John Thomas Howgate

Hi. This is Diana Koala. I was one of the Gibford girls who grew up in Poulsbo. We 4 girls lived close to the Howgates. We played with John and Liz and their dog Hobart. We spent a lot of time at the old Lion's park. I remember John Sr. as a fun dad. He was also my history/geography teacher and driver's ed teacher. He had such a good sense of humor, and it was much more fun to drive with him than with my mom. I remember learning about a capital called Ouagadougou (he taught us how to pronounce it) and then several years later I was working as a Peace Corps volunteer in that same city. I live in Seattle now and my sister Julie is in Bremerton, Sabrina in Redding (CA) and Linda in Oceanside (CA). So sorry for your loss. I really admired your dad and enjoyed his love of life.

I am deeply saddened that my wonderful, devoted teacher (and Driver's Ed Instructor was called Home, but I have such fond memories, and I am certain that t he Good Lord has welcomed him with opened-arms: "Well done, my good and faithful servant!" I was so honored to see and chat with Mr. Howgate and to meet his wife, Jesslyn, on August 27, 2,016 (NK Class of '66 50th Class Reunion)! I was so thrilled and filled with joy, when he had called me aside and said: "Charlie, we were coming back from Bremerton - I was at the wheel in Driver's Ed, alone with him - and I had asked you what the requirements were for becoming a Religious Brother of the Good Shepherd, and you had answered that the first requirement was that you had to be CATHOLIC!" He said that he really had a good chuckle out of that answer! I had told him, just before graduating from North Kitsap HIgh (1967) that I was going to enter The Brothers of the Good Shepherd - care for the poor, Homeless, Handicapped, etc. I, too, remember how he got a good laugh out of my "first requirement" answer! Also, I treasure a little picture of the Pope, which he sent to me - one he had taken of him, in Rome. I also treasure his precious note, which came with that picture. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Rest-in-Peace, my special and devoted teacher, Mr. John Thomas Howgate!