EMMICK, Howard Franklin

Today's News-Herald, Lake Havasu City, Arizona Published Thursday, December 2, 2010 Jan. 3, 1927 – Nov. 21, 2010 Our sweet Howard passed away in his sleep at the Nathan Adelson Hospice facility in Las Vegas, Nev. There, he was given loving care. His wife and friends, Gary and Patty Sorem, were with him every day. Howard was born in Lake Quinault, Wash. His family moved to Olympia, Wash. when he was 1. He lived life to the fullest and enjoyed going fast. As a young man, he did some flying and reportedly engaged in mock dogfights over Puget Sound. He was a hydroplane racer, too. But, his favorite pastime, his lifelong passion, was riding dirt bikes. His vacations with his wife and friends always included a ride somewhere in the United States or Mexico. He was a member of the Puget Sound Enduro Riders. Howard served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and the Korean War in the Pacific Arena. He was very proud of his time served and told many stories. He was owner-operator of Howard’s Towing and Auto Repair in Olympia for 48 years. Howard was so proud of his children and their families. He treasured Father’s Days with the whole family. He will be remembered for many things, including the provocative way he carried on conversations and the sheepish grin that was sure to follow. In recent years, post retirement, Howard and his wife spent their winters in Lake Havasu City. They have made many friends in Arizona and treasure their excellent neighbors. Howard liked Lake Havasu City because all the seniors had hobbies and were always busy. Howard was preceded in death by his mother, Mabel (Roberts) Emmick; father, Edward Emmick; brothers, Robert and Richard; and son, Dwight. Surviving is his wife, Wanda; children, Steve Emmick (wife, Terrie) and Cindy McAllister (husband, Kelly); his grandchildren, Landon and Marisa McAllister, Jacob and Marin Emmick; and his great grandchildren, Lila and Bryson; numerous nephews and a niece; and stepsons, Tim and Tom Gray and Gregg Boulet. The family is planning a celebration of Howard’s life to take place in May in Olympia, allowing the opportunity for all his snowbird friends to attend. The family will also gather for a private ceremony on Father’s Day at the cemetery in Walla Walla, Wash., where Howard will be buried with his parents. Many thanks to all our friends and relatives in Washington and Arizona for all their love and prayers. Also, thanks to Nathan Adelson Hospice staff who gave Howard such loving care. Howard will be deeply missed but we have many fond memories and stories to share.