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John Howgate Obituary
John Thomas Howgate, born November 12, 1933, passed away peacefully June 29, 2019 with his family at his side at the age of 85. He grew up on Vashon Island and graduated from West Seattle High School. John joined the Navy following high school. John continued his education after the military and graduated from Western Washington University with a history degree and his teaching certificate and was a Fulbright Scholar. He acquired his first teaching job in Poulsbo, Washington where he taught for 25 years, mostly as a history teacher at North Kitsap High School. He also enjoyed his time there as an after-school driver's education instructor. Following John's retirement, he resided in Seattle with his wife of 31 years, Jesslyn Howgate, and enjoyed his hobbies that included reading, the theater, Jazz concerts, and especially biking. Following his retirement, it was not uncommon for him to bike 2500 miles per year whether it be on his stationary bike, on Lake Washington Blvd in the rain, or in foreign countries. He was able to bike through France and Amsterdam on two separate trips clear into his late 70's.
He is survived by his sister Jane Baldwin (husband Jerry Baldwin and two nephews Roger and Geoffrey), his son John 54 (wife Lisa), daughter Elizabeth 50 (spouse Lisa), and his two grandsons, Nathan 25 and Kyle 21 that he adored. John's wife Jesslyn, her children, Janine Sparrowgrove (husband Dave Sparrowgrove) and Sean Hilt (wife Chrissy Hilt), and their children have also played a big role in John's life for the past 31 years.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be directed to the fabulous facility and staff at Franciscan Hospice House in University Place, Washington.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Howgate
Sponsored by The Family.
2 Entries
July 7, 2019
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.
L-R: Mrs. Helen Hoover, Brother Charl;es Pratt, Mr. John T. Howgate, and Mrs. Howgate (Jesslyn)- 8-27-2,016
Bro. Charles Pratt, O.H.
July 4, 2019
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!
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