Howell N. Powder

Howell N. Powder, 50, died July 10 as a result of a motorcycle and pickup collision.

Howie was born Sept. 29, 1958 in New York City. He graduated from Tottenville High School in Staten Island in 1976, and SUNY (State University of New York) Onenonta in 1980.

Always the rock hound, Howie headed west to climb in the Grand Tetons. Sitting around a campfire at Jenny Lake Campground he met Sharon Shaw. Soon they were on the road arriving in Anchorage on Sept. 1, 1980.

While in Anchorage, Howie worked at the “old” REI and also used his skills as a competing college gymnast to teach gymnastics. Tired of city living, Howie and Sharon pitched a wall tent high up Hiland Road along the south fork of Eagle River. By 1984, they tested their relationship by building their home near Hatcher Pass. All the while Howie was mountain biking, whitewater kayaking, telemark skiing and climbing large mountains. In the late 1980s, Howie and Sharon took their klepper to kayak in Belize. Falling in love with Central America they returned and backpacked throughout the area. In 1991 Howie’s biggest adventure began with the birth of Celaina. No more falling into crevasses and white water kayaking. Instead it was telemarking with a baby pack and sailing in Prince William Sound.

A can-do guy, Howie wanted better ski trails near his home, so he learned how to weld and built a groomer which soon led to longer and better trails for many people. In the summer he gave the road bicycle a try, saw competition in the Fireweed 200 and 400, and rode by himself from Palmer to Haines. Most recently, Howie amazed everyone with his skills and endurance by holding the one wheel record in the 24-hour marathon.

Over the years Howie met and made many friends through working at Denali Gymnastics, Enstar, MEA, Slope work and home construction. For the last several years he put his college degree and life experiences to use at Edward Jones Investments as a financial adviser, mentor and friend to his clients. Howie encouraged everyone to plan for the future, but live for today. Let those around you know you care.

Howell is survived by his patient wife and partner of 29 years Sharon; the daughter he was so proud of Celaena; mother Phyllis of North Carolina; brother Glenn (Jill), nieces Alicia and Erin of California; mother-in-law Catherine Shaw of Wisconsin; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and in-laws all around the country. He was preceded in death by his father Jerome Powder, and father-in-law Dayton Shaw.

Join Howie’s family and friends for great food, great music and great times in memory of Howie on Saturday for an open house from 3 to 9 p.m., at the home of Kevin DelDuca. Go to Mile 6.5 Palmer-Fishhook Road across from Yellow Store and look for signs to the Powder gathering. Call 745-1040 for more information. Potluck dishes are welcome. Also visit http://howiepowder.blogspot.com to view photographs and leave a story about Howie for his family and friends.

In memory of Howell, memorial donations may be made to Alaska Dog and Puppy Rescue, PO Box 876888, Wasilla AK 99687.

Arrangements by Alaskan Heritage Memorial Chapel and Crematory of Wasilla.