Douglas Howe

Portland, ME- Douglas Howe, consummate artist, loving and truly decent man, finished the masterpiece which was his life on October 24, 2023. He was surrounded by his family and artwork. He has not departed, as a piece of his soul remains in each of his paintings when you are admiring his skillful works. Doug’s artistry is only surpassed by his unconditional love for family and friends. He continually expressed his emotion for them actually saying he loved them every time he made contact with them. Doug was also known as a self-professed “Mr Wonderful” as he showed his appreciation for his continually expanding circle of friends and relatives. Doug’s loyalty was felt by his family as he always supported and encouraged each of them completely in their endeavors. His priorities were expressing his feelings and not with the mundane activities such as financial dealings or even learning how to write a check. That heavy lifting was delegated to his devoted and supportive wife, Patsy. Doug was born in Portland, Maine on February 13, 1935 to Charles Howe and Elsie (Morey) Howe. He was predeceased by his siblings: Roberta Davis, Marshall Howe, Shirley Howe, Natalie Stevens and Sybil Howe. He grew up in Norway, Maine and graduated from Norway HS in 1954 after which he served four years in the Air Force from 1954-1958. Doug married Patricia Bickford on November 25, 1956 in Plattsburg, NY and celebrated 66 years of marriage. After graduating from the American Academy of Art in Chicago he moved to Portland in 1961 and worked at the Portland Press Herald. He spent 39 years as a commercial and advertising artist. Doug delighted in creating memories with his children: Sheila (Glen), Douglas K (Ruthi), Randall and Brenda; his grandchildren: Amber, Scott, Justin, Daniel and Mikayla. Doug and Pat enjoyed square dancing and traveling, especially out West, Dollywood, and Germany. Family activities included camping at Keoka Lake and Hiram campgrounds and many wonderful canoe trips down the Saco River. Remember Doug every time you view remarkable scenery and natural beauty. He delighted in reproducing both on canvas and is now creating those remarkable works in Heaven. Visiting hours will be held from 4-7 pm on Thursday, November 2, 2023, at Jones Rich & Barnes Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St. Portland. A graveside service will be held at a later date.

Please visit www.jonesrichandbarnes.com to sign Doug’s online guest book.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to NAMI-Maine, 52 Water St, Hallowell, ME 04347, or, Camp Sunshine, 35 Acadia Rd, Casco, ME 04015.