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Donald R Howes
1932 - 2016
Donald R Howes
1932 - 2016
Obituary
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BORN
1932
DIED
2016
Donald Howes Obituary
A 12th generation Cape Codder, he was born and raised in Chatham, the son of David E. and Julia (Rubyck) Howes. A 1952 graduate of Wentworth Institute, he was a lifelong Chatham builder, taking over his father's business, D.E. Howes & Sons, in 1959 and retiring in 1999. Over his career he mentored an entire generation of loyal, skilled carpenters who carry on his tradition of craftsmanship and artistry.
He was predeceased by his first wife of 24 years, Eleanor Gates Howes, their daughter Donna R. Orchison (Alan), and grandson Angus Howes.
He is survived by his loving wife of 31 years, Jean Ryder Howes, and his brother David E. Howes (Ruth) of Franklin, Maine. He is also survived by four children from his first marriage, Donald W. Howes (Catherine) of London, England, Thomas A. Howes (Kathleen) of South Orleans, Debra A. Reed of Oakland, CA, and Adam C. Howes (Leslie) of Raleigh, NC, two stepsons, Brian P. Forgeron of Missoula, MT, and Jeremy W. Forgeron (Christine) of Rockland, MA, son in law Alan Orchison (Lynn), and 10 grandchildren, Kevin Orchison (Amber); Felix and Toby Howes; Emily Reed; Alex (Laura), Malcolm, Duncan and Quinn Howes; and Elliot and Georgia Howes.
He was a lifelong member and past Grand Master of St. Martin's Lodge, Chatham. A longstanding and active golf member of Eastward Ho! Country Club, he was also an avid fisherman, shell fisherman, lobsterman, and gardener. Known for his unique sense of humor, he lived his life true to his Cape Cod heritage, independent, self-reliant and a loyal brother, husband, father, grandfather, and friend, who will be greatly missed.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a gathering in his memory on Sunday, November 20th, at 2PM at Eastward Ho! Country Club, Chatham. Donations can be made in his memory to The Family Pantry of Cape Cod, 133 Queen Ann Road, Harwich.
For online condolences, please visit www.nickersonfunerals.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Bety Cathcart Tisdel
December 17, 2016
Cheers to the years and the memories: our dads gave us good things to do! Still thank David for the hand of bananas he brought to us in Berkeley.
Lucy Anne Cathcart
December 17, 2016
Jeanie,
Thank you for the beautiful tribute to Donald. My love to you and David and all the family and friends who will miss him with gratitude for his life. Lucy Anne
David Rogers
November 25, 2016
Dear Jean, I was so sorry to hear of Don's passing. You and your family are in my prayers. I will always remember Don with a great deal of respect and fondness. I loved his terrific sense of humor and love for his family. I had a chat with him a while ago and got a new joke and a family story. I will sorely miss seeing his truck pass my house every day. Again, my condolences to you and your family.
November 23, 2016
Dear Jean, very sorry to hear of Don's passing. Judy and I send our sincerest condolences. Steve & Judy Watkins, Gainesville, FL
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November 20, 2016
Dear Jeanne and family,I was so sorry to
hear of Dons passing. He was a terrific
guy who had great work ethnics and a
wonderful sense of humor! He will be
missed by many. Helen Nickerson,Stanton Nebraska
,
Wesley & Donna Drown
November 20, 2016
Will miss Grump coming into the barbershop and discussing everything from gardening to Maine. Mostly ,I will miss his friendship that started years ago when he was my first customer ! To Jean and the rest of the family, you are in our thoughts.
November 19, 2016
Our deepest sympathies to a Jean and Don's family! After graduating from Wentworth also, Don was a great mentor to me as I worked for him in the carpentary business. Your are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Fred and Joyce Bearse (Chatham, Ma.
Pat & Ed Eldridge
November 19, 2016
So sad to learn of Don's passing. I remember well family sitting while mom and dad vacationed. Great kids. Great family. Don had a wonderful smile and sense of humor. Our hearts are sad for Jean and the family.
Pamela Lindblom
November 19, 2016
Dear Jean and family, I'm sad to hear about Don. I'm happy I had the chance to met him and to get to know this very special person. He made me feel so at home over dinners we all shared as a family. He had a way about him that put you a ease and made you feel welcome.His soft way and simple smile will be missed.
November 19, 2016
Dear Adam, I am so sorry to have read about your dad today. please know that old friends are thinking about you this weekend! Big hugs, Anne Segerson
November 18, 2016
Jean... I am so sorry......
Pam Black
Benjamin T. Nickerson
November 18, 2016
I wish to extend my deepest sympathy and condolences to Don's family at this sad time.
elizabeth Harrison
November 17, 2016
Jean, Chip, Tom, Debbie and Adam,
I am so very sorry for your loss. Thinking about you all right now-and wishing you peace.
Liz Harrison
The Staff of Nickerson Funeral Home
November 17, 2016
We wish to extend our deepest sympathies at this difficult time.
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87 Crowell Road, Chatham, MA 02633
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