Howard Galbraith

1941 - 2016

Howard W. "Ace" Galbraith, Jr.

Croswell

Howard "Ace" Wallace Galbraith Jr. - 74 of Croswell went to join his loving wife in Heaven on March 9, 2016. He passed away, as he wished in the comfort of his home surrounded by his family after a long battle with ALS.

He was the first born to the late Howard Sr. and Magdalena (Kautz) Galbraith on November 9, 1941 in Columbia, South Carolina where his father was stationed before he deployed to Europe for WWII.  He was a lifelong resident of the Amadore/Croswell area. 

Ace was a lifelong parishioner of St. Patrick's Church of Croswell from which he received all of his Holy Sacraments.  He spent many hours working with his folks at their Amadore store.  He also loved the time spent farming with his father.  Ace was an avid hunter.  Many days were spent running his well known Fox Hounds, Ike and Brownie on the trail of a fox, soon followed by the taking of turkey, deer, bear, caribou, wild boar and alligator, all while Ace was blind.  Ace never turned down a good adventure, from owning one of the first snowmobiles in the area to rafting down the Black River, to riding or standing bareback on his horse, Silver.  Ace was a great story teller, what that man couldn't remember, wasn't worth knowing.  

He had a large circle of friends, many of whom go all the way back to Amadore's one-room school house.  Howard was also blessed with a large family.  He had 62 first cousins and many of his wild adventures included them.  Ace married Janet (Morgan) in 1971 and they were happily married till her death in 2008.  Ace was retired from Michigan Sugar in 1980, and he remained close friends with many of the guys there.  After 15 plus years of complete blindness, a skilled surgeon whose hand the Lord guided, was able to give him some sight back.  He was thrilled to finally see sunshine and play a mean game of euchre again.   Ace and Janet were some of the founding members of the Black River Area Antique Power Club.  They restored his Dad's 1955, John Deere 70 tractor.  They enjoyed many parades, including the one and only International Parade in which he led the pack over the Blue Water Bridge and crossing the Mighty Mac.  The John Deere could be spotted from miles away thanks to the best marshmallow roasting flame thrower.  Due to his blindness, Ace's other senses were heightened.  He loved the sound of Polka music, and old western and WWII movies.  He enjoyed the taste of a good homemade malts and a little horse and saddle.  He was always quick with a joke and a story to share.  He will be remembered for his quick wit and his "Ace-isms". 

He will truly be missed by his loving children; Amie (Kevin) Stillson of Amadore, Tom (Dawn) Potrykus of Stanwood, Jo (Steve) Louchart of Bay City, Sheryl (Phil) Solar of Highland, Shirley Lumley (Jeff) of St. Clair, Sandy Golenberke and Claude (Rhonda) Christian both of Florida; 21 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren; his brothers, Gary Sr. (Kathy), Larry (Lynn), Jim (Mary,) and sister Vicki (Mike) Arnold, all of Amadore; sisters, Margie (Bob) Zidell of Melvin and Judy (Chuck) VanEenoo of Croswell; and brother and sister-in-law Alvin (Dot) Morgan of Memphis.  He will also be missed by his Aunts, Uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, "friends and foes".  In the words of a truly amazing man, "Keep Your Stick on the Ice, Peace Be With You".  We love you!

Funeral Services will be held 11 AM Saturday, March 12 at the St. Patrick Catholic Church in Croswell.  Fr. Donald J. Eppenbrock will officiate.  Burial will be in Mt. Hope Cemetery.

Friends may call from 1-9 PM Friday and 9:30-10:30 at the Pomeroy Funeral Home, Croswell.

www.pomeroyfuneralhomes.com