Harry Howell

Harry Monroe Howell died peacefully at home in Brevard, NC on September 5, 2016 at the age of 99. The son of Jesse Monroe and Grace Bedell Howell, he was born June 27, 1917 in Schenectady, NY. Harry graduated from Nott Terrace High School in Schenectady in 1936, after which he and his best friend Jim “Army” Armstrong embarked on a six-week canoe and camping adventure on the Mohawk River, taking odd jobs for food and money along the way. In the fall of 1936, Harry attended the University of Michigan. He graduated with an engineering degree in 1940, followed by a Master’s in Business Administration in 1941. Harry began his long career at the General Electric Company in the summer of 1937 at the Schenectady plant (where his father also worked) as a drill press operator. After college, he rejoined the company in 1941 as a practicing engineer with test assignments in Schenectady, Philadelphia and Syracuse. At Syracuse he became general head of the turbine test facility. This is also where he met and married Hildegard Schwamb in 1944. In 1945 he returned to Schenectady for assignments in plant layouts; as a production control supervisor in the control division; assistant supervisor of personnel; and staff assistant to the manager of manufacturing, aeronautics and ordinance systems division. Also during this time his two sons were born, Kim Monroe in 1945, and Jed Nelson in 1947. Mr. Howell and family were transferred to Pittsfield, MA in 1951 where they lived for several years. When GE opened a Quality Control plant in Waynesboro, VA, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains in 1954, the Howell family, having grown to include two daughters, Maqua Ann and Naia Yvonne, were the first GE family to move there. Harry became very active in the Waynesboro community over the years. He contributed his time as an elder of the First Presbyterian church, trustee and board member of the United Community Fund, president of school-teacher associations, member and officer of the Waynesboro Exchange club, was an involved parent with Cub Scouts, a Little League baseball coach, a basketball coach, church school teacher, vocational guidance aide, and a water safety instructor. Both Mr. and Mrs. Howell loved music and dancing and would hit the dance floors at every opportunity. Books and reading were also a passion for both of them. In addition, Harry loved the outdoors. He enjoyed fishing, hiking, camping, and sailing and had a life-long fascination and respect for nature. He made sure that all five children, now including Zia Lynnet, had exposure to as many of these interests as possible. After 13 years in Waynesboro, the family transferred to Richmond, VA where Harry was made personnel manager of the GE facility, in addition to several other smaller plants, until his retirement in 1982. During their 37 years in Richmond, and especially after Harry’s retirement, Hildegard and Harry became even more involved with their church, Bon Air Presbyterian, International Folk Dance Club, the Colonial Dance Club, the Virginia Museum, and the German Sport Club (Oktoberfest). Harry also started swimming with the Virginia Masters Swim Club and competed for years in the State and National Senior Olympics. When he was 87 he accomplished an amazing feat: winning 2 gold medals, 2 silver, and 2 bronze in swimming and a bronze in archery at the National Senior Olympics. In 2004, Harry and Hildegard moved to College Walk Retirement Community where they met a new network of friends and continued their varied interests. Hildegard passed away in 2007. They were married for 62 years. Harry’s love for his family was paramount. Nothing pleased him more than having his family gathered. This love of family is instilled in his children, and although far-flung, they enjoy getting together whenever possible. Harry was a gentleman and a gentle man his whole life. He loved engaging people in conversations, with a genuine interest in what they had to say. There was a graciousness and humbleness about him that won immediate respect from all who met him. Harry is survived by his children and their spouses: Kim and Imani of Tanzania East Africa, Jed and Bonnie of Sudlersville, MD., Maqua and Paul O’Shea of Sarasota, FL, Naia and Bob Bonnet of Sharpsburg, MD, Zia and Frank McConnell of Pisgah Forest, NC; by his grandchildren: Nelly Swilla, Tonya Howell, Torr Howell and wife Erina, Jarret O’Shea, Alyson O’Shea, Brighton McConnell, and Forrest McConnell; by great-grandchildren: Phineas and Wyatt Howell, Ingrid Lackey-Howell, Omri Howell and Earl Howell Preston. A memorial service will be held in November. The date, location, and time will be announced in the near future. If you wish to send a donation in memory of Harry, please send to: Hospice of Transylvania, 1266 Asheville Highway, Brevard, NC 28712, or to Bannerman Family Folkdance Camp, Celebration Services, 200 Tabernacle Rd, J227, Black Mountain, NC 28711 On line condolences may be left at www.moodyconnollyfuneralhome.com. Moody-Connolly Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.