Richard G. Howell's Obituary
Longtime St. Helens resident R.G. "Dick" Howell passed away in the early morning hours on Monday April 25th at Providence St. Vincent Hospital in Portland, Oregon. He was rushed to the hospital on the 17th and died a week later of complications from Pneumonia and Encephalitis.
Dick was born in St. Helens on August 12, 1926 where he lived for most of his life. He moved to Pendleton, OR. in 1954 and to Antioch, CA. in 1957, before moving back to St. helens in 1964.
Dick graduated from St. Helens High School in 1945 where he was active in sports. On September 21, 1947 he married fellow classmate Peggy Seawright at the First Christian Church in St. Helens. Peggy preceded him in death on March 7, 2003 after celebrating 55 years together. They had two children, daughter Sue Hutcherson from Portland, OR. and son Rick Howell from Kelso, WA., seven grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and another one on the way.
Dick was the third son born to K.P. Howell, Sr. and Edna Gartman Howell. Both parents and brothers, Kenny and Bob preceded him in death.
Dick served one year in the Army Air Force stationed in Nevada. He was actively involved in the St. Helens community as a member of the Elks, Eagles, Moose, St. Helens Yacht Club, and was past president of the St. Helens Kiwanis and Chamber of Commerce.
In 1984 he was the recipient of the St. Helens First Citizen Award. He also served on the Columbia County Fair Board and the Columbia District Hospital Board. Dick worked for Oregon Pioneer Savings & Loan for 24 years and retired in 1988 as manager and vice president.
His favorite pastime was fishing and meeting daily with his weekly coffee group at Burgerville in St. Helens.
Columbia Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements,
Dick requested no services. There will be a private memorial service in celebration of his life at a later date.
Memorial donations to "Friends of the Library" in St. Helens.
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