Steve Cyester

Oh, Rebecca, this is just the most heartbreaking news. I am so incredibly sorry for Howard, such a dear soul. It's the strangest feeling to think that I'll never have contact with him again...no more letters, not a rare phone conversation, nothing from here on...just memories. Ah, but SUCH wonderful memories.
Howard and I met at a men’s club in August 1989. His first words to me were, "You're about to have the most meaningful experience of your entire life--you're about to discover who you really are." Wow! Just think of the power contained in those words. Probably no other words of that nature have run through my head with such force, with such impact since that day. I will keep the last few letters received from Howard for the rest of my life. I will never, NEVER forget his kindness and generosity toward me. Nor will I forget what he taught me and how he influenced and changed my life.
One of my best memories of Howard happened New Year’s Eve, 1989. He and I ran in the “Run into the New Year,” a 10K race in Beavercreek, Ohio that took place at midnight when the temperature was 2 degrees!
Rebecca, I know you know how special he was. I can only imagine how REALLY special he must be to you and his beloved daughters. Speaking for the men I know who knew Howard, he is held in the highest esteem and is widely loved and thought about and cared for. I'll miss that gentle humorous kind man. Know that I will carry your dear Howard in my heart all of my days. He occupies a very special place there and always will.
I hope to remain in touch with you and your family. If there is ever anything I can do, anything at all, I stand ready to answer your call.

Love & peace,
Steve Cyester

Rick Parker

I first met Howard and Rebecca in September of 2005 when Rebecca asked me for an estimate on rebuilding the pool deck on their home. We went on to build the deck, as well as many other jobs, which gave me an opportunity to get to know Howard and spend a little time with him. He almost always greeted my arrival with a firm handshake and frequently introduced himself as well. Most of the time he would say, "Rick, I haven't seen you in such a long time!" Either way I was always glad to see him as he had such a sweet, gentle spirit about him. Sometimes I would ask him if he wanted to help and he was always ready to try. Much of the time he would be sitting at the table rapidly putting together complicated jigsaw puzzles. If I had time I'd sit with him a few minutes and try to help but I couldn't compete with his skill and determination. Even then he could pick out the right piece for the spot he needed while I couldn't see it even after he showed it to me!
While I never knew Howard when he wasn't sick I can, like Sherlock Holmes, deduce what kind of person he was from his family, his home and especially the woman he chose to marry. His attainments speak for themselves, I wish I could have known him before his illness

Jim and Betty Felder

Dr Howard, as many of us who worked in Clinical Microbiology called him(although he insisted that we call him HOWARD) was indeed a trail blazer,knowledgeable about a variety of things, genial, honest and a good friend.

 

He saw a need for a diagnostic service that would help physicians in their treatment of suspected viral diseases, and with equally talented wife Dr. Rebecca opened one of the first Diagnostic Virology laboratories in the country, and indeed his was the First independent laboratory. The opening of his laboratory helped physicians, microbiologists and other health care professionals improve patient care especially when viruses were suspected to be the causative agents of the disease process.

 

His friendly attitude carried over to his employees including his daughters Kristin and Susan. I came into contact with them and others as they did their part as couriers for the laboratory.

 

My wife Betty and I had the opportunity to visit Howard and Rebecca at their retirement home in North Carolina where we experienced their warm and gracious hospitality.

 

No man had a better friend than HOWARD.

 

Sincerely,

 

Jim