Walter Charles Howe

Walter Howe died peacefully March 23, 2010, at home with people whom he loved. He was born in Santa Barbara on June 28, 1913 at home and was the second youngest of six children. He was raised in Santa Barbara and in 1937, he married Norma Self, his wife of over 72 years. Norma resides in the family home. Walter loved his family, daughter, Carolyn Howe, grandchildren Bridget Johnson (Mcilrath) and her husband Barry, Robin Howe (Mcilrath), and his great grand children, Asher and Adam Johnson and Aria Howe.

He was an excellent athlete, but his true love was golf. He was club champion at Montecito Country Club in 1955, 1960, and 1964. He had 9 holes in one and an eagle on a par 5. He worked in banking, was the Controller for 7up Bottling Co, and later owned his own tax and accounting firm, Walter C Howe & Associates. He was known for his integrity, cheerful demeanor, and unwavering ethical character, but the twinkle in his eye is what we will all remember the most!

He was active in many charitable and community organizations including Kiwanis, Free Masons, Jr Chamber and Chamber of Commerce as well as the committee that developed the Community Golf Course. Walter was not a religious man, but a spiritual one. He was dedicated to his ecumenical church where he was an ordained minister.

The Memorial will be held, appropriately enough, after tax season, on Saturday, April 17th at 11 AM at Unity Church, 227 E Arrellaga Street, Santa Barbara. Friends are all invited to celebrate together the life of this sweet and spirited man who gifted us with his presence. We are grateful for the care and guidance of Jerome T. Kay, M.D., Debbie Molnar of Visiting Nurse Hospice, Dottie Wells, as well as to everyone who has assisted in his care.