I never met Howie but his father was John my step grandfather WW1 veteran, married to my Grandmother Minnie LaGrand of Grand Rapids Michigan. My mother was his step sister, Lois Clement of Wyoming Michigan. I am Lois’s youngest son Tom of Wyoming Michigan. So sorry for your loss of my step uncle. 🙏🏻

To the Wiarda Family,
I am so sorry to learn of Dr. Wiarda's passing.  I was thinking about him today and decided to google his name and came upon his obituary.  I was a student of his at UMass Amherst in 1979, 1980, 1981.  I met him as a freshman and later took a course with him entitled "The Political Systems of Spain and Portugal."  It was one of my all time favorite courses and he was one of my favorite professors.  He supported  my decision to study at the University of Lisbon and allowed me to research one of the political parties in Portugal so that I would earn enough credits while studying abroad.  He was a wonderful mentor.  He was kind, encouraging and brilliant. He urged me to go to law school and was kind enough to write one of my recommendations.  It was many years ago but I will never forget the positive impact he had upon my life.  I will be forever grateful.

He was a great person and I loved him so much. He will always be remembered as the best grandpa a person could ask for.

Dear Ieda, I am stunned with the loss of Prof. Wiarda; a beloved husband, father and grandad, a wonderful academician who had a great impact on young colleagues like us. He was a great mentor and did a lot to help me in Washington, D.C. last year.I remember our visit to the Library of Congress; your hospitality there and at home. During this short visit to D.C.,  I learned so many things from him that advanced my academic career. I am deeply saddened for his loss but also feeling the honour of meeting him.Attached, there is a beautiful picture of us from our dinner together. I will miss him so much... Dr. Helin SARI ERTEM

To the Wiarda family: I am so sorry to hear of Dr. Wiarda's passing. As a former UMASS student of his, I can honestly say that he was the very best professor I had the privilege of learning from. He was always gracious and generous with his time and guidance. I am grateful for everything he taught me.

I am so sorry Mrs. Wiarda.  Please accept condolences from myself and my family.  He will be missed by many people.  I love you and your family and thank you for your kindness extended to my family.  May our God help you, along with your family and friends, in the days ahead.

To the Wiarda family,  Please accept my deepest sympathies on the passing of Dr. Wiarda. In the years I worked as his research assistant at AEI he was a kind boss, a thoughtful mentor, and a good friend.  He gave me so many opportunities that helped advance my career. He will be missed.  My thoughts are with you.

Dear Ieda, we are just learning of your loss of Howard. We are so sorry. Please don't hesitate to call on us if there is anything we can do for you. Janet & Neil Carlisle

Dear Ieda: On my and my wife Katie's behalf, as well as the 'old Portuguese Conference Group gang' which formed in 1972-73,of which Howard was an essential part, I want to express our sincere condoldences regarding your loss. The history of the ICGP has yet to be written, but when it is, Howard's name will be among the golden network...at this time of change and transition, we are thinking of you and your family. Please let us know if you visit near Boston-we remain in seacoast NH, please let us know.  Doug and Katie Wheeler,Durham NH. (Univ of NH).

Dra. Iêda, é com pesar que constatamos o falecimento de seu marido, o Dr. Howard Wiard. Temos esperança que a senhora, seus filhos e familiares encontrem forças e esperança para superar este momento difícil.

I am greatly saddened by this news.  Howard was a giant in the fields of Latin American studies and comparative politics.  He pursued his work with passion and grace.  He also had a lovely (and sometimes biting) sense of humor.  It was always a pleasure to see him, and we will miss him very much.  Peter H. Smith, UC San Diego.

Ieda,  We are stunned and deeply saddened to hear of Howard's passing.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

I was shocked and saddened to hear of Howard's passing. Professor Wiarda was a wonderful PhD supervisor. He was always so supportive and kind. He will be missed greatly. My thoughts are with his family during this difficult time.

May God be with Howard's family as you adjust to life without your dad, husband, grandpa, and may God comfort you with His loving are and presence.

Blessings, 
Jim Muller  One of Howie's friends from elementary school

It has taken me a couple of days to digest the idea that Howard is no longer with us, although I do feel his presence.  I owe him for starting me off in Latin American studies with the 3 courses I took with him in 1968/69.  Contact with Howard over the years since then has been intellectually exciting and I cherish his gentlemanly manner and vast knowledge and experience.  I send my best to his three treasures of whom he was so proud: Kristy, Howard and Jonathan and wish all the family consolation and peace of mind at this challenging time.  May you all bask in his love and memory forever.

I was stunned to hear of Howard Wiarda's passing. He was a kind and truly intellectual soul. He will be missed...may the warm, loving memories shared by those who loved him comfort you during this difficult time.

Dear Ieda,

I was deeply saddened to learn of Howard's passing.  I remember so well his presence in the Latin American Studies Program at UMass in the 1970s when I first arrived and I think of you both every time I drive your former address, Mechanic Street in South Amherst.  He was an inspiring colleague and did much to put the Program on a solid footing.  His work on the Dominican Republic is still a very useful source.  I will always have very positive memories of his work at UMass and my heart goes out to you and your family.  Sincerely, Jane Rausch

I didn't know Dr. Wiarda, however I will be forever grateful for the mentoring he provided to my daughter while she was one of his students at UGA and, after graduation, as she began her career in DC. His influence was life-changing for her and many other students. My heart aches for his wife and his family, as well as all the people whose lives he touched around the world. Dr. Wiarda was an very talented individual with keen insight for global affairs, and a heart and caring for others. An esteemed academician, he was also a gentle, caring man who made a world of difference for students like my daughter who were lucky to have had him enter their lives.

Howard was an outstanding scholar and profuse writer. He was also a wonderful friend and colleague who loved to be challenged.

Howard was an energetic thinker who never forgot that solid scholarship can translate into useful public policy. In the 1990s during my tenure at CSIS he was a significant contributor to the discussion about the challenges to US democracy policy in  Latin America and the Caribbean. And he continued to do so with my subsequent more global interests. A great loss.

I had the privilege of working with Dr. Wiarda at the CSIS Americas Program. He was a wonderful colleague, warm and open and always willing to share his time to discuss projects and answer questions. He will be missed.

Mrs. Wiarda, Kristy, Howard and Jonathan,
     My family and I were shocked and saddened to hear about Mr. Wiarda's passing.  I have so many fond memories of the times that our families spent together.  My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Lillian Gordon

For Ieda and the whole family. I was so surprised and saddened to see the notice of Howard's passing. I met him as a graduate student at UMass and we have been in contact ever since. I shall miss his words of wisdom and his humor. A link has been broken beyond repair. Q.E.P.D. Susan Berglund

We were saddened to hear the news about Howard.  He was an influential scholar in the field, but we will always remember him for his devotion to family.  Ieda, we are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.

A very good friend and excellent colleague.  Howard will be sorely missed.

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.


My deepest condolences to Professor Wiarda's family. It is such an unbelievable loss. I had collaborated with Professor Wiarda on corporatism researches and have learnt a lot from him. He will be deeply missed for his insights, generosity and humour, as well as commitment to other parts of the world. 
Wai-man Lam, Hong Kong

Dear Ieda and family,  We are saddened by Howard's passing.  He was a giant in the field, a tireless and brilliant scholar and teacher, and a very fine human being.  We have lost a close friend of over 50 years  whose memory shall not be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.  All our love, Marcia and Shelly Goldman

So sorry to hear of Howard's passing. I fondly remember the few days I spent with Howard and Ieda at the Wiarda-family gathering in Friesland. Our love and condolences to Ieda and the family.
Tom & Dot Wiarda

Sending prayers to the family from neighbors. Kevin and Dottie Bero.

I got to know Howard at CSIS.  As a scholar, he was a prolific writer and policy analyst.  I enjoyed his monthly newsletters and learned a lot from them.  He will be missed.  My condolences to his wife and family.

As graduate students at the University of Florida, Howard and I crossed swords on several occasions. He always targeted the ideas, never the person. A true professional who will be missed in many an endeavor.

It was my pleasure to work with Howard on nearly a daily basis over the past 12 years. He always found it amusing that a "kid" like me enjoyed listening to big band music and made it a point to let me know that while I only listened to Les Brown & his Band of Reknown, he actually got to see them play during his younger years.  I will miss seeing him in the hallway, his sense of humor, and his requests for help with his computer.

How sad, great loss! 

A great gentleman and scholar, with great love and passion for the region and especially his beloved Quisqueya!

May he rest in peace, God-bless.

Dr. David E. Lewis
Vice President
Manchester Trade Ltd. Inc.
International Business Advisors
1875 I Street NW  5th Floor
Washington, DC 20006
Tel 202-624-3195
Fax 202-785-0376
Email: DavidLewis@ManchesterTrade.com

As one of Dr. Wiarda's research assistants and students, I had the pleasure of hearing many of the incredible stories of his travels and his academic and policy careers.  To be sure, Dr. Wiarda's was a life well-lived.  But I most admired the love and devotion that he had for his wife, Ieda, which was evident to anyone who saw them together, and to his family, of whom he spoke often.  Ieda, I am so very sorry for your loss.

Howard was a wonderful senior colleague when I worked at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. A true scholar and a gentleman who always had time for upstarts who wanted to learn.

As Dr. Wiarda's research assistant, I often got a chance to chat with him about his work, his travels, his family, and his hobbies. Candler Hall seems all-too-quiet without him. May your family find peace and warmth through this difficult time.

Professor Wiarda touched the lives and careers of generations of students and scholars throughout the United States and the world. Many of us were not only  fortunate to have read his works as students but also privileged to serve as authors in his best selling textbook on Latin American politics.  His passing is a great loss to our profession.  My sincere and heartfelt condolences to the Wiarda family.  

Eduardo A. Gamarra, 
Professor
Dept. of Politics and International Relations
Florida International University

My deepest condolences to Dr. Wiarda's family. As a junior faculty member in the IA Department, I have known Dr. Wiarda for only around two years. I still remember the moment when we changed a conversation on a Sunday morning not long after I arrived. We greated each other and he said with laughters that he would tenure me as he saw me working during the weekends. But I did not have the chance to tell him that I was impressed that such an established professor like him would also work on Sundays. He is truly an outstanding and respected colleague. It was really a previledge to work with him.

My deepest sympathies.  I recently corresponded with Howard over a piece he had written that I thought so excellent that I wanted to post in on social media sites.  He was, as always, extremely gracious.  He will be deeply missed.

My heartfelt condolences and prayers for the entire Wiarda family.  I will miss Howard's insights during his frequent visits to Washington DC.

Dear Ieda and family, Please accept my deepest condolences at this difficult time.  We have lost such an important man. I went to UMASS to study Latin American politics with Dr. Wiarda.  He was an outstanding scholar, professor and mentor whose example remains significant in my own teaching and mentoring.  I will miss his excellent Newsletters, his amazing stories of all his travels, his kindness, and his sense of humor. Please know you all are in my prayers.

Ieda & family , so sorry to hear about
  Howard . He left quite a legacy .

A huge loss to family, the academy, and all of us who knew and worked with him over the decades in so many ways.

Such an unbelievable loss... Howard Wiarda was one of those American scholars who had a tremendous influence on my career in political science. I had a privilege to host him in my home in Russia, and my family keeps good remembrances about him. So do my colleagues from Nizhny Novgorod. Only a few weeks ago upon my request he contributed to a journal I am editing - perhaps one of his last papers... He will be remembered and will remain always with us...
Andrey Makarychev (Tartu, Estonia)

As a junior faculty member in the IA Department, I have known Dr. Wiarda for only around two years. I still remember the moment when we changed a conversation on a Sunday morning not long after I arrived. We greated each other and he said with laughters that he would tenure me as he saw me working during the weekends. But I did not have the chance to tell him that I was impressed that such an established professor like him would also work on Sundays. He is truly an outstanding and respected colleague. It was really a previledge to work with him. My deepest condolences to Dr. Wiarda's family.

It was a privilege to know Howard. He was a scholar in the true sense of the word. His passing is a great loss to academia, and to all of us who were fortunate enough to meet him.  RIP.

It was my great pleasure to know Professor Wiarda and his wife for the last 15 years at the Tower Villa's Great Decision's program in Arlington, VA.  Howard's presentations were invariably brilliant, insightful and highly entertaining always.  I shall miss his warm presence and brilliant intellect.  I send my sincere condolences to his wife and family.

Our condolences to the Wiarda family. Howard's kindness, grace, enthusiasm to learn and to teach,and many insightful contributions to the profession will be missed.

The University of Michigan is proud of Howard's extraordinary professional career and extends sympathies to Ieda and to others close to him.

I will miss Howard Wiarda's sense of humor, his energy, his quirkiness, and most of all his stories about the grandees of comparative politics reaching back all the way to the 50s. Howard Wiarda was force of nature, a most prominent and prolific political scientist. It was a pleasure to have walked part of the way with him. 

Markus M. L. Crepaz
Head of the Department of International Affairs

My deepest condolences to Howard's friends and family - he was a true mentor and role model to me as a graduate student and nascent scholar at the University of Massachusetts. he took time with and was interested in many of the graduate students interests, research, and careers and provided me so many of my early and ongoing opportunities as a scholar of comparative politics. He shaped my career as an academic and professor like no other. He will be missed so greatly.

Dear Ieda: We are deeply saddened by the loss of your husband. Please, accept our condolences and know that our thoughts and our prayers are with you.
Riccardo Forte and Natalia Silva

My sincere condolences for your loss.  I was fortunate to reconnect with Howard after many years and appreciated his encouragement and support for the work I was doing.  I admired his tireless pursue of knowledge, his curiosity and his unstoppable drive.  He will be missed by many and the world will be a lesser place without him.

Dear Ieda and family:  My deepest condolences on your loss.  He was a good mentor to me during my grad school years at UMass and I have always appreciated his support in my career.   Please know that my thoughts are with you in this difficult time.
Linda Chen (South Bend, IN)

I will always be grateful for the personal attention and dedication that Dr. Wiarda showed me during my first few years of grad school. Howard was a very intelligent and prolific scholar and has definitely left a major footprint on the field of comparative politics. He will be missed.

I am lucky to have had the privilege to work with Howard. His enthusiasm for the profession outpaced us all, and he devoted himself fully to it. His presence - and his humor - will be sorely missed by the department and field. My deepest condolences to the Wiarda family.

With fond memories of Howard, an outstanding, gifted colleague and a true gentleman.

----Loch Johnson

My daughter and I send condolences and prayers for your entire family. May your memories and love sustain you in the days ahead.

I will miss Howard's sense of humor, his energy, and most of all his entertaining stories about the old grandees of comparative politics! He was a force of nature, incredibly prolific, outspoken and insightful. This is a great loss to the Department of International Affairs. Rest in Peace, Howard!

I only knew Dr. Wiarda for a short time but after helping him with his newsletters, I feel like I knew him and his family. I will miss him calling me "Bev." God bless you, the Wiarda family.

We are so sorry Ieda and family. Please accept our sincere condolences.The McCann Family

OBITUARY

Howard John Wiarda

November 30, 1939 – September 12, 2015

Bernstein Funeral Home and Cremation Services

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