Ryan David Howard, 33, passed away March 30, 2006 after an auto accident on Bush Point Road on South Whidbey Island. Always one to live life to the fullest, Ryan was fortunate to have made many friends after moving to Whidbey Island in July, 1985.
Ryan worked at Nichols Brothers Boat Builders and looked forward to “punching in” every day as a fitter and welder – ready to take on any task. He was also a skilled electrician, elevator technician and auto mechanic; the latter a skill particularly appreciated by his father who always seemed to have a “set of wheels” in need of his skills.
Born in Seattle on March 21, 1973, Ryan spent his early years with his mother at her Auburn home.
Later, he moved to Kent with his father. With great resolve, he become acclimated to apartment living as that was the situation with his father at the time.
Things changed for the better in July of 1985 as Ryan saw it. That’s when his dad married Sally Andrews who had moved to the Island from Bozeman, Mont. a few years earlier. This was obviously an important event in Ryan’s life as he expressed delight in the fact that he now “had a real home” rather than the apartment where he and his father had lived in previously.
Ryan attended middle and high school in Langley. At an early age, he became interested in collecting. Since he had a strong interest in airplanes and flight among other things, he began collecting replica airplanes that were part of a collector series offered by Texaco Incorporated. He had located and purchased all but one plane of the “Wings of Texaco” series before his tragic accident. His father will locate the last remaining plane of the series to complete the set as soon as it can be accomplished.
The big plan in Ryan’s life at the time of his death was to complete the purchase of his beautiful five-acre parcel of land in the Maple Glen area and one day build his dream home. This endeavor will be taken over by his father and step-mom, hoping to fulfill Ryan’s dream to the extent possible.
Ryan is survived by his mother, Farrel Howard of Redondo, Wa.; his father and step-mother, Bruce and Sally Howard of Freeland; and uncles David Howard and wife Joan of Pasco; and Paul Howard and wife Patti of Clinton; and aunt Joyce Bennett and husband Dennis of Bellingham. Ry also is survived by his close friend — and brother at heart, Andrew Damerau who owns property adjacent to the parcel where Ry was to build his dream home. They were to get old together and had promised to be there for Sally in her later years, should she ever have the need.
Ryan’s large and lovable dog, Cyrus, is also having to cope with the loss of his master. As most of those who knew Ryan are aware, Cyrus and he were essentially “hooked at the hip” as they say. Dad is doing everything he can to help Cyrus become comfortable with his surroundings and new friends, Shak the Sharpei and Bogey the Bassett at the Howard residence on Dorsey in Freeland. I truly believe that Shak and Bogey must both have some idea of what their owners are going through as they have received Cyrus with – open paws, so to speak.
So, Ryan is gone. We all wish that he were still amongst us to flash that generous smile and do the things he did when ever a friend of his needed an assist. Well, he’s in another place now.
But, if one were to guess; if there were only a way words could still be uttered by our lost one, they might tend to be along these lines: “Hey folks, we all have the opportunity to make decisions and live our lives as we see fit. Since I am some place else now, I would hope that those who were acquainted with me might take the time to slow down and smell the flowers and spend more time in thought before doing dumb things; things that could have horrible consequences for yourselves and your loved ones. Oh, and I wish I could be there now, smelling all the beautiful flowers that I know were sent to my loved ones on my behalf. I just forgot to take the time the first time around.”
A gathering for his family and friends is planned for 2 p.m. on Saturday at Freeland Hall.
