At a time where I am having difficulty finding words of my own expression, the words flowed freely when describing him.

Matt Howard was a internationally recognized leader in Ocean Data Management and his impact and influence can be seen across the ocean community and into national and international agencies. For the past 25 years, he was engaged on many decision making and policy setting panels and committees that defined standards of practice and performance for oceanographic data collection, sharing, reporting, and archiving. Practicing what he preached, he was an outstanding sea going oceanographer for more than 40 years on dozens of seminal oceanographic projects, whose data legacy will inspire future generations and scientific inquery for years to come.

Matt will be greatly missed personally for his infectious positive spirit and attitude. I have had the honor of being his friend for 25 years and his positive impact on my life is deep.

Matt is a great guy. My sincere sympathies to you and your family.

Absolutely shocked and saddened to hear this news today. Matt was always ready and willing to step in and help out in any way possible, and his expertise was invaluable. A huge presence, both physically and technically, with a generous spirit. My sincerest condolences to Matt's family and his extended GCOOS and TAMU families.