Howard Thomas Zabel

Howard I can´t believe you have left us - the world and Highlands is poorer without you in it. My life will be poorer too without our great and sometimes irreverent conversations. Your kindness and compassion for "the least of these" was a beacon for the rest of us, but honestly very few of us measured up to you. You were kindness in action. I´ll miss nuzzling Mika´s sweet head.

This photo is my first and favorite memory of Howard. We were on the roof at the Plains Hotel at sun down. Howard was looking over the edge as if contemplating whether the magic of the clown spirit was more powerful than gravity. Howard was a kind soul and gentle spirit. He will always live in my heart.

This is my absolute fave picture of Howie. He bequeathed his dog Silvi´s name to my blue heeler. He loved his dogs. He was a good friend!! See ya around Howard.

Howard, you´ve left us too soon, but God is good. You will always be one of my most unforgettable characters. You and Balloon Family helped pull me through one of the toughest times of my life, and you kept me laughing. You put a little spice in my personality, in spite of myself. You helped me take care of Joy and you took her under your wing as well. You know she is doing super well now. Thank you for Dixie dog. I´ll never forget you breaking into my locked church when no one was there and decorating it with balloons for Linda´s and my wedding reception. Only Howie! Heaven is even a little more lighthearted with you there now. Enjoy running with the dogs forever. I thank God for your friendship and will always have you in my heart.

You never saw Howie without seeing Mika nearby. The two of them were inseparable and before Mika, Silvie "the church dog" always attended services, listening intently to the sermon and enjoying the attention of everyone in the Sanctuary. Howie had the biggest heart and will never be forgotten.

Howard you will be missed from day one my friend a sweet guy love peace of the lord

RIP Howie.
Rhonda