I first met Howard many years ago at a party he held when he lived in Chapel Hill. I remember a hay ride, a bon fire and his dog Kneehigh (spelling). A very wirery haired pooch, somewhat like Howard; very rough around the edges, but a heart so full of generosity, I felt like it might burst. I don't know when my husband Joe Whitt met Howard, but from then on, we had close contact with Howard over many years. 

Howard could always be counted on to tell me how good I was looking, even when talking on the phone. And how he always took his coffee like he liked his women; black and sweet. Which of course was only partially true. 
The camping trips to Kerr Lake were some of the best times we had together.

In recent years Howard would frequently call up Joe, just to chat or to plan the next camping and fishing trip with the guys. 

I will miss him greatly.