Howard Irwin Black died August 7 at the age of 86 following a long, courageous battle with dementia. Howard attended Hamilton High School in Los Angeles where he met the love of his life, his soul mate, Natalye Shrager. They were married in 1957 and remained devoted for over 55 years. Natalye passed away in 2013. Together they built a grand spiritual home of love, warmth and holiness where all who entered felt welcomed, cared for, loved and safe.
As far as anyone can remember, Howard always wanted to be a Coach and was very active in high school athletics (three letters) and college football, including a brief stint as a lineman at UCLA under legendary coach Red Sanders. He was also a member of the infamous Dragons. He was the head swimming and football coach at several Orange County high schools and community colleges throughout his career. Mid-career Howard was inspired to push his career forward and he transitioned into counseling at Santa Ana College, working with many athletes and helping them get into Division 1 colleges with scholarships. He was elected President of the California Community College Counselors Association. Howard retired from football and counseling in 1996.
Inspired by his son Brian’s mental health issues, Howard’s active community involvement focused on systemic reform and advocacy for the mentally ill, particularly in how the criminal justice system handles the special needs of the population. He served with the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, including the NAMI state board, and as President of the NAMI Orange County local chapter. As an active advocate and mentor for families that were impacted by the criminal justice system, Howard worked with the county government, as a member of the Sheriff’s Community Council, and the California state legislature to improve how mentally ill individuals are treated. Howard was involved in many charitable organizations. He followed the tradition of his parents, Victoria and Jack Black, who taught him the importance of Tzedakah, to heal the world.
Both Howard and Natalye were very active with the University Synagogue in Irvine participating in numerous Synagogue programs for over two decades. In leisure time, Howard enjoyed various physical activities throughout his life including racquetball, golf, biking, weights and running. Hawaii was his favorite vacation getaway retreat.
Howard will be lovingly remembered by his large and extended family including his children Laurie (Robert “Bob” Lawrence) and Jeff (Danna), his six grandchildren AJ. (Skylar), Dustin (Cassie), Taryn (Nick), Seth (Olivia), Matthew (Jessie) and Madeleine, his five great-grandchildren Julius, Scarlett, Ramona, Emerson, Parker, his brother Stanley and his friends and community of University Synagogue. Howard’s son Brian Black (Judy) in 2008 and son in law Robert Lawrence in 2011 preceded him in death. Donations may be made in Howard’s memory to University Synagogue of Irvine, 3400 Michelson Drive, Irvine, California 92612.
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