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Ed Howland Obituary
6-16-1946 - 4-4-2011
Ed Howland III was born and raised in Syracuse, New York to
Ed Jr. and Fern Howland June 16, 1946.
He moved to Costa Mesa, CA in 1966 to attend Orange Coast College, then transferred to UC Santa Barbara, where he met Marcia, to become his wife in 1970. He graduated with a BA in Art, got his teaching credential in June of 1970, then married on July 4th and moved to Redding, CA to begin his 38 year teaching career at Shasta High School.
He won all awards a High School Art Teacher could win, including The California Educator Award from the Department of Education and the Milken Family Foundation National Educator Awards in 1991; the 1997 National Secondary Art Educator Award, 13 years as a reader for Advanced Placement with the College Board, an active member of The California Arts Project, initiator of the Northern California Art Teachers, assisted setting up Advanced Placement in Canada, was Art Dept Chairman and Art District Chairman for most of his career. He taught Ceramics, Arts and Crafts, Art 1,2,3,4, Advance Placement Art, Studio Art, Humanities (including Harmonica, drums, dancing to 11th graders coordinating with English, History, and Music of a particular time-frame). He took many of his classes to San Francisco each year to see the museums, Ocean Beach, and Pier 39. He survived 2 different battles with cancer, but a decade later, succumbed to Lewy Body Dementia, a swift-acting disease of the brain. He had many interests, among which he had a pottery business for 3 years, was President of the Museum Board in the 70's, active member of Shasta Gold Prospectors and Miners Association, taught several summers in Yosemite National Park as the Artist in Residence, loved hiking, rock hounding, singing, telling and listening to jokes, harmonica, dance, tennis, watching all sports on TV; visiting the ocean and in his later years, became a fantastic painter.
He will be missed by all but especially his wife of over 40 years, Marcia, his son Ted in Singapore (wife Shan Shan and daughter Fern), his daughter Anna-Liv Deardorff in North Carolina (husband Aaron and son Dominic), cousins Chick Roeschlaub, Herb Ackroyd, Linda Ackroyd, Donna Peters and Rich Ackroyd and all their family members.
There will be a potluck Celebration of Life in his honor on May 7, from 2-5 pm.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the UC Regents for UC Medical Center Advanced Health Sciences Department/Body Donation Program, 4900 Broadway, Suite 1150 Sacramento, CA 95820.
The Celebration of Life will be held at the home of Bob and Pearl Hill, 4151 Story Lane, Anderson, CA.
It will be a potluck. Please park at Gaia Hotel or the Mormon Church and follow signs to the Celebration.
For further information, you may contact Marcia at mhowlandmk@gmail, or 530-365-9622.
Seating will be provided.
Please sign the guestbook at http://obituaries.redding.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ed Howland
Joe Kavanagh
May 26, 2023
Mr. Howland was my AP Art teacher, back in 2004, and damn fine one at that. I was just talking about his style and ability to integrating art history into lessons and projects and how inspiring his critiques were. He encouraged deviation from a prompt and exploration of a given concept rather than duplication of example works. I really garnered a sense of freedom of expression in his class. I'm fortunate to have recieved his expert tutolage. Peace be with you, Sir.
Shelly Shively (Chamberlain)
April 29, 2011
Marcia and family, I am so sorry for the pain you are experiencing in the great loss of such a wonderful man. I remember 'Mr Howland' from every art class he taught between 1972-1974. Mr Howland's calm demeanor, humor, wit and kindness will always be a fond memory...like so many other students, he was my favorite teacher. For those of us for whom art was something taken seriously, and not an "easy-A" class, Mr. Howland served as an artistic mentor. I attribute my career choice to Mr. Howland (artist/interior designer), and am thankful to have been blessed with him as a teacher.
Ironically, I ran into Mr. Howland a number of months ago while visiting a friend at Willow Springs facility. I recognized him immediately. The person I was visiting advised me that he probably wouldn't remember me, but I introduced myself as he approached. He was the same Mr. Howland, in his friendly way, with a funny story.
Mr. Howland's time, though too short, was utilized fully, in every aspect of his life. His lessons of art and life will live on, eternally. He will be greatly missed.
R G
April 20, 2011
I didn't have Mr. Howland as an art teacher at Shasta High "technically" but I'd sit in on his art class on occation and remember him well. I was sad to see he has passed and pray the Lord comforts his family at this time of loss. I hope you are able to find assurance that his time here made an impact on his students who appreciated his love for art (even those of us that skipped class to sit in)
Brian Williams
April 16, 2011
Art has always been and always will be a large part of my life. Ed Howland greatly encouraged me to follow that path, and I owe him my gratitude. I’ll miss the sigh of relief I felt walking into his class and the great conversations we had in his office--I’ll always remember him.
Sandra Sterrenberg
April 16, 2011
I met Ed in 1990 at a TCAP summer institute at Humboldt State. Knowing him has been an inspiration and blessing for me. The world misses you, Ed.
April 15, 2011
As one of his former students and now a professor of art myself I'm so sorry to hear of Mr. Howland's passing. He is responsible for my having pursued art and I remember him with great fondness. Thanks for saving my life in high school Mr. Howland! You'll be missed.
Tami Watson
April 14, 2011
Ed was one of the first people I met when I moved to Redding to teach art across town. He made me feel welcome and at home. He was already a legend by '93 and I considered myself very fortunate to have him as a mentor. He had great advice and funny stories about everything from running a ceramics studio to working with difficult colleagues, parents & students, from best places to camp on the coast to how to juggle family, teaching and making art. I will always consider him a shining example of how to live a full life. Thank you Ed for your time on earth.
susane rotalo
April 14, 2011
I worked with Ed for years in association with the California Arts Project from its inception until it basically lost funding. He was always a joy to be around and his humor, artistic talent, and loyalty to his work and colleagues made him an exemplary friend. I am saddened by such a great loss to the artistic community, teaching profession, and world "consciousness." He will be truly missed.
Douglas Deason
April 14, 2011
I was sad to read of Ed's death. I worked with him as his principal from 1981 to 1990 at SHS. It was a pleasure to see and support his efforts to bring the highest quality art experiences to his students and the community. He was truly a gifted teacher and beyond that a mentor to his students, fellow teachers, and the art techers of the entire country. Ed's life and memory should stand as an example and momument of what one person can do in this life to influence young people and his personal and professional life.
Douglas Deason
SHS Principal 1981-1990
Rian Cooney
April 14, 2011
Ed Howland was a born teacher, a fine artist, and just a delightful and very clever guy; Shasta was lucky to have him. I'm so sorry to hear that he and his family had to endure such a brutal disease. He touched so many lives through his work, and he made paintings and sculpture exciting and understandable to young kids who were more than little intimidated by museums and the art world (much less San Francisco). He will be remembered by his students as someone with a rare gift, a talent that he shared for as long as he could. Thanks so much, Ed.
Sarah Martin
April 14, 2011
I got to spend all 4 years of high school, In his art class. It was a great experience, I'll never forget. He'll be missed greatly
H Bauer
April 13, 2011
Mr. Howland is truely a legend. He was also my favorite teacher and did so much to encourage me in my high school years. As I saw him around town with his pleasant smile and hello, he was never forgotten. I am deeply honored to have had him in my educational life and feel that everyone who had him as an art teacher knows how special he was. My prayers go out to his family.
Tianna (Mobilian) Kelly
April 13, 2011
Mr Howland was my very favorite teacher, i was shocked to hear of his passing. what a wonderful hman being he was. I am a better person for knowing him, and being educated by him. My prayers are with your family now Mr H may they have the grace of God with them safe.
Gayle Speer
April 13, 2011
I had Mr. Howland in 1971 or 1972. I so enjoyed his quirky sense of humor, his kind & VERY patient teaching style & his obvious artistic talent. My heart breaks to know his life was cut short so early & so tragically. My deepest sympathy to his family & those lucky enough to have been close to him.
Lesley Pearson
April 13, 2011
Mr. Howland was the greatest Art Teacher anybody could hope to have. Thank you for sharing him with generations of children. I think of him often when I am feeling artistically inclined. He is going to look good next to Van Gogh, Angelo, and Picasso, a Legend among Legends.
April 13, 2011
So very sorry. We well remember when you came and dredged in our creek!
Ken and Mary Ann Wright
April 13, 2011
Marcia & Family; I was saddened to hear bout Ed, I Know he had not been well but did not realise he had Lewy Body I lost my son to this terrible illiness so my heart goes out you and your family. You are in my prayers. Take care, Your neighbor Ls Verne Wallace
Connie (Cogle) Hurley
April 13, 2011
Mr. Howland was a great teacher. My junior year of high school, being a part of the Humanities program, was my favorite year of high school in part because of his class. He was loved and respected by many of his students. He sense of humor and kindness were appreciated and he will be greatly missed.
Jeff Mulvihill, Jr.
April 13, 2011
Mr. Howland was always very good to me, being married now with two small children, I understand the "sharing" that families must do with their time, particularly in a teacher's role. Thank you for that time, it was well spent on this student.
Rita Simpson
April 13, 2011
Mr. Howland was one of my daughter's favorite teachers. She was in the Humanities program at Shasta High.
Terry Grafe
April 13, 2011
I have fond memories of our trips to San Francisco with the Honors Art class and his sense of humor. He was my favorite teacher. I am sorry for your loss. I am praying for peace during your time of grief.
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