JEFFREY OWEN HOWSON
September 15, 1944 - September 15, 2016
Jeffrey (Jeff) Howson passed away at the David Simpson Hospice House in Cleveland after a courageous battle with cancer on September 15, 2016 with his family by his side. Jeff fought like “superman” to live as long as he could and even came back from near death with a miracle from God. Jeff was born on September 15, 1944 to Owen and Frances (Hill) Howson in Cleveland. The family moved within the Cleveland area, until settling in Chesterland. Jeff was a machinist at Addressograph Machines and various other companies before retiring from ABB (formerly Bailey Meter, Bailey Controls) in 2009. Jeff’s dash in life (9/15/44 - 9/15/16) was full of life which family and friends will cherish with memories and pass on to his grandchildren. Jeff loved the outdoors with many trips to “Pickeral River” and “Squaw Lake” at Camp Waniken Lodge in Canada as a young boy to his last trip in 2006 trolling for muskie. He also loved fishing on Lake Erie for perch and bass. For over 40 years, Jeff and best friend Bill worked on rebuilding a 1969 Camaro (Night Gallery) and would race on public streets and at Thompson Drag Raceway. They also proudly displayed the Camaro at the Auto-Rama in Cleveland and Annabelle’s Diner in Mentor and various other venues. Jeff was a great cook and loved to grill. He will be remembered for his famous “Beer Burgers”, and “Shore Lunches”. He enjoyed being outside taking care of his water garden which he designed and made by himself. Jeff had a “bleeding heart” for stray animals. Jeff was a sports enthusiast and loved watching the Cleveland Indians and the Cleveland Browns. His favorite holidays were Halloween and he was a Christmas fanatic, decorating outside with lights and lawn displays. The dining room table was utilized for his “Christmas Village” which grew larger every year. He loved his family and friends and especially his grandchildren. He was a great Poppa and Grandpa to all. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 36 years, Patricia (Pat); children, Timothy of Florida, Tiffanie (Virgil) Petty of Chardon, Michelle (Scott) Nelson of Chardon, Jonathan (Amy) of PA, and Rachael of Burton; mother-in-law, Barbara Ianiro of Chardon and brother in law, Michael (Suzanne) Ianiro of PA. He also leaves behind his best friend Bill (Karen) Meikle of Chesterland and his “special daughter” Rachel (Chris) Istenes of Garfield Hts. His grandchildren, Cody and Syerra Howson, Megan and Austin McCartney, Zoe, Rylee and Caleb Nelson, Gianna Camposo, Alanna and Quinn and Emily Howson; and his loyal four-legged companion Lab “Shadow”. He was predeceased in death by his parents, Owen and Frances Howson. Private burial services will be held. A celebration of life will be hosted by the family on October 8, 2016 from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Eldon Russell Park, 16315 Rapids Road, Burton. Dress (casually) appropriate for outdoor weather and bring an appetite. Chicken and pizza will be provided, but please feel free to bring your favorite dish or beverages to share. Alcohol is permitted. Bring your stories or favorite memory about Jeff to share. The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at the David Simpson Hospice House for their caring and love they provided during Jeff’s stay there and suggest donations in his memory be made to the Hospice of the Western Reserve, 17876 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland, OH 44110 and/or Hospice of the Western Reserve, 5786 Heisley Rd., Mentor, OH 44060 (in-home care). Special thanks to Nurse Mary and S.W. Jeremiah of Hospice for their in-home care of Jeff. Jeff wishes you to have a drink or two with a memory of him. He was loved by many and a loss to all.