Howard ''Howie'' Thomas Kingsbury
April 27, 1952 - June 19, 2006
Obituary
Howard Thomas Kingsbury Howie
Howard was born April 27, 1952 in Spokane, WA. He was a victim of an industrial accident on June 19, 2006. Howard went to grade school in Colville WA, and graduated at Spokane’s Lewis and Clark High School in 1970. He joined the Army during the Vietnam war and served in Germany as a Control Tower Operator. He graduated from Community College of Spokane in Diesel Mechanics.
Howard married Connie Champagne in 2002. He worked at Alaska Marine Lines for
9 years. He was a gentle spirit who loved the Lord and achieved great happiness through his wife, kids and the ocean.
Howard is survived by his wife Connie, his children Yvonne Mock-Robertson of Los
Angeles, CA, Charlotte and her husband Dustin Scalese of Cheney,WA, Shawn, Josh, Rachel, Tia, and Jacob Kingsbury of Seattle, WA., step-children Jennifer, William, Christopher and wife Gracie Champagne, his mother, Patricia Starr Kingsbury, his siblings Karol and husband Jim Price, Mary and husband George Mueller and Julie Williams of Spokane, WA, Ruth Bennette and Patricia and husband Joseph Hagen of Portland OR, Michael and wife Susan Kingsbury of Concord CA, and Eileen and husband Rob Harris of North Bend WA and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He is preceded in death by his father, Tom Kingsbury.
Services will be held Saturday June 24th at 3PM at Bonney Watson Funeral Home in Federal Way, WA and Monday, June 26th at 1PM at Hennessey Smith Funeral Home with interment to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Spokane, WA.
The holidays will be tough this year without you papa.I am so thankful for a piece of you to be brought out in your first grandchild.We will surround him with your love and protection.I am not looking forward to him feeling the pressures of being strong in a family tying itself to choas. I trust that even from heaven you will be there for us as we keep your new boy safe .Emotional integrity is only sought by the few.I wish I could agree with your words you spoke then. I miss you and i miss clarity in this family.please, help us see.
I am Howard’s wife Connie and I wanted to take a moment to thank everyone that has been with me through this tragedy. The kindness and compassion shown has been very comforting to me. Howard was a wonderful man and I miss him so much. I wake up each day wondering if it is all a bad dream but I know it is not. Let us be strong together in knowing that Howard is at peace and watching over each and everyone one of us.
My dear brother received the kiss of God. He is now with my Dad and they will watch over us. God gives us no more that we can take. HE will watch over us!
Although I didn’t know Howie personally, I knew of him through the “Lynden family” connection and, as an important and respected member of that family, Howie will be missed dearly by everyone of that family. We hold Connie and the Kingsbury family in our thoughts and prayers and share your grief and loss. God bless you all and depend on us for support. Bob Strong
God speed my Friend. Thanks for sending Buzz home! I miss you desperately every morning, but I still hear you. You are in charge now, watch over us and you will always and forever be part of “The Crew”. I love ya!
I am in shock. I can’t grasp the loss yet. There are no words to express the sadness of losing such a friend.
I always remember Howie having a kind smiling face. He was one of the relatives I never got to see enough when I was young after we moved to Seattle. My prayers are with his family. Love, Tess, Karry, Kasey, & Kris
As a member of the Lynden “family”, and as one of the Lynden company couriers, I had the pleasure of speaking with Howard on numerous occasions. He was such a kind man who always had a kind word and a smile on his face. In addtion to knowing Howard, I also worked with Josh and came to know him well. My thoughts and prayers go out to you, Connie, Josh, and to the entire Kingsbury family. May the Lord be with you during this difficult time. Much love to you all.
I still can’t seem to come to terms with how unfair life can be. Howard was wonderful and the one thing I regret is that my little girls never got the chance to meet him.
I grew up around the corner from the Kingsbury family in Spokane and remember Howie well. I would like to extend my condolences to his family. I was very sorry to hear of his death.
My sincerest sympathy to Howard’s friends and family. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Duane David Dustin and Charlotte Scalise’s uncle
Our sincerest sympathy to Howie’s friends and family.
Lived beside the wonderful Kingsbury family on lst Street in Colville Such a joy getting to be a part of their time growing up. Love to all of you and Howies family. God Bless you allLove and prayers corinne and larry hirsch
I served with Howie at Fort Lewis in 1975-6. My condolences to his family.
I went to L.C. with Howie. He was the kindest and most considerate friend one could have. Although I hadn’t seen him since graduation, I was saddened by his untimely death. He was a wonderful friend in high school. My prayers are with his wife and family.
HOWIE AND I GREW UP A COUPLE BLOCKS APART IN COLVILLE, WA.
I HAVE FOND MEMORIES OF OUR EARLY SCHOOL YEARS AT ASTOR ELEMENTARY IN COLVILLE. I MOVED FROM COLVILLE AFTER 3RD GRADE, AND I’M NOT SURE IF I EVER SAW HOWIE AGAIN.
SORRY TO HEAR OF HIS PASSING.
SINCERLEY,
MIKE MCCAMMON & FAMILY
I am the daughter of Joe Kramer at AML. I’ve been coming to work with my dad for so many years now. Howard was a really special guy. He’s been part of my life since I was a little kid. Every morning at work I remember him coming in and always talking to me. I’ll miss him deeply. He’s in heaven now and will always be watching and loving us. I’ll always love that guy. He was such a sweet guy and he had a great sense of humor. My thoughts are with his family.
I’ve worked with Howard at AML for 9 Years. Through the years I developed a friendship with Howard that I will greatly miss. I would like to share a poem with Howards Family and Friends that was given to me when I lost a loved one in my family, you might find it comforting to read.
I’m Free
Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free
I’m following the path God laid for me
I took his hand when I heard his call
I turned my back and left it all
I could not stay another day
To laugh, to love, to work or play
Tasks left undone must stay that way
I found that peace on that day
If my parting has left a void
Then fill it with remembered joy
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss
Ah, yes these things I too will miss
Be not burdened with times of sorrow
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow
My life’s been full, I savored much
Good friends, good times, my loved ones touch
Perhanps my time seemed all to brief
Don’t lengthen it with undo grief
Lift up your heart and share with me
God wanted me now. He set me free
So very sorry to hear of your recent loss. Even though I hadn’t seen Howie since High School, I remember him fondly. My heart goes out to all of you.
I am simply very sorry—to all of the Kinsbury family–I to this day can shut my eyes and remember the best things about those that are not here–love to all–Lori
I don’t know if anyone in the Kingsbury family will remember me, but I grew up in Colville and spent many hours playing at your house with Pat. My maiden name was Garner, and Pat and I were in the same grade, and my brothers, Larry and Dennis were around Karol and Howard’s ages. Even though I haven’t seen any of your family in years, I wanted to express my sympathy to you. Pat, if you get chance, please send me an e-mail, as I would love to catch up with you. Again, I express my condolences to all of you.
Our prayers and sympathies go all family and friends of Howard. He was a friend and great guy. Roger and Karol Widmer
May God’s loving arms embrace each of you during this difficult time. You are all in our hearts and prayers. We love you…
Arnie & Julie Shockley Moe
I did not know Howard, but, I use to work with Connie Volt when I lived in the Federal Way area. Connie, I am really sorry for your loss. Love, Lib & John Davis
Dear Kingsbury Family,
I am so saddened to hear the news of Howie’s tragic passing. I don’t know if you remember me, but during junior high, Patty and I were constant companions. I remember one summer spending many happy hours at the house on 17th and the back yard for one of the famous Kingsbury picnics. Patty Pat never knew this, but I had a big crush on Howie. Back then, I remember how kind Howie was to me, and how he treated me like a little sister God knows he had enough sisters already! Please know that my sympathy and prayers are with you all, especially to Howie’s wife and children.
A year ago, my Grandma and I took a trip to Federal Way to stay at Uncle Howie and Connie’s house. It was where I really got to know my Uncle. He and Connie took us to the ocean and we just spent the entire day catching up and exploring the beautiful Washington coast line that he loved so much. I am blessed that I got that time with him. In the fall I am getting married and when he was in
Spokane for fathers day, he got to see where I am getting married at. Even though I know that he will not be there physically, I know that he will be up there with my Grandpa rooting me on. I love and miss you Uncle Howie!
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Connie and all of the children. We will always remember Howie and his good hearted soul.
Howard was a very giving man. He opened his home and heart to love everyone.
On his first date with my sister Connie he gave her a toy. She was so nervous she couldn’t eat.
She couldn’t have been more blessed.
Howard and Connie fit together.
Howard completed her.
Cindy, Marylyn and Gabriel
You are in the thoughts and prayers of all of us at Lynden. Hang in there.
Our thoughts & prayers are with you all. We will always remember Howies laugh & gentle smile. He was always so kind & humble. We are so sorry for your loss. He will be missed by many
Kathy & Willy
Howard was a wonderful, caring man. My deepest sympathies to his wife and family. He will be greatly missed by all.
I am so sorry to hear about Howie’s passing. I knew Howie in Spokane when I was growing up; my family lived around the corner from the Kingsburys and his sister Eileen was a good friend of mine. Later, I also had his daughter Yvonne in one of my English classes at North Central High School. My prayers and thoughts are with his wife, children, family and friends.
Love,
Michelle Alward Hanson
My love and condolences to all of the family and most particularly to Patricia, Howie’s mother. I have great memories of the good old days in Rice, WA.
We join your large circle of friends and family who wish to bring you consolation during your time of grief.
Bob and Diane Shrewsbury, II
Western Towboat Company
We attended Garland Avenue Alliance Church with Howard. He was a sweet, gentle man that always had a smile. Our connection was strong due to our similar choices in our younger years. We spent many hours at the Yoells playing Bible Pictionary and eating. It was a great time. Our prayers are with his family at this time of overwhelming sadness, always too soon. May the peace that he is with his loving Savior sustain you in those dark moments.
I spent 23 years of my life with this gentle man. We raised 7 children together. Mostly wonderful times, some hard times, but we made it through. He had a great love and devotion to his children, from the day they were born to the day he died. Even though we were not together for the last years of his life, we co-parented, and he always had our kids best interests in mind. He would always be there for me when I needed to talk about a problem one of them was having. He will always hold a special place in my heart, and I thank him for being the wonderful Father that he was. I know he is still with us, in God’s care, and his day’s of strife are over. We will miss you terribly all the days of our lives and look forward to seeing you again someday. Until then you are in our hearts,thoughts,prayers and the rustling of the trees. We love you.
Debbie,Yvonne,Shawn,Charlotte,Dustin,Josh,Rachel,Tia and Jacob.
I see you when I look at them..:
Howie and I shared many magic moments together Pat and Tommy were my aunt and uncle and my parent too Howie My cousin and Loving Brother
Plastic air mattress bump up
lake clear to rocky bottom pebbles
Air mattress upended splash upsidedown
Sun sparkle green lite above water
Air mattress now two as one above
hand to hand touch in light
Clear to surface laughter splash
floating together side by side laugh
Plastic air Mattress two bump as one
you below me beaming with light shine
Touch your hand eyes open smile
airmattress float on clear waves bump
Eyes meet you below me above love
ride the wave on summer lake warm
Swim to you hold you tight close
Airmattress bump on lake of green lite
hand and hand kick to distant dock close
Howie you eyes sparkle so bright smile
Plastic airmattress bump now I’m one
Hand and hand you are near here
Robb-K
I shared my first Apt. with Howie. I lost contact over the years but thought of him often. My condolences to his family.
I can’t say enough about how wonderful and caring my Dad was to me and all of his seven children. I will never forget how much time he spent to keep us all in contact. I will miss his early morning phone calls, his loving voice, his presence that made me feel safe, and his love for all the beautiful things God created. I can’t believe that he is not just a phone call away, someone I could count on for anything at any time. I will miss him and keep him alive in my heart, until we meet again in Heaven. I will love you forever Dad, and know you will be waiting for me.
I am so thankfull that I am able to call this man my Dad. I thank God for the amount of time he was with us. I will miss him very much. But everytime I look into my 6 brothers and sisters faces I see him.
I love you Dad, I miss you more then you know, you showed me so much, and I will continue to learn from you. Your the greatest man I have ever ment, and I will forever sing your praise. One again, I am thankful to be able to say you are my Daddy.
Tia
The Kingbury family lived on the same road I grew up on in Colville Now Swede Anderson Road. That was some 40 years ago. My maiden name was Anderson and my parents were Swede and Jeanne. Although we lost touch over the years I still think of the old brown house as the “Old Kingsbury Place”. I just read the article in the Statesman Examiner. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. I am so sorry for your loss.
Dear Kingsbury Family,
I knew Howie as Mary Helen’s cute little brother, in Colville. It appears that he grew to be a wonderful father/husband/friend to so many people!
My thoughts and prayers to you all in this difficult time.
Chris Harbolt Grant
POB 45031
Boise, ID 83711
My Father was not only an example to his 7 children, but a security and a comfort. No matter what happened, he was always there and we will all miss him more deeply than I could ever explain. We all miss you so much Daddy, I know you’re saving a place in heaven for us and I cant wait to see your face again. I love you so much, thank you for everything you have given us over the years, I want to be just like you.
To the entire expanded family and friends of Howie, my deepest sympathies and condolences in this sudden and painful tragedy. I knew the Kingsbury’s while in Colville.
I am one of Howie’s sisters. Howie was such a kind and gentle man who’s absence is so painfully felt. I will always remember his strong arms when he would give you a hug, his strong hands when he would help you out, and his calm, sparkling blue eyes as he would listen to you or tell you about his latest adventure. He is on his greatest adventure now. I will always think of him when the wind blows peacefully through the trees and when I hear waves crashing to the shore. God speed, my brother. Keep watch over your beautiful wife and children. Stay close to us all. We will know you are there. God speed. I will see you again. HE promised us that. I love you.
Howard, I’m so sad to have heard the news from Connie today of your untimely and tragic departure from this world. Even with the years having separated us and life offering only the occasional phone call to check-in with each other, you know the friendship endured as if we last saw each other yesterday.
Howie and I shared considerable time together during our tour of duty at Kitzingen Army Airfield, Germany. He was Army air traffic control and by the way was featured in an Army advertisement in Newsweek magazine, which all of us harrassed him relentlessly about, while I was in the Air Force aviation weather. We not only roomed together, but travelled extensively in Europe and brought each other through many challenging times, supported by some extraordinary friends the five bozos- Terry Brown, Dallas Figgins and Bill Paton, all three Vietnam helicopter pilots and characters as was Howard or “Homer” as we used to tease him in their own right. Bill died in a helicopter crash some years ago in Colorado. Dallas and Terry and families live close to each other in California and we often talked of a reunion of the four bozos, including calls to Howie from the three of us when we’d get together. Howie was always there for you, always gentle, always kind, always with a sparkle in his eye and all the time in the world for you.
Howie was also a bit of a trickster, as evidenced by a helicopter flight that had Terry, Dallas and me on board. Howie was on the ground, providing us with radar vectors through clouds. Knowing exactly what he was doing, Howie directed Terry and Dallas into a right descending 270 degree turn in the clouds, a maneuver that can become disorienting if not done expertly. As I recall, Both Terry and Dallas ended up experiencing slight vertigo during the descent and challenged Howie about his radar vectors. Moments after giving him a hard time on the radio and him reassuring us all was OK, Howie brought us out of the clouds, right over the final approach to the airfield and perfectly positioned for landing, which occurred uneventfully that’s what you want when flying. That story exemplified Howie- calm, capable, gentle, great radio voice and extremely precise in his work. The stories about Howie are obviously many, and any time his family wants to know more about Howie’s military service and time spent in Germany, just call me.
To say I will miss him is to profoundly understate what he meant to me. I have missed him for years and take comfort in knowing that regardless of the passage of time, the “connection” was always there and heartfelt. Howie was a good man, loved life and his family dearly, was so proud of his children and for me, a solid friend.
My sincere condolences to everyone touched by this wonderful human being, and especially his family and children. You were truly blessed, as were so many of us by his presence. I’m sure I can speak for Terry, Dallas, Rosemary and Joyce when I say there’s a hole in our collective heart that will be filled with the memories of the great times together.
So, Howard, now there are three bozos left on the bus. I love and will always cherish you, man!!!
Ed-Gah!!
Incredible…I was just thinking about Howard just the other day. Wondering if we would get a chance to talk to each other this year. Wondering how his family and two million kids were doing. Receiving the news yesterday from Ed left me without words. Not fair. Howie was as good as they come. Not fair.
Truly, when God whipped up the design called Howard T Kingbury he threw away the mold. In all my travels on this earth I have met only one man like him. He was a real character I truly feel honored to have called him my friend.
Strong, honorable, loyal, brave, smart, funny, and gentle.
Howard was the young one of our group of Bozo’s. And we used to tease him and kid him relentlessly. He always laughed….always. I can still hear his laugh as if it were yesterday. And he usually had a few zingers and practical jokes for us as well.
I don’t think I ever remember Howard having a bad word for any one.
Although we have grown apart over the years and haven’t spoken but just a few times…I still feel very close to him. He gets to you that way.
Howard was my brother in arms, and my brother in life.
I love you man! I never got to tell him that. I will never forget….ever.
Terry
I am Howards Mother. I would like to thank all of you for your kind messages. I get a lot of comfort when I am reading them.
Hearing the message from the Bozo’s was really wonderful to read. Terry, you live in the same city as Howie’s brother, Mike, does. It would be great if you could get in touch with him.
Everything around the house
reminds me of Howie. He built a carport on our garage, a deck on our house and many other projects around our house that made it more livable.
He and Connie were with us here over the Father’s day week end and we all had a wonderful time. We are so glad we had that time with him.
If you care to get in touch with me, my e-mail is kingstarr8@aol.com.
b
May God bless your family and give them true peace.