Jeff "Howie" Howenstein

Jeff Howenstein "Howie" passed away peacefully at his home Nov. 1st, surrounded by his loving family after a six-year battle with Mantle Cell Lymphoma. Born on January 10th, 1964, he was the son of Kathleen and Edward Howenstein of St. Louis Mo., and youngest sibling to Mark, Lisa, Randy, and David. Jeff came to Boulder in 1982 to attend CU. He studied two of his passions, Geography and Education, and then started his 30-year career with Boulder Valley School District, teaching at Casey Middle School then Boulder High. Although his education at CU brought him here, it was the outdoor lifestyle and his passion for the environment that hooked him. Jeff could be seen daily whether sun, rain, sleet, or snow biking to work, or on any given weekend back country skiing, mountain biking or planning his next adventure. Jeff was a force of love, kindness, and positivity and he could light up a room with his beaming smile. He brought this energy to everything he did and to everyone he met. Many of his students would describe how Howie made a real difference in their lives. He was committed to his work and always went the extra mile for his students, whether taking them on outdoor ed trips or inspiring them to find their true passions. Jeff was honored with the BVSD "Impact on Education" award for Boulder High School in 2020. Jeff was also a family man. He had two daughters during his first marriage, Carly (25) and Emily (22). They were his pride and joy! He embraced every moment with them, coaching their soccer teams, sharing his passion for the outdoors, and traveling, mostly by road trip, throughout the US and Mexico. Every year they would meet up with Jeff's large extended family for the weeklong "Howie Vacation" which took them to a new beach destination almost every summer. When he re-married in 2017 to Wendy Anderson-Howenstein, he whole-heartedly welcomed her three children into the family, (Zoe, Camille, and Henry) and together they sewed a beautiful, blended family. Jeff loved people and created an admirable community of good friends. FAC "Friday Afternoon Club" was a staple at his home where everyone was welcome to join in for games, a few beers, and a lot of laughs! He left this planet way too soon with so much still to do. He and Wendy had hoped to continue traveling the world in their retirement, and he was looking forward to many more adventures with his friends and family. He will be greatly missed. Please join his community of friends, family, and supporters to kick-off a Scholarship fund in his name for the Boulder High AVID student program. The event will be held at Planet Bluegrass in Lyons, February 3rd. To sign up and/or donate, please visit: bit.ly/3RMdgbq. In the spirit of Jeff, all are welcome!