Hartland, Vermont
Walter Ernest Howard, 89, died unexpectedly Friday, December 16, 2011 at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, NH.
Walter was born November 20, 1922 in Randolph, VT, the second child and first son of Ernest Samuel and Clytie Henrietta (Hyzer) (Wood) Howard. He attended the West Hartford School and graduated from Hartford High School in 1940. In 1941, he married Barbara Elaine Brooks (1922-1990) in Wilder, VT. They lived on the Grand View Farm in West Hartford where he was raised until 1947. The family bought a farm on Mace Hill in the Center District of Hartland where he resided until his second marriage to Eileen Corcoran in 1997. They lived on a portion of the land that was formerly part of the Howard homestead. In order to be closer to the family, Walter and Eileen built a new home on Rt 5 in Hartland where he continued to be active in caring for pets, horses and small farm animals. He was always generous and warm-hearted. He once said, "The only reason for being born is to help one another." Walter, a man who could fix anything and do it right was a teacher to many. Walter was a gifted storyteller who could recall and relate events in such detail that the listener could encompass them as part of their own memories.
Walter served in the U. S. Army during World War II. Goodyear Tire and Rubber in Windsor employed him from 1941 until 1969 with a brief interruption for military service. He then started Howard Construction and worked independently erecting many buildings throughout the Upper Valley.
A brother, John Ralph Howard (1924-1979), and a half-brother, Royal Ransom Wood II (1909-1993) predecease him.
Survivors include his loving wife Eileen, a daughter Rosemary Howard Spear Morancy, two sons Donald Walter "Juge" Howard, and Steve Howard; a sister Paulina Jane Blake, and brother Arthur Otto "Jim" Howard all from Hartland. Six grandchildren: Barbara Brooks Spear, Daniel Howard Morancy, Jason Poulin Howard, Heather Howard Hoover, Aaron "Seth" Howard, and Levi Joshua Howard. Nine great-grandchildren: Julie Morse, Courtney Coolidge, Kyle Coolidge, Cole Morancy, Bryce Morancy, Ava Morancy, Cody Howard, Patrick Howard, and Thomas Howard. One great-great grandson: Weston Gunnip. There are also many nieces and nephews.
There will be no calling hours. A memorial service will be held Thursday, December 22, 2011 at 11 o'clock, at the North Hartland Community Church in North Hartland, VT the Reverend Andrew Mercaldo officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to: Upper Valley Haven, 713 Hartford Avenue, White River Jct., VT or www.uppervalleyhaven.org or Curly Horse Rescue at www.curlyhorserescue.com