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Willard Howland Obituary
Dr. Willard J. Howland died peacefully in his sleep on May 28, 2011. He was born August 28, 1927 in Neosho, Mo. He was preceded in death by his parents, Willard Jay and Grace Darlene, and by his wife of fifty-nine years, Kathleen Virginia. He is survived by his five children, their spouses, and nine grandchildren: Wyckliffe Jay and Deborah Howland and Amanda and Wyatt; Candice Howland May and Elizabeth; Charles Steven and Hollis Howland and Rachel and Max; Thomas Paul and Jodi Howland and Danny and Nathan; Heather Howland Bobbitt and Patrick Bobbitt and Oliver and Ulysses.
All are welcome to the Memorial service held in Christ Presbyterian Church on Tuesday May 31, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. with calling hours one hour before and with a luncheon following the service. He enjoyed and appreciated the people of Christ Presbyterian Church where he served as on various committees and on the Board of Deacons.
Dr. Howland was Professor and Chairman of Diagnostic Radiology at the University of Tennessee Medical Units and the Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine (NEOUCOM). When he came to Canton in 1968 he was Chairman of Radiology. Later he became President of the Medical Staff of Aultman Hospital and of the Ohio State Radiology Society. He received the Provost's Award for Distinguished Service from NEOUCOM, the RSNA Scroll of Appreciation, and the Silver Medal of the Ohio State Radiology Society. He was also awarded an Honorary Doctor of Science Degree from NEOUCOM, and made a Fellow of the American College of Radiology. He was a founder of arteriography. Dr. Howland wrote three books and over 60 published scientific research papers in the field of radiology all of which were required reading for radiology residents.
Dr. Howland wrote a novel, Mike Spinks, The Education of a New Doctor, and two compilations of short stories and poems. To be available on Amazon in June: More Mostly True.
Dr. Howland wrote the following obituary:
'I have had a wonderful life. I graduated from high school when I was fifteen and immediately went off to college where I met Kathleen. We were married when I was seventeen and in medical school. She was eighteen and a senior. We had good times together for fifty-nine years.
'I have also enjoyed a long and challenging career in radiology and have had the good fortune to receive a number of accolades in this field. However, none of these honors was as important as the steadfast love of my children and family and my wonderful wife, Kathleen. Shortly before she died she said, ‘When you die I am going to reach my hand down and pull you right up to heaven to be with me.' I think she will.'
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Davidson College, P.O. Box 7145, Davidson, NC 28035-7145. Memo line: Howland-Kikuyu Hosp. These gifts help pre-med students experience an international internship in Africa learning the practice of medicine at the Kikuyu Hospital in Kenya.
(Arnold, Canton 330-456-7291)
arnoldfuneralhome.com
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Memories and Condolences
for Willard Howland
David Grubbs
June 8, 2011
Some time ago, I had the great fortune of knowing Bill for a few years. To me he embodied generosity, grace, compassion and wisdom, and my life is richer for having known him. Peace.
Carolyn Hess
June 6, 2011
It was with much saddness that I learned at church yesterday that Dr. Howland passed away. Due my grandson's surprise visit home over the week-end just back from Afghanistan we had many family celebrations and I neglected to read the paper. I am sorry that I missed the funeral. Dr. Howland was my boss for over eight years at Aultman Hospital. He was the best boss one could ever have had. He taught me a lot about supervising other people. Once he retired he always ask me to call him Bill, but I could never do that. He was always Dr. Howland to me. He is with his Kathleen again. I know he missed her terribly. My sympathy to your family.
Michael Brittain
June 6, 2011
Bob and I have such warm memories of Bill and Kathleen from working diligently on a play at the Guild or having a honey bun party or having a roaring good dinner party at the big house on the hill. We've been missing Kathleen far too long and now we will sorely miss Bill. I'm sure they are spreading lots of joy wherever they are just as they did with us here.
Marjorie McGuirl
June 6, 2011
Bill was my longest living friend. I loved him very much!
traci reidenbach
June 4, 2011
dr howland was a very loving and caring individual he loved to write and hear stories he will be sadly missed by my whole family which he treated us just like that too his family i know he was more than ready to see what heaven was like and be with kathleen again but on the same note didnt want to leave or disappoint his children and their families but our hearts go out to all of you guys and belive me this is what he wanted he will always be on my mind saying now traci and i never knew what was next but it was always something different he would tell me i know hwat buttons to push on me and boy did he but we had a blast and it was our pleasure to have known him we will miss him with love though be happy doc
the reidenbachs traci mark denver devon and dakota
Jim Steinacker
June 4, 2011
I married Martha McGuirl and immediately was accepted as part of the wonderful Howland family. I will always remember Bill, Kathleen, and Martha's cousins for their warmness, fun, and acceptence of a new person in their fold. Bill gave Martha away and Kathleen read from the Bible at our wedding. Just Fine people. Thanks Bill and Kathleen.
Heather Bobbitt
June 1, 2011
My Dad loved swimming. I have such memories of him, holding my hand, my nieces and nephews hands, my mom's hand - and walking into the ocean waves. My Dad leapimg off the edge of the pontoon boat at Meyer's Lake. And diving with all silly arm movements off the diving board of our pool at Satia. He told me once that he loved swimming because it felt like flying. He told my brother Tom that he loved skiing for the same reason - that it felt like flying to him. One time, my sister and I jumped off a cliff holding Dad's hands - it was easily a thirty foot drop, maybe more. Now that was flying to me. I glanced at him and he was screaming and smiling - and we all three hit the water and swam together laughing and laughing.
June 1, 2011
My second home. I miss them both. Shaun from Scotland.
May 31, 2011
What a dear man; what grand memories. It was such an honor to have him and Kathleen in my life. May their blessed memories be eternal.
With love and prayers,
Carol Capocci
Martha Steinacker
May 31, 2011
My Uncle Bill and Aunt Kathleen were the only Uncle and Aunt I had, and what an amazing Uncle and Aunt they were. Time spent with them when they visited bringing my cousins, or the precious weeks spent at their home over the summers were the most exciting and stimulating ever! I will always be a bit in awe of my Howland relatives. Aunt Kathleen and Uncle Bill helped my father Don go through radiation therapy while he stayed at their home on Market St. in Canton, an act of kindness our family/especially my mother Marjorie will never forget. And my son Jay will always remember "Mr Velvet Ears". And of course Uncle Bill gave me away at my wedding, a brotherly helping hand for my father who had passed away. Wish I could share all my treasured memories in this brief entry. Too amazing! Uncle Bill's wish to be with Aunt Kathleen again has been fulfilled, so his passing becomes a form of healing. Love to my Cousins! Martha Lou ("Motsie-Louise" in Uncle/Aunt speak.) OX
Ann Greenberger
May 30, 2011
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your father and grandfather. I consider myself very lucky to have befriended Tom and Jodi and spent some time with the Howlands in their home, always warm, welcoming, and inspiring.
Jylene Henning
May 30, 2011
I have so many wonderful memories of being in the Howland home. It was always a very comfortable place to be, full of fun and laughter. Bill and Kathleen were two of the most warm and welcoming people I've ever known, and they are both missed very much. I am so sorry I won't be able to attend the service on Tuesday. I'll be thinking of you all.
Cassandra Capocci
May 29, 2011
Doc, thank you for always being in our lives right there with Kathleen. Shine down your light on us and we will make you both proud! May his memory be eternal.
Stacie Rothermel
May 29, 2011
Doc, I have so many wonderful memories of you, and I will remember your very kind heart.
Jennifer Davis
May 29, 2011
Love to you Doc Howland- glad you are now with Kathleen again. There never was a more beautiful love story, and you extended your love of your own family to include all of us as well. We will miss you and will be forever grateful for having known you both. Love, Zen
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