William Don Howard, 73, of Allegan, died Wednesday, May 15, at Meadow Woods Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Bloomingdale.
Born Jan. 9, 1951, in Greely, Colo, he was the son of the late Don and Elizabeth (Vivian) Howard. He grew up in Colorado but cherished summers spent in Duluth, Minn., with his mother, siblings and cousins.
Bill was a lifelong dedicated educator. He graduated from Boulder High School in 1969 and went on to earn a degree in special education from the University of Northern Colorado as a teacher of the deaf. He later earned his master’s degree and PhD in special education from Western Michigan University and a second master of arts at Michigan State in school administration.
Outside of work, Bill loved riding motorcycles, traveling and dreamed of being a writer with several articles and short stories published over the years.
Some of Bill’s most treasured memories were of the summers spent as a communications teacher at Bay Cliff Health Camp, which offers the opportunity for children with disabilities from all over the Upper Peninsula to attend a seven-week “therapy” camp while also enjoying all the traditional camp activities at no cost to families.
William is survived by his former wife and lifelong friend, Mary Howard of Hopkins, siblings, Nancy (Lonnie) Alexander of Sedona, Ariz. and Rick Howard (Donna Gore) of Grand Lake Colo.; and cousins Bruce, Roger, Cynthia and Barb.
In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at the Hopkins United Methodist Church at 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 4. Lunch will follow in the church hall.
He asked that in lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to Bay Cliff in Bill’s honor.Gifts should be addressed to Bay Cliff Health Camp, PO Box 310, Big Bay, MI. 49808. Checks should be made out to Bay Cliff and gifts can also be made online through Bay Cliff’s website.