Ted was the epitome of a family man, businessman, inventor and engineer who achieved the American Dream. He loved Bonnie, his kids, grandkids and great grandkids and they loved him. 

I took a photo of Ted and a grandson on his lap. Both Ted and his grandson had wide smiles evidencing their love for each other. 

Godspeed Ted. You are missed by all that knew you.

They say that a man is very fortunate to have 1 or 2 very close friends in which to share thoughts and ideas with in this world.
I hope to shout that Ted Howser must have had way way more
than that.  I  met Ted and Bonnie in 1985 while working at Stan's
Sales and Service on NW Marshall St in Portland.  I remember our
first handshake.  I remember I never shook a hand as big and strong
in my life.  Ted was a gentle giant.  The things I remember also was
the birthday parties at Ted and Bonnies and at the Red Lion at Jantzen Beach and the Karaoke that used to go way into the night.
I also remember when Ted and Bonnie invited Julie and I and the boys,  then 4 and 8 to their house to swim.  Robin and Jessie must
have been about 1 and 5ish.   
The one thing I remember most about Ted was what he used to
say to me when I asked him how his day was going.  As a matter of
fact he never,  ever said anything else.   I'd say Ted how's it going?
and he said " Couldn't be better,  Couldn't be better.  His life
displayed that kind of Certainty.   I miss you Ted.

I met Ted through my business dealings with Howser Steel.  My first impression was of a kind hearted man that would do anything for you if asked. You could always count on a smile and a handshake each time you were greeted. It is good to see that his legacy in the steel industry is continuing with his children Robin and Jesse now running Howser Steel.  That alone says a lot about the man Ted was. Ted, you will always be missed. 

I think the first time I met Ted was at the Ondine when I was about 15.  Later in life he would  became my brothers-in-law. Ted and I had many talks over the years about a lot of different things, but the best talk was a few days before he passed away. We had a heart felt conversation about God and he accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior. I know we will see each other again in Heaven.

Love you, 
Your sister in law
Cindy 

Dear Peepaw,

I remember when we would always go down to the house to see you and whenever I said Hi you would say “ What do you say kid”.  Then me Caiden and Barrett would just start laughing because of how funny we thought it was. Peepaw was the hardest working person I knew ( besides my mom and Uncle J) he was fillled with laughter and the best jokes ever. I miss him greatly and can’t wait till I get a chance to see him again. Caiden, Barrett and I love  and miss you so much 

To say meeting Ted Howser,makes an impression on you,is like saying, the grand canyon is a pretty big hole. Of all the people I have had the pleasure to meet,he stood out. No one who had the opportunity to know him,was unaffected. 
When I think things are tough,I am still motivated by Ted,if he could do it,so can I. 
 Thank you Ted,for all the inspirations and,even some of the frustration. You always moved forward. I was honored to know you.

Mr. Houser has been one of the best people I’ve meet in my whole life, for me he was the best example in respect, honesty, hard working, and noble. It a hard to find the type of atributes in one simple person, with his example he has taught me a lot of things, he was a great leader, a phenomenal person and over all one of the best human beings I have ever met. To me he was more than just my boss, he was my friend. There is to many words to say but not enough to express, I hope I can meet him in the next life that may come ....

  To say Ted Howser was larger than life would be a tremendous understatement. Ted was life. I first met Ted in 1975 when I went to work for him. He was doing some remodeling at the Ondine Residence Hall near PSU. Today I am once again working for Ted, in a way. I learned a lot from Ted over the years. Number one, Ted is a screamer. However you soon realize if Ted didn't scream at you you aren't worth his time. That is how you learned from Ted. If he was yelling at you it was time to change how or what you were doing. Ted loved his work, the business. He would often work late into the night and many weekends. 
  I remember doing a field job with Ted in Ontario Oregon. I believe it was an add on to a K Mart. Todd and Doug were along for the ride. We were hampered by the heat and when we could work due to store hours. When Friday rolled around and it was time to head back to Portland we hadn't gotten as much done as we needed. Doug and I were ready to go at four or five in the afternoon. Todd was staying. Ted kept saying you two go ahead, I'll catch a bus back to Portland. Needless to say, we finished what was needed and left about ten that night.
  Thanks for the memories Ted, you will be missed.
  
  

I knew Ted for over 35 years he was a great man. I worked at Pac states and Ted would bring in steel to be galvanized. He would pick it up at 12 00 am and never tide it down. He would bring the guys watermelon and chicken whenever he'd come in. He's going to be missed tremendously. 



To My Friend/Cousin Ted

You were always my inspiration to succeed in life.  To always do the best you can. To always be positive. You always had time for everyone. You were always larger than life. Physically, Mentally and Spirituality. I’m so happy that you, Bonnie, Beth and I got to take a trip to Alaska to fish for halibut and salmon. What a great time.

Love you, miss you, till we meet again My Friend



Ted was the hardest working person that I have ever known in my life. He always had a plan and probably still has a plan to this day. His head was full of projects and his brain was occupied by thousands of jobs that were either being worked on, future endeavors, or items left on the “to – do” list, just because time ran out. 

I met Ted Howser 35 years ago. I was 19 years old when his son, Todd, hired me to work on a barge that was being built by Howser Steel at Sundial. Ted had a loud, commanding voice that let you know everything was going to work just fine, whether it did or not. I quickly learned that Ted did not just tell people what to do and when to do it, but he taught people what to do and when to do it. He was really a leader, but we all called him “Boss”.  
Early in my fabrication career with Howser Steel, I completed a job, following the drawings and specifications. I do not remember what the job was, but the result was the part worked, although it did not look good.  Ted came over and said, “Aesthetics, Kid”.  His appreciation and positivity taught me a valuable lesson that day and fostered in me the pride I take in my work as a fabricator. I use this inspiration to this day. 

Through the years, Ted kept us all entertained with phrases he was fond of saying: “forty-four to four, Baltimore”, “What is that, a Dougie tack?”, “better days ahead” and “where do I buy tickets to the circus?” are a few favorites. I remember him yelling for Bonnie when things did not go right, like she was going to come running and fix it all. Ted had style, passion, appreciation, and charisma. 

I could go on and on for hours with the stories he told and his accomplishments in life. Ted was multi-faceted, and it is hard to sum up our relationship in one sentence or paragraph. I have never met anyone like Ted before and I will never forget him. 

I imagine Ted and Todd up in heaven, Ted is going 100 miles a minute, building a roof over the pool and Todd is fishing. 


A bit of sweet memories from the Scrubby Howser grandkids.  We were very lucky to get to know our fathers cousin as well as we did and were able to share many stories.  Our years in Alaska and the fall drive south to the warmth of So California, we would stop by Portland and Ted would share with us the stories of what the cousins would do to his pocket book.  From Herfie the Hereford they fattened off the blackberry bushes in the back lot to the pickup that Bonnie and Doug rebuilt after using it to break Todd coming on the grade into Portland to the welder marked “Howser Steel” laying in the center divider of the freeway.  Ted would always have a bucket of small hand projects for us to do during the day while we were in Portland – Loved it.  
After I lost Harlan, I was doing my theropedic spin around Montana to Portland and Home when I had a brain storm, called Bonnie to join me on a Halibut fishing trip to Alaska.  Well, before long Ted also said yes as did my Bromley.  We all flew in to Anchorage and had Fred Ascraft pick us up and a motorhome rental.  We stopped by Sams Club and loaded up on food and headed for the spit.  We fished and ate for 10 days and when we were done, Ted caught all the fish. What a trip we all had.  What a way to put your life into a picture of love and action.


My grandfather was always the life of the party when I was young.I remember once during a New Year’s Eve party , he jump of the diving board into the pool, fully clothed, and holding a drink! I’ll never forget that. He will truly be missed.

Not one day passes without thinking of this man and the effect he had on my life. He helped me many times – with no other reason than he felt it was the right thing to do. And by this, I learned how to do the right thing and help others. He taught how to be pragmatic and move on from trying situations. I am a better person for having known Ted Howser. To quote Jackie Robinson: “A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives”. An impactful life indeed.

I can't put into words the impact Ted had on my life. I find myself asking what would Ted do in this situation? He always helped me out, still.  He always said'' save your money it's gunna be a long winter'' or on the way out the door ''see ya in the spring kid''.                        I miss him everyday.                                                                                                                              He is my HERO !!!                                                                                                                                              Doug Howser Burchak  ,    Thank you Ted

Everyone in the steel industry in Portland knew Ted.  He was loved and respected by all.  In the '80's I was an owner of Riverside Steel Fabricators and was a competitor of Howser Steel.  Later, in the '90's I sold my company and went to work at Brown Strauss Steel as an outside salesperson.  Therefore, I called on Ted and Bonnie and became good friends with them and their children.  Ted and I planned on celebration our birthdays together.  I miss him and his great personality!

Well where to begin? It's taken me a while to figure that out.. In the early 2000's I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to work for Howser Steel, not knowing I'd have an opportunity to work for and better yet with such an amazing man as Ted Howser, along side his wife Bonnie they built an amazing legacy together always with Ted's motto 'how do we get it done!' Over the years I was honored to learn from Ted what it was to be an amazing man and leader, even though at times he enjoyed a lot of laughter at some simple troubles had by us all. He'd always greet me with 'How you doing Captain, what are we doing today?' My response, 'I don't know boss what do you want to get done?' He always carried himself with a certain greatness that few men will ever have. Hard working doesn't explain his work ethics GET IT DONE says it best! There isn't enough time or words & never will be to speak on his strength. He has done more things in his years then I could even dare to do. He was just one of those men built to work & not just work but work HARD! He is a man we may never see the likes of again. I always left my days with him a little smarter & with a different way of looking at things. Even when I'd do something wrong he always made me feel ok like it's OK I've done some things in my time too. Such an  amazing man he always has been and will be to me BUT the best times were spent @ his home watching War documentaries with a chicken pot pie. I learned more about history from him then any of the shows we watched. He will forever be a part of some of my great memories & great skills I will carry with me. Greatness is defined as being larger then ordinary in size or ability, in degree or importance. Ted will always be the definition of GREATNESS to me. 

It is with respect and fondness I share some memories of Ted.
At age 20 I moved to Portland from a farm in Missouri.   The
Jolly Joan establishment afforded me my first employment.
To work in  the heart of a  large city  such as  Portland was a
joyous experience.
In reflecting back and reminiscing over the past, I remember
Ted still today, as if it were only yesterday the first time I saw
him.  He was cooking at the grill when I called in my first order
of food.
I told my sister that I could not understand why this six foot
handsome person that looked to me like some college football
player would be working as a chef in a kitchen.  I later found my
thoughts humorous when told that Ted was the proprietor.
Ted asked me where I grew up because of my accent.  Then he
said, "Stick around kid and we will make something out of you."
I had not the slightest notion what he was referring to, but as
the new kid on the block, it  enhanced my self esteem. 
Ted loaned me money for a brother to purchase a bus ticket
back to Las Vegas after his car had been repossessed here.
That kindness meant a lot to me back in the 1960's.
I was afforded different opportunities of work in the Jolly Joan
establishment.   I believe  that  establishment  to have  been a
legend in its day.  Offering excellent food and affording people
employment.  Many of whom were students at Portland State.
There are some people in life that one never forgets who will
always hold a special place in our hearts.  Ted was such a person
to me.  Special and kind memories of him shall forever remain.
I send condolences to his family.   Lillie Underwood Buell

I received a call from Robin last Friday, August 21st, as I was driving back from Central Oregon to let me know that her dad, Ted, had passed away about a month before. I spoke with Bonnie at length on the phone and we shared some memories of Ted. 

Bonnie, Robin and Jesse have been mourning the loss of this great man since his passing and the phone calls were hard to make. Ted's love of family and friends, his kindness, spirit, hard work, innovative ideas, ever-present smile and laugh will remain in the memory of all those who knew him.

I had known Ted for 35 years and he was a kind man that made everyone feel instantly welcome. He was a friend to all people with whom he just met and those he had known for many years.

Ted had boundless energy and stamina and could run circles, backwards, around people half his age. No challenge was too great for Ted. He was a Can Do man for which no challenge was too great. 

Ted was an All American Family Man first, a steel fabricator, and business owner, second. He adored and loved Bonnie, Robin, Jess and his grand kids.

Ted was open to new ideas and his ego was checked at the door. He relished the success of his family and employees. Bonnie was the best welder at Howser Steel and Ted celebrated her success.

They say that a dad and mom are judged by the good citizenship, maturity and success of their kids. Bonnie and Ted hit it out of the park with Robin and Jesse. It is usually difficult to pass a business along to kids. Bonnie and Ted taught Robin and Jesse the steel fabrication business  since they were kids and both had an intense interest in the success of Howser Steel. 

Robin and Jesse's love of family, work ethic, and enthusiasm for the business will allow Howser Steel to prosper for many years to come.

Ted was a Navy Veteran (Pilot) and Jesse served in the Marine Corps. As a former Army Officer, I salute both of them and we thank them for their service to our great country.

Godspeed my friend. 




I moved into the Multnomah Village neighborhood in 1978 and the beautiful brick home overlooking Gabriel Park immediately caught my eye.  I mentioned to a co-worker, who also lived in the neighborhood, that I was keeping a hopeful eye out for a for sale sign on the property.  He said, no way, he also had his eye on the property and was determined to beat me to it!  Fast forward 30+ years and I find myself inside the home, meeting the builder and hearing the amazing story of its construction from salvaged bricks from the Vanport flood!  Not to mention, being told that it would never be on the market!!  I met Ted and Bonnie through my daughter, who they welcomed into their home.  I remember our first discussion as if it were yesterday.  Here was a man who excelled in his steel construction business and he was discussing biology and genetics with me – it was amazing!!  Ted was a remarkable man, serving our country in the Navy, broadly educated, technically accomplished with an exceptional work ethic, an amazing husband, father and grandfather, and the dearest of friends.  I feel so fortunate to have known him, and will miss him dearly.  My love to Bonnie, Jesse and all of the family.

My first in depth conversation with Ted was at the Marine Ball.
Jesse and our daughter, Rachel arranged for my wife, Susan 
and I and Bonnie and Ted to attend. As impressive as the Ball
was, the most memorable part was talking with Ted.
For me, Ted will always be personably remembered for the 
wonderful life stories he graciously  shared with me:
               About taking on the entire PSU football team in a
               boxing ring.
               Building a magnificent family home using bricks he 
               salvaged from the destroyed buildings of the Vanport 
               Flood.
               Overbidding for the contract to construct the steel
               structures of the Southwest Community Center so 
               that he would know that it was done right.
               And, of course, being the cohost of the traditional
               Howser Christmas Eve spectacle. 
I will always be grateful for having the opportunity of being
Ted's friend.

Bill Nelson









I first met Ted a little over 30 years ago when I started working at Howser Steel. He was one of a kind, always moving, always fixing things, and always happy to see you.  Ted could run circles around people a qtr of his age! He loved his truck, Old Blue was it’s name.

Even though I only worked there two years, I gained a family.  Best employer I ever had. 

 I loved listening to Ted’s stories or maybe I should say his life adventures because he had lots of them and the stories never never got old.  I loved he story about the bricks that built the house. 

His love for Bonnie and hers for him is and was like no other I have ever witnessed. I remember one time down in the shop office, Bonnie and Ted were talking about a job and trying to figure out how to fix something and just out of the blue Ted says “Hey Bonnie  you want to have another baby” and he just got this big grin on his face and the twinkle in his eyes that he would get when ever he was looking at Bonnie.  What a awesome team they made.

Ted you will be me missed by all of us.

 RIP Ted, see you on the other side.

 


RIP Ted Howser. You were a strong man that believed that you work hard for what you want.  And you made that happen. You were the greatest husband for my best friend Bonnie and a wonderful father to Robin & Jess who loved you dearly.  You were a good friend to all that knew you & you will be sorely missed. We know you’ll be looking down on us and guiding us through life. Goodnite sweet man. 

I met Ted in about 1985–From the first handshake I knew Ted (and Bonnie)  would always be a part of my life both in business and personally.  Ted always wanted to know what I was doing and how I was doing — I don’t recall a time where Ted didn’t stop what he was doing to talk to me— 
I will miss Ted, but I know his life was complete — he loved to work and steel is more a craft than anything — enjoying making stuff for others is so fulfilling and I know it completed Teds life and kept him ambitious until his death. 
Love you Ted! 
Marcus Lampros 

As a kid in San Diego my family brought me to Portland to visit a lot, though looking back I have a hard time finding memories of my Grandpa. I have lots of memories being at the Howser House, but I have a feeling my Gramps was hard at work fixing or building something.  I'm so thankful for the past four years I got to know Ted and become a part of the legacy he created, Howser Steel.  He helped so many others along the way, and will forever be a part of this city. Thank you Grandpa from my heart, and the heart of Portland. 

Ted Howser made me feel like I belonged. He was the only person I knew who was able to fix everything thing that broke down in my automotive world. As my uncle he was the best boss a nephew could ever have. My most memorable experience was always having a place at the dinner table when I would come over to visit. He was the guy that taught me how to water ski for the first time. He was the guy who made it possible to go to a motorcycle race on the weekend. These memories & the impression they have left on me will always be with me. His example of building the family business into what it is today is a reminder to all of us to never stop working towards a goal. Ted Howser will always be larger than life to all of us because of how he lived & what he did for others. My thoughts & prayers are with Bonnie, family & friends.  

Ted Howser was an amazing man and I always looked up to him. When I started at Howser Steel almost 20 years ago I didn’t know anything about steel. Ted taught me a lot over the years. I was hired as a driver and there was no load too long or wide I couldn’t get to any job safely. He got me to get my CDL license and I did on his birthday going to be 11 years this year. I would drive him to the lake house and Ted would be telling me stories every time. I miss Ted so very much and all his amazing stories. He would come to the shop and ask where is this load going then get into the truck and ride with me to the job site many times. He enjoyed watching my forklift skills with the  steel.  

Ted is truly one of a kind. His stories and our time together have impacted my life; I’m sure many others feel the same way. I wish I knew he understood how much of an impression he’s had on so many people. The Howsers are very generous and Ted was no different - very caring people. From partying with an 80 year old in Vegas to watching he and Bonnie outbid one another at an annual auction...good times! My most memorable experience is when he and I went to the liquor store to stock up and ended up paying the attendant ‘cash’ to let us get our fill while in the store. This outing was 100% Ted! He insisted we pay off the employee so that we can drink, in the store. Not that this is recommended, but it’s true. We took Jesse’s Mustang while he was away. There we were, Me & Ted in a most excellent adventure. Miss you!! 

Ted Howser was a great man! There is no other way to put it. I first met Ted when I went to work for the Ondine, where he was the manager. He helped me through many trials and tribulations in my own life while always maintaining his personal and professional integrity. He was a man’s man and yet was very soft hearted and kind to all. He was so loved and will be so missed.

Every time Ian and I come home to Portland, the Howser house is always a place we go. Ted was always so excited to see us, always had the biggest smile on his face and would say, "how ya doin' kid?!" Seeing photos of him working on the lake house recently didn't surprise me- you couldn't stop him from working. (That's where J and Rob get it from). He and Bonnie have made me feel like family- they've opened their home and lake house up to us, let us borrow the van a million times, and even have us over for dinner/ hot tubbing when Jess was in bootcamp or out of town. He will truly be missed. Sending SO much love to the Howser gang. (Photo from our wedding).

I first met Ted Howser when I was dating his son, Mitch Howser and later became his daughter-in-law when we married.  HE was bigger than life and always treated me with kindness and respect, ever after I was no longer married to his son. I believe that once family, always family.  The Howser name rings strong for me and always will. You can say its in my soul.  I was very saddened to hear of Ted's passing but believe in my heart he is in heaven with GOD and his son Todd...Ted, thank you for being a part of my life for so many years... You will be terribly missed but NEVER forgotten.  GOD bless you and rest in peace.  Love, Heidi

My heart is broken. I miss you so much every day.  Thank you for such at wonderful life and 2 beautiful children. It’s hard to put the last 45 years into words but know that I loved you with all my heart. 
Your wife Bonnie

OBITUARY

Theron Robinson Howser Jr.

November 29, 1927 – July 14, 2020

Finley-Sunset Hills Mortuary & Sunset Hills Memorial Park

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