Robert G. Howard

June 26, 1922 - July 13, 2013
We, the loving family of Robert Howard, M.D, both celebrate his life and grieve his death. Bob lived a full and fruitful life that touched many people. He welcomed everyone into his life as equals, whether laborer, colleague, friend, or acquaintance; he approached life and people with enthusiasm and generosity.

Bob was born in Davenport, Iowa, June 26, 1922. He died from the effects of melanoma after facing cancer calmly; facing it with the same determination that he exhibited during any problem that needed resolution. He was 91-years-old.

Bob remembered with fondness his early years in The Boy Scouts of America and was always proud of earning the rank of Eagle Scout. He also valued the educational foundation he was given at Chaffee Junior College, Ontario, CA. While a student at UC Berkeley, Bob also worked as a pipe fitter building Liberty Ships for troop transport in World War II; then, ironically, he crossed the Atlantic as a soldier on one of the Liberty ships. The sounds of the ship engines remained with him and he could mimic that sound his entire life.

In World War II, he was attached to the British Army in the China-Burma-India-Theater assisting the transport of munitions along the Burma and Ledo Roads, which were so vital as a link to allied China and to the recapturing of Burma from Japanese forces.

After the war, thanks to the GI Bill, Bob received his education at the College of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons which is today's UCI Medical School. After graduation, he joined a general medicine practice in El Monte, CA and later he returned to USC Medical School based at LA County Hospital for a residency in anesthesiology. He spent the rest of his career as an anesthesiologist.

Bob was committed to live an active life. He was a son, a husband, a father, a brother, and a friend. He enjoyed sailing, flying, and hiking; he loved the outdoors and was a traveler of the globe. He was also interested in activities closer to home. He studied DVD university lectures with geology and astrophysics as his main interest. He also liked to tinker at home where his best friends were hammer, nails, duct tape and Gorilla Glue.

Bob married three times: Barbara Slaughter upon return from WW II; Mary Carpenter Howard Marshall during his career years; and Barbara Hamilton during his retirement years.

He is survived by his wife Barbara Hamilton Howard of 21 years and his children: Christie Howard, Bonnie Kilmer (George), James Howard (Sherry Vandemark), William Howard (Brigitte) and Nancy Cizar; as well as Barbara's children JoAnne Bundy Flory (Mike), their three children and David Bundy. Bob is survived by seven grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Kirk Howard (Dianne) and sister, Sharon Pilie (Roger) and 24 nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by daughter Kate Howard and his treasured sister Joan Narbel.

In lieu of flowers and donations, Bob requested everyone make an additional payment on their mortgage and always wear sunscreen.

A private memorial service will follow.