So sorry to hear this sad news, I had the pleasure of working for Howard at WVT, he was very kind and hardworking and always had time for others. My thoughts are with his family at this sad time.

My thoughts and prayers, go out to Howards family and friends, at this very difficult time.
Howard was a real gentleman, consummate professional and well respected and liked colleague. I have fond memories, of Howard, over many years working with him on committees and work groups and he will be sadly missed.
God bless and rest in peace!

The world is a much poorer place without you Howard.
I will always remember you as a true gentleman of great integrity & professionalism - and behind the scenes a wicked, dry sense of humour and fun. You were a joy to work with.
Thoughts and prayers to your family.

Howard
You have been an amazing leader, and I’ve learnt such a lot from you over the time we have worked together. You will be profoundly missed. Thoughts with your family in this difficult time.
Mike

Howard was a lovely chap. I was very sorry to hear of his illness, and not being able to enjoy a well-earned retirement. He was always good to work for and with.

Dear Howard

So blessed to have worked with you Howard at WVT for 5 years from 2011 as Nurse Director, I shall always be honoured to have known you , a true professional, wicked sense of humour, caring and most of all a true gentleman and not forgetting being an Everton supporter and many the banter about Everton v Leicester .
My heartfelt condolences to Gillian, James and Harriet .

Michelle

Howard was the most gentle of gentleman
He was one of the most 'human' Finance Directors I have ever met
He always wanted to know about how things were for patients and clinically at WVT
He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered

I have had the honour and privilege of working as Howard's Executive Assistant for the past few years. A nicer man you could not wish to meet, he was kind, respectful, gentle, smart, witty and always took time with people. He was an excellent listener and true professional.

He was extremely proud of his family and often talked of them when we had our 'catch ups'. He was also into his music and loved comedy and we would often compare festivals and comedy nights we had attended.

He has left us too early and my heart goes out to his family. Rest in peace Howard I will never forget you.

I have worked with Howard for the last 15 years and he was my line manager at one point. He was an absolute pleasure to work with - always making time for me when I needed someone to talk to. He approached every challenge with thoughtfulness and good humour. I'll do my best to be more like him. My thoughts are with his family.

Howard was my mentor when I joined the NHS nearly 20 years ago and was a kind, caring and supportive person who always had time for people. A really lovely person who will be missed by many.

To remember Howard as my line manager of 13+years

Always calm, always fair-minded and a real gentleman. 

Howard will be remembered by me for all his great qualities as an individual, as a respected work colleague and as my manager, for all that time.
Jonathan

Howard you were a true Gentleman. Kind considerate always ready to listen and great leader. You will be truly missed. Andrew

I worked with Howard for many years during my time in Hereford, a gentler, kinder man you will rarely find, a man with the well being of others in his heart, and a deep sense of public service

He will be missed, but not forgotten.

Zack

I first met Howard in 2014 when I joined the board of WVT as a non-executive director. He was a lovely man, a paragon of professionalism, kindness and integrity. He exemplifies the best of the NHS. His death is untimely and cruel. My thoughts are with all of his family. You must be so proud of him.

We are always prone to hyperbole at times as raw and as emotional as this. However, I am not exaggerating when I say that Howard was the most genuine, humble, kind and gentlemanly colleague I have had in 27 years in the NHS.

Never prone to exaggeration or foul language to make his point, his wickedly dry sense of humour and sense of fun is something I will always recall with fondness.

Rest in peace, Howard. My thoughts are with his wife and family and of course, with his colleagues who loved him so much.

I worked with Howard for two stints over a number of years and always enjoyed his company. I respected him enormously both as my boss and, more importantly, as a person. He was always considerate, thoughtful and took the time to get to know you. In particular, Howard’s fairness and infectious good humour stood out like a beacon in everything he did – whether at work or on an evening out. Thoughts go to his family and friends at this sad time. 
You’ll be missed by us all. Rest in peace Howard

It is so difficult to find the right words. Howard was always such a lovely, kind and compassionate man who I am so grateful to have had the pleasure and privilege to work with over the years. He is and will be sorely missed, and my thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time. Rest in peace Howard gone but not forgotten x

I worked with Howard when Gloucestershire PCG transformed into Gloucestershire PCT.
I remember Howard was an extremely likeable and easy person to work with. He had a brilliant sense of humour and sometimes got the giggles.....
I am shocked and saddened by his death at such a young age, and send my heartfelt condolences to his family.

Working for Philips, I took over as the Customer Delivery (Operations) Manager managing the Radiology MES contract since Oct 2018. The initial meetings with Howard were daunting as he sat on the table opposite me, an imposing gentleman, adorned with suit & tie - however during our time working together we got to know each other well and the friendly smile and firm handshake became common place. Howard's passing is a sad event, especially with the imminent retirement and travel he intended to do. Howard is one of those people who has a presence and as such will be remembered by both name and face. I wish his family peace and happiness (albeit after this dark time)

Very saddened to hear this. Howard was a caring, kind and thoughtful man who I thoroughly enjoyed working with back in his GRH days. My thoughts are with Howard's family at this very sad time. I owe Howard an enormous debt of gratitude for his help and support over the years. One of life's good guys!

Rest in peace.  

I am truly saddened to learn that Howard has passed away. Although I did not work at WVT I did work with Howard in my role as a local CCG commissioner, he was always available to answer queries, offer advice and contribute to an holistic view of the situation under scrutiny. His willingness to make himself available for discussion and support outside of his own organisation was a warm and caring trait that I believe summed up his personal qualities. My thoughts are with his family at this sad time. 

We are honoured to have had the pleasure to have met Howard; he was always a true professional and perfect gentleman. He was passionate about making a difference and a huge advocate of the opportunities around digital in the NHS and how it could transform patient care - always keeping an eye on the costs of course! He leaves an amazing legacy at Wye Valley.

Our thoughts are with Howard's family, friends and colleagues at this very sad time.

I was really sorry too hear this sad news and Howard will be very sorely missed. He was a consumate professional who always acted with inegrity and sensitivity and was a pleasure to work with. Howard was so committed to public service and to doing the right thing for the people of Herefordshire and his family should feel extremely proud of everything that he achieved.

My thoughts and sympathies are with his family at this sad time. With condolences and very best wishes.

Howard was such a lovely man and a kind and compassionate leader who always had the time for his staff and colleagues. He will be truly missed and my thoughts go out to his family at this sad time, rest in peace Howard.

Howard was a kind man and true gentleman. I worked for Howard for many years whilst I was employed by WVT. He was respected by myself and all of the people that he worked with. He was the pillar of the WVT team and will be sadly missed. Someone so special can never be forgotten. Please accept my sincere condolences and I send much love to your family.
Rest In Peace, Howard.
Love Lindsey x

I always remember Howard with a smile on his face which says a great deal about him.

He was calm, open minded, down-to-earth, happy and generous/respectful/inclusive to everyone in the room. He radiated decency, honesty and warmth and had a wonderfully wry sense of humour.

My heart goes out everyone who loved him, of which I'm certain there will be many.

Gone way too early.
Rest in Peace Howard.

I met Howard in 2016 and we discovered that we came from the same part of the country, the same village and went to local schools at the same time, although Howard (being bright) went to the local Grammar school and I the local secondary school. We did share the same friends though, for a time. I felt a real connection with Howard, he made you feel that what you said mattered- and I just want to leave a note - " never say in grief he is no-more, only say in thankfulness he was."
Warm and best wishes to Howard's family at this time.

Howard was a wonderful, kind and caring man to everyone including myself and he will be truly missed. I send my love to his family, friends and colleagues in this very sad time. 

A very sad and premature loss to the NHS, Herefordshire and above all, his family who have shared him with us for many years and with so little time to enjoy his presence after retirement. He has left a lasting footpath for us all to follow in his quiet, determined and selfless commitment to collaboration and partnership in the interests of our people and patients. Thank you, Howard, for all you have done. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

I will be forever grateful that my professional path crossed Howard's, over the past two and a half years he taught me so much. Always providing a knowledgeable, honest and kind ear whenever needed, and never afraid to lighten a situation with his sense of humour. He was a wonderful man who made a positive impression on many people's lives.

My thoughts are with his family at this time, I hope the warm wishes and fond memories on this site provide comfort at this sad time.

Rest in peace Howard.

Heartfelt condolences to Howard's family.
Deep respect for a genuinely lovely guy.

When the sadness fades I will smile when I remember Howard, especially when:
Everton win,
Liverpool lose,
I hear certain music.
RIP Howard

Such sad news, my thoughts are with Howard's family, friends and colleagues. Whilst I only knew Howard for a short period of time I thoroughly enjoyed working with him, he had a wonderful sense of humour and calm, kind nature. He will be very missed by many of us. 

It has been a pleasure and a privilege to have known Howard through a number of NHS organisations since 1994 and in particular to have worked with him at Wye Valley since 2015.

For him to have achieved so much in a senior capacity for so long and yet to be remembered for his kindness, fairness and humility is a sign of true greatness.

Prayers and thoughts are with his family. May God shine His light upon you and guide you through this time of darkness and sorrow.

My thoughts and prayers are with Howard's family and friends at this very sad time. Always remembered as the true gentleman that he was.

Howard was a special man. He was kind hearted, hard working, always acted with the best of intent, generous with his time and of good humour. He made an enormous contribution to the Trust and helped to steer it through some difficult times. The Board knew we would miss him on his retirement but we are are all devastated at his untimely passing. Our thoughts are with Gillian, his children and all his family. God bless you Howard; we were all blessed to have known you.

Thinking of his family as this difficult time.
Rest in Peace.
From the Retinal Office - Ophthalmology 

Howard was a thoughtful, generous and compassionate colleague. Always ready to listen and reflect and treated everyone with dignity and respect.

Thinking of his family at this sad time.

There was so much to admire about Howard. His integrity, his commitment, his values, his kindness and his sense of fun. It is a heartbreaking loss for his family and his friends.
I was honoured to know Howard and work with him this last 4 years. It is an enormous sadness to say goodbye too soon.
My love and thoughts are with Gillian, James and Harriet

Howard you were such a lovely kind man. A long time ago you made some time for me when I was going through a difficult time. I hope these messages bring your family some small comfort. Rest in peace. Vici x

I am very sorry to hear of Howard's death and my thoughts are with you all. It was a pleasure to work alongside Howard, a kind, caring and thoughtful gentleman.

Howard was a lovely man and always took the time to check on everyone whenever he passed by the office. It was a pleasure to have known him. My thoughts go to his family at such a sad time.

My thoughts are with you all both family and friends at this most difficult of times. Howard will always be the most kind, considerate, and so very funny boss I have ever had - a true gentleman. It has been a complete pleasure over the last decade working with someone so dedicated and full of integrity. To the Executive Assistant's he will always be 'our Howard'. Someone I could always have a giggle with and go to if I needed anything, who would always go through minutes with a fine tooth comb - so if he didn't change anything you knew they were good! We were going to miss him so much when he retired but the hole he has left is so much more heartbreaking now. I will try and smile whenever I see Everton play. Bless you Howard, you will be so missed by so many. 

Our paths crossed many times throughout my nursing career here at WVT.
Howard , you treated everyone with a respect & a professionalism I have rarely witnessed. Thoughts go out to your family & friends at this dreadfully sad time. Thank you for making such a positive mark on my WVT experience.
Rest in peace Howard ,&, be sure, you made an amazing impression in this world , you will be dreadfully missed by us all xx

Howard always had time for, and an interest in, those around him. His warmth, calmness and dignity have always been, to me, an example of what to aspire to in the workplace. Thoughts and prayers to his loved ones.

Howard was always one of the 'good guys' ...

Always had time to listen ...

Always took time to think ...

Always left time to think before spoke ...

Always worked every minute for the betterment of all

The Trust, the NHS and life as a whole is far poorer for his sad departure

All our thoughts and best wishes with all his family and loved ones

Howard will be sorely missed by his colleagues in the NHS, but also by the administration staff that he worked with. Howard was a great chair for many of the Boards that I've had the pleasure to minute, and his kind and thoughtful style was so welcome. He was always nice to me, even when I was cheeky, and if I made a mistake he would be funny about it and never dwelt on it.

Although I only worked with him for a short time, I had a real affection for Howard: I send you all my deepest condolences at this sad time. He was a lovely man, and I'm glad that I got the chance to meet and know him.

So saddened to hear this.Howard was calm, understanding and kind. It was a pleasure to have had the opportunity to work under his leadership for a number of years, one of the best finance directors I have worked for. My deepest condolences and thoughts go out to the family. May God give you strength and comfort.

Very sorry to hear this sad news. I have just spoken to one of my neighbours who worked with Howard at GRH and had the same sentiments as above a very kind, caring and thoughtful man. My thoughts and best wishes to his family.

Remembered as a quiet , inclusive and genuinely companionate man whos personal kindness to me is held dear and who never failed to listen to a concern and influence a better outcome when he could.
The world without Howard is certainly a poorer world, I cant begin to imagine the sense of loss for those who were dear to him.

I will always remember Howard as an honourable and straightforward man. Whenever he had reason to communicate with staff he always listened and showed respect and sensitivity.

May you rest in peace, Howard.