Doug Howe

A beloved father, fraternity brother, and friend, Douglas Farrington Howe passed away on December 29, 2019, after living a life full of mischief, mountains, and music. Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on August 22, 1950, Doug lived in many places throughout the United States before attending Southern Methodist University in Texas and UNC Greeley in Colorado, the state that he would call "home" for the remainder of his life. There, he met his wife, Beverly, with whom he raised their two children, Kristen and Jim.

A talented musician, Doug toured for three years with the bluegrass band, Odessa. More recently, he was well-known in the Denver-Boulder traditional jazz/Dixieland band scene and displayed his passion for the trombone by playing with numerous area bands. He was a frequent host of the Boulder Friends of Jazz Sunday jam sessions and an always-willing participant in all-star pickup bands. Doug also loved playing with Denver’s Zing Big Band. He was a solid ensemble player and an imaginative soloist who frequently quoted familiar, humorous riffs and creatively changed the words to songs in an effort to entertain all who were listening.

Doug also taught middle and high school band, vocal music, and guitar and elementary general music for a total of thirty-one years before retiring to enjoy gardening; long walks; adventurous road trips; practicing his music; traveling overseas to cross Abbey Road; snuggling with his Dachshund, Lucy; and playing gigs professionally on both his trombone and guitar. Doug was also a big fan of nature and the Rocky Mountains, having summited twenty-seven of Colorado’s fifty-seven “fourteeners.”

The story of Doug’s life would be incomplete without mentioning his beloved “other family,” the people of Highlands Lutheran Church in Denver, where he was a member of the choir; his alter-ego, “Chirp”; his proud membership in the House of Gryffindor, and his uncanny ability to play the “C” note on a saxophone. He was a devoted cheerleader for his family and friends, supporting those he loved by attending games, concerts, major milestones, or by simply lending an open heart and a thoughtful word of advice, a dumb story, a crude joke, or anything to make people laugh and feel loved, really. Doug was a loyal friend, a good listener, and always fun to be around.

Doug is survived by many loving family members, including both his daughter and son, who hope to live out his legacy of incredible generosity and compassionate acceptance of all people.

A public viewing for Doug will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on January 16, 2020, at Advantage--Runyan Stevenson (6425 West Alameda Avenue, Lakewood, CO, 80226).

A private burial for Doug will take place at Olinger Mount Lindo Cemetery (5928 South Turkey Creek Road, Morrison, CO, 80465).

Please feel free to dress casually and bring a musical instrument if you have one and are willing to play in Doug’s honor! In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Doug’s memory to a charity or non-profit of your choice. Those near and dear to Doug’s heart include Special Olympics, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Denver Rescue Mission, American Cancer Society, and Highlands Lutheran Church.