Richard Howard

i grew up in Sault ste Marie and was one of the kids back in 1964 or 65 who had the great privilege of taking part in Richards Theater classes for kids in Saults Art and ceramic workshop space where the Unitarian fellowship held their Sunday school and congregation services .What a wonderful theater teacher he was..we did so many interesting theater exercises and games and then at the end one of the girls recited by heart a long monologue from Czechov' s Cherry Orchard. Richard was surprised and delighted ..He was such a cool artist and i think he really gave us all so much at an important time in our lives that stayed with us forever. What a difference one wonderful person can make in this world..And in a small town in Northern Ontario on the cusp of the 60s to the 70s it made the difference between survival and truly living and experiencing creativity , art and meaningful interaction between people..Will never ever forget him..He gave A L O T...and helped us understand life .

A couple of years ago when my mother died, it was Richard I called for comfort. He and my mom had been friends since their early 20's. When I was 12, I was disparaging my 6th grade school picture saying how ugly I was and it was Richard who said, "no, my dear, this picture is a promise of beauty" and asked for my autograph. When a baby bird I was taking care died unexpectedly and I ran out to cry on the front lawn, it was Richard who followed me out to help me and let me literally cry my heart out on his supportive shoulder. My world, if now smaller, is better for having known Richard Howard. He will be truly missed.

Richard Howard was a genius who made the Soo a centre with terrific theatre
and the envy of Canada. He made amateurs into professionals and will be missed by one and all
Heaven has drafted a STAR

Richard you taught me so much about the world of theatre and all the hard work that was required for staging a production by mentoring me in the 'behind the scenes' skills of lighting and stage managing while at Pull Chain. You then took a chance and let me 'cross the line' to actually be on stage. I never looked back. My personality began to evolve and my level of self-confidence rose. A seed had been planted by you. My love of theatre grew steadily.

Thank you for all you did for me. Thank you for your ingenious, creative directing of so many fine local productions. Thank you for making theatre come alive in the Sault.

Good-bye. Rest in peace, Richard.

In memory of Richard,
Life beats down and crushes the soul and art reminds you that you have one Stellar Adler

my mentor, someone who believed in me and showed me that I also had something to offer to the theatre community, so grateful to have known and loved you Richard

It is with a heavy heart I say good-bye to someone I learned much from.

May you soar with the angels and be free.I am glad you had a hell of a good time along the way! I still have the rings.You know what I am talking about.
Love,
Kelly