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1921 - 2020

BORN

1921

DIED

2020

Howard Arneson Obituary

Howard Arneson 5/25/21 6/15/20 Howard Arneson, a longtime resident of Northern California, passed away June 15, 2020 at the age of 99. Howard was an accomplished marksman, inventor and go-fast boating enthusiast. Howard was predeceased by his wife Eva; brother Robert; father Howard, Sr.; mother Rose and sister Dorothy. He is survived by his only child, daughter Christine, grandson David and his wife Kris and great children Kayla and Jack. Arneson was the inventor of the Arneson pool sweep, the automated swimming pool cleaner and the Arneson Surface Drive, which helped make him a legend in the go-fast boating community. The Arneson Surface Drive in its various iterations was his best-known high performance marine product. It was developed in the late 1970s and found immediate success in the offshore racing world. Arneson's most famous boat was the 32-foot Skater Powerboat Catamaran, powered by a 1,323-hp turbine engine. In September 1990, he piloted the 32-footer 1,039 miles up the Mississippi River from New Orleans to St Louis, smashing the previous record by more than seven hours. That accomplishment put Arneson, then 69 years old, in the national spotlight. Howard always said he never felt he really worked a day in his life because he so enjoyed what he was doing. He always seemed to excel in whatever he did, whether it was hunting, fishing, photography or his joy of going fast. With the passing of Howard Arneson, many feel the high-performance marine industry lost one it's most legendary and influential figures, but his family and friends will feel the loss of his smile, positive attitude and kindness.

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Published by Marin Independent Journal on Jun. 28, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Howard Arneson

Sponsored by MarinIJ.com.

13 Entries

Will Byrd

May 31, 2024

I ran across an amazing truck, coupled with pictures of a boat hooked up to it. That is how I discovered who Howard was. I truly am amazed by how interesting it was to find out about him. A true icon. I wish I could have met him. May he rest in peace...

Will Byrd
New Market, Maryland

Robin Cook

September 4, 2022

Mr. Arneson was legendary in the offshore racing circuit. He built a pair of reverse drives for my husband's boat in the 80s. My husband knew Howard well from his days on the circuit and had a tremendous respect for him. My deepest condolences to Mr. Arneson's family.

Fernando Escovar

March 31, 2021

I miss Howard very much, Here's some unpublished photos I took before he took me out on his powerboat and we did 168 mph , as we were cruising he kept pointing at the speedo and smiling , it was the smoothest 167mph ever! : )

Fernando
Fotographer.com

Ronald Cordero

March 30, 2021

My name is Ron Cordero. My mother was Vivian Lamb Cordero. She was born and raised in Benicia as well as myself She told me stories of when she babysat Howard as a young child. The building where he invented the pool sweep still stands on Main Street in Benicia. I was luck enough to meet Howard at Tower Park Marina years later when he was there with one of his first jet engine boats. It was fun to talk to him about growing up in Benicia in different decades I remember him letting my daughter Andrea sit in the boat. He even gave her a signed calendar of his boats which she still has today..I will always remember him as the man who brought us FIRE ON THE WATER. Rest in piece Howard. The Cordero Family. March 30 2021

Ron Young

February 16, 2021

ard was a dear friend and fellow St Francis Yacht Club member for almost halfa century. Here's one of many, many great stories about Howard: At 8:00 am sharp on Thursday, September 22, 1988, Howard flew past our shoreside windows at 130 mph to salute the attendees and kickoff our annual Stag Cruise. About 500 members spilled Ramos fizzes all over their scrambled eggs as they jumped up to see Howard's 46' catamaran fly past in a blur, on his way to setting a San Francisco to Tinsley Island (60 miles away) record of 46 minutes. Members participated in a pool by guessing Howard's time to Tinsley and back - raising about $3,000 for the Club's junior sailing program. On Saturday, September 25, 2004, thirty two years after that first run and two days before his Stag Cruise Lighthouse Talk on "The Secrets of Speed", his mechanic, his grandson and yours truly, rode with Howard as we obliterated his old record and set a new one of... 29 minutes! Howard was among the most brilliant and life-loving people who ever lived!

Ron

February 16, 2021

ard was a dear friend and fellow St Francis Yacht Club member for almost halfa century. Here's one of many, many great stories about Howard: At 8:00 am sharp on Thursday, September 22, 1988, Howard flew past our shoreside windows at 130 mph to salute the attendees and kickoff our annual Stag Cruise. About 500 members spilled Ramos fizzes all over their scrambled eggs as they jumped up to see Howard's 46' catamaran fly past in a blur, on his way to setting a San Francisco to Tinsley Island (60 miles away) record of 46 minutes. Members participated in a pool by guessing Howard's time to Tinsley and back - raising about $3,000 for the Club's junior sailing program. On Saturday, September 25, 2004, thirty two years after that first run and two days before his Stag Cruise Lighthouse Talk on "The Secrets of Speed", his mechanic, his grandson and yours truly, rode with Howard as we obiterated his old record and set a new record of... 29 minutes! Howard was among the most brilliant and life-loving people who ever lived!

Fernando Escovar

November 5, 2020

I'm so glad I got to meet, know and photograph Howard. I had the best day with him riding in the Skater & photographing him speeding all the way to the Golden Gate bridge. These are my photos that were for Hot Boat magazine. https://www.howardarneson.com/articles/ultimatehotboat.asp
Miss you Howard! Love Fernando Escovar

Camille and Ron Morehen

October 25, 2020

We we’re saddened to hear of dear Howard’s passing. I met Howard over two decades ago. I was introduced to Howard Arneson when he brought an amazing venue to our show, the San Francisco Sports & Boat Show. He entered his special super fast boat to put on display. Howard was a very happy exhibitor always greeting folks with a smile. Speed boating was one of his joyful passions.

One evening I had a nice conversation with Howard, he asked if I would like to go for a ride (flight really) in his special craft...I told him I would be sacred to death, but “my husband Ron would love it”. He did take Ron for the most exciting ride on the San Francisco Bay, one that he will always remember. He video taped the ride. The gracious...Howard.

His extraordinary life and kindness will be missed.

RIP

Camille and Ron Morehen

Mike Joyce

July 10, 2020

I only had the pleasure of knowing Howard during the last 20 years of an amazing life. Most the times together involved speed - in the boat or a car.
The 148mph run on SF bay was memorable. Was it a record I was asked - well maybe not for the boat, but surely for me ! Howard was the ultimate promotor of his inventions and we argued a bit about business, but he was aways the gentleman and it ended in smiles. Howard remains one of the most memorable business friends I was honored to know, and I have never laughed more with anyone. He enjoyed life.

Robin Lincoln

July 5, 2020

Dear Christine and family,
Please accept my sincere condolences. I met your father a few years ago when my husband became a resident at the same LTC facility where Howard's beloved wife resided. On many an evening he sat with his Eva as I sat with my Al. He was a very loving, compassionate and gentle man who brought levity and good cheer no matter the place nor circumstance. I really admired him for his devotion and kindheartedness.

God speed Mr. Arneson I am sure your Eva was waiting for you with open arms.

Sincerely,
Robin Pasquale.

Chuck Baumann

June 29, 2020

Growing up in the Swimming Pool Industry here in the Bay Area, there have only been a handful of people who's influence has been so ever lasting as what Howard Arneson helped create for generations to come. Howard taught all of us how owning a swimming pool using his Arneson Pool Sweep was Clean, Easy and Fun. I met Howard back in the late 60's while training at his facility in Corte Madera. He was a one of a kind, pioneer, inventor, mechanical and marketing genius that helped figure out how to take the drudgery out of cleaning a swimming pool and transforming it into a source of Lasting Memories of Enjoyment with your family. His excitement and love for life was a testimony to all that were lucky enough to know him. He was a giant among men and I will forever remember him as the one that helped transform our industry to what it is today.... Godspeed Howard...Your job here is now done....

Phil Gelhaus

June 29, 2020

Pool Industry Pioneer, Innovator, Visionary, Game Changer.
His Mark of the Pool Industry is Legendary, created a whole new product category, with a Machine that delivered easier joy of Swimming Pool Living Experience. Howard Legend lives on through many people within the Pool Industry community. He leads in his spirit now. Missed but NOT forgotten. What a Fantastic Life Legacy Howard!

Maureen Boyer

June 28, 2020

For me, it was always a treat when Howard Arneson would be at the Boat Shows! It was great for my Husband to talk directly with Howard Arneson - Howard was an intelligent and friendly man!

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