Howard Shelly Sahm

Howard Shelly Sahm
Howard Shelly Sahm was born June 30, 1926 to Isaac and Clara (Whitcher) Sahm and had one brother, Leslie Bell Sahm. Howard died peacefully at home after a lengthy illness, which he faced with stalwart courage and optimism, always looking forward.
A lifelong Los Olivos resident, Howard attended Los Olivos Grammar School and Santa Ynez High School where he played tuba in the band and was a member of 4-H. He showed cattle at the Cow Palace. After his father's death in 1949, Howard continued to run the family dairy farm until 1965. He then worked on several ranches and operated his own custom tractor service. He particularly enjoyed gathering cattle on his horse "Big John" and was active in the Santa Ynez Valley Riders. He served his community many years as a Lucky Clover 4-H leader.
Howard prized his Belgian draft horses and was a member of the Hitch and Bitch Driving Society. He loved parades and proudly participated with his horses and wagons. An honorary life member of Santa Ynez Valley Elks Lodge #2640 and a past Exalted Ruler, Howard enjoyed camping with the Wagoneers. He spent countless happy hours with fellow Elks brothers at charity functions as part of the Elks BBQ crew. He enthusiastically supported Santa Ynez Valley Youth Recreation.
In 1955, Howard married Ruth. They celebrated 56 years together as they raised five children. "Dad" to numerous neighborhood children, he always had room for more at the Sahm family dinner table. Howard loved his wife and told her so every day. He loved his family, his friends, and his pets. He never knew a stranger. He loved to visit and many a day would find him parked in the street chatting with a friend.
Survivors include his wife Ruth and children: sons Steve Bellows and Norman Sahm; daughters Cherie Birkelo (Carl) and Cathy Garley (Mike); grandchildren Paul and Catherine Birkelo, Samantha and Wyatt Garley; and nieces Susan Sahm Silverstein (Dan) and Shelly Sahm. Parents, Isaac and Clara, brother Les, daughter Dana predeceased him. Graveside service Oak Hill Cemetary, Friday July 22 at 11:00 am. Donations may be made to Santa Ynez Valley Elks #2640, PO Box 1072, Santa Ynez CA 93460 or Santa Ynez Valley Youth Recreation PO Box 503, Solvang, CA 93464.