal pow-wows at Bennigan's, back when Jim Romeo was our conductor. He was a pleasant and decent man with enjoyable stories about his family life. I did not know he was active in Community Theater until after he finished his last production. I was an avid thespian in high school and wish that I could have heard him talk about his acting experiences. We played many, many numbers together in the Kearny Mesa Band, and those of us who have been in the band for a while miss Lee and his tenor sax. It was a privilege to have known Lee, and I shall remember him fondly.

Michele Woolf

December 3, 2019

I am so saddened to hear that Lee is no longer with us. I had the pleasure to work with Lee on and off over the years at Health & Human Services and he was always kind, gentle and a pleasure to be around. I just ran into him a few months ago and I complimented him on his advertising for Valley View Casino and other gigs. He seemed very proud of his work and he will be missed by many. My heart goes out to his family and friends. RIP, Lee.

Diane St John

December 3, 2019

I am shocked and saddened to find that Lee is no longer with us. I worked closely with Lee in Health and Human Services for several years. I know he retained good memories of that period as do I. His professionalism, sense of humor, and sensitivity supported and was appreciated by everyone who worked with him. I know Lee earned his retirement years and am glad he enjoyed them so much.

Dale Dawson

December 2, 2019

Whenever Lee appeared it was good news to me. He had a calm, gentle way of filling the room. I loved how he hesitated before expressing himself, as though he wanted it to come out right - as though it mattered to him how his words would affect his listener. I trusted Lee to do the right thing, to say the right thing. He and I loved Venice, Italy. We shared our memories of that beautiful city. When he was working on a role for a play, he seemed even more thoughtful than usual - more fulfilled, happier. We will miss him every time we gather at Gil's.

Kate Leonard

December 2, 2019

Lee was a treasured and talented member of the Kearny Mesa Concert Band. We will miss him and his saxophone.
Kate Leonard

douglas kenyon

December 2, 2019

When I joined the Kearny Mesa band, I became partners with Lee playing tenor sax. He was a delight to work with, and we had an enjoyable time. Eventually, I learned of his acting skills. My wife and I went to one of his plays, only to discover that he was sort of the star, getting the girl in the end. It was then, having now met him, that my wife realized why I talked about Lee so often. To those closest to him, I share your grief and sorrow.

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