Orin Read Howard

Read grew up in the Sugar House area of Salt Lake City, where he attended Garfield Elementary, Irving Junior High, and the now-famous East High School. He went on to attend the University of Utah, earning both his bachelor's and master's degrees.

From 1952 to 1954, Read served a mission in the Northern States Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His love for the gospel of Jesus Christ and his desire to serve others remained an important part of his life.

Later, he served his country in the United States Army Medical Corps. From 1957 to 1959, he was stationed at the 60th Station Hospital in Chinon, France, in the Loire Valley, where he served as a Specialist Second Class (SP-2).

A lifelong lover of learning and nature, Read shared his passion with generations of students during his 34-year career as a science teacher. His deep fascination with the earth and its history earned him the affectionate nickname "Rock Hound," a title he wore proudly. He spent a lifetime collecting specimens, exploring the natural world, and sharing what he knew with those around him.

That love of the earth never left him. He especially loved the red rocks and geology of Utah. On a drive through the state, he could point out and name almost any rock formation, explain how it came to be, and tell you the history of the mountains and small towns along the way.

Read married Joan Dian Cannegieter on April 20, 1962, in the Salt Lake Temple. Their honeymoon destination was the World's Fair in Seattle in 1963. He led many family vacations camping throughout Utah and the surrounding states as the family grew. Whitewater rafting down the Snake River became a summer tradition for many years in the 1980s. He helped lead family and friends down the river, giving instructions on how not to flip out of the raft going into "lunch counter" and pointing out what types of trees and plants were around, along with wildlife many of us would not have spotted as we floated on the easy parts of the river. The Utah Shakespearean Festival in Cedar City was another event he made sure to plan as a annual family trip and was one of his favorites.

He spent most of his teaching career at Olympus Jr High, leading and helping the understanding to click behind students' eyes about chemistry, biology, physics, and whatever else intrigued Jr high kids' minds and led them to ask him science questions. The model airplane and model rocket clubs were a special activity he was able to shepherd in that school for decades while he was there. A few times getting second-generation participation in class and clubs. In the last few years, he was able to use his experience to stand up a solid science program at Thomas Jefferson Jr., a new Jr. High, and received state recognition for leading their Science program.

Read and Joan had eight wonderful children together: James Read Howard; Anne Marie Howard (deceased); Launa Joan Wright (Karl); Holly Ann Howard & Heather Lynn Howard (twins, deceased); Teresa Ann Johnson (Brad); Heidi Jean Brennan; John Richard Howard.

One of the greatest blessings of Read's later years was his marriage to his beloved wife, Sharon. Read and Sharon shared 18 wonderful years together, building a life filled with tenderness, companionship, laughter, travel, family, and faith. Their love for one another was evident to everyone around them.

Together they enjoyed an Alaskan cruise, trips to Oahu, Hawaii, Bear Lake, Midway, and Park City, and more than a decade of Lake Powell houseboat trips. They also enjoyed many bus tours to St. George, where they attended plays at Tuacahn. Wherever their travels took them, Read's curiosity and love of the natural world were never far behind.

Read and Sharon loved bringing people together. Their home and lives were filled with family parties, birthdays, celebrations, and opportunities to simply enjoy being together. For nearly 20 years, they also enjoyed being part of the Sons of Utah Pioneers.

At the heart of their life together was a shared love for the gospel of Jesus Christ and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They cherished opportunities to serve others and especially loved serving together in the Salt Lake Temple and at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. They found great joy in temple attendance, service, and being part of the work of the Lord. Their service was not simply something they did—it was something they truly loved.

Read was preceded in death by three daughters, Anne Marie, Holly, and Heather, along with his first wife, Joan, with whom he raised their children, James, Launa, Teresa, Heidi, and John.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Sharon, and his children from two loving families: James, Launa (Karl), Teresa (Brad); Heidi, and John from his first marriage to Joan. Along with Diana, Greg, Dee (Gerri), Ben (Patty), Holly, Krissy, Heather (Eric), Matt (Suzanne), Danny (Amber), Steven (Eileen), Jason (Marcie), and Nathan (Teresa) from his second marriage to Sharon; along with 40 grandkids and 13 great-grandkids, with two more on the way. There are many extended family members, former students, and friends who will miss his wisdom, humor, curiosity, and gentle spirit, along with the family.

Services will be held Saturday, August 29th at 11:00 a.m. at the Holladay 2nd Ward Chapel located at 2065 E. 4675 So. Friends may call Saturday from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. at the church before services. Interment: Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park.