In Memory . . . Stephen Davies Howard
 (1930-2009)

The Reverend Stephen D. Howard.  He died on Monday, July 15, 2009, of cancer at Fisher House Hospice in Amherst, MA.  He was 78. Rev. Howard was born on November 26, 1930 in Greenfield, MA to Lee and Rachel Howard.  He graduated with a BA in History from American International College in Springfield, MA in 1953 and from Harvard Divinity School in 1959.

He was ordained in 1957 while serving as assistant minister to the First Congregational Church, Binghamton, NY.  While seeking fellowship as a Unitarian minister, Rev. Howard served the First Religious Society of Carlisle, MA in the early 1960’s, In 1964, he was called to All Souls Church in Greenfield, MA where he served for 18 years. 

From 1982 until 2003, Rev. Howard served numerous congregations as Interim Minister including those in Worcester, Lincoln, Salem, Littleton, Leominster, Fitchburg, Northborough, Amherst, and Palmer, MA.  He also served in Akron, OH; Woonsocket, RI; Harrisburg, PA; Oneonta, NY; and Keene, NH.  He preached his final sermon at St. Paul’s Church in Palmer, MA on Father’s Day of this year.

Rev. Howard was a member of the Unitarian Universalist Ministers’ Association, with terms as President and Vice President of the Connecticut Valley Chapter in the 1960’s.  He served as an incorporator and trustee of Rowe Camp; trustee of Big Brother-Big Sister Association; and Advisor for Parents Without Partners.

An avid reader, writer, and outdoor enthusiast, he enjoyed the local libraries, bookstores, and beauty of western Massachusetts. Over the years, he loved hiking with his dogs at Highland Pond, Notch Mountain, and the Warwick Swamp. He most loved the writings of Thoreau, Robert Frost, and Emily Dickinson. An ardent football fan, he followed Greenfield High School, local college, and Patriot’s games. More than anything, he loved time with his five grandchildren.

Rev. Howard is survived by his wife, Ann Jolly Howard; his three children, Catherine Howard Nicholas of San Diego, Dr. Elisabeth Davies Howard of Providence, R.I., Matthew Anson Howard and daughter-in-law, Tammy, of Southampton, MA; and grandchildren Casey, Annelise, Emily, Nicole and Jackson.  He is also survived by his brother, Carl, and sister-in-law, Beverly, of Albany, N.Y., his nephew, Craig, and niece, Wendy.

Please send messages of condolence to his wife, Ann Howard, 68 McClellan St, Amherst, MA 01002-2039.

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