I'm not gonna cry...(for long).

Howard Labadie was a merry old soul.  While I mourn the loss of one truly great man, I celebrate the life he lived so well.  These are some of the things that I will miss most about Howard…

That smile.

Everyone loved Howard.  Everyone.  He was always smiling… even when he was “resting his eyes”.  When you met Howard, you immediately felt his warmth and kindness.  He loved interacting with people, and was never lacking in the conversation department.  He had a way of always making you feel welcome and special.  His optimistic outlook on life was contagious, and his appreciation of the beauty in each day made you want to hang out with him. 

Those Howard-isms.

Howard loved sitting on the front porch overlooking Crystal Lake.  What a view!  He would say, “If you’re lucky enough to be at the cottage, you’re lucky enough.” 

Howard would say a lot of things over and over, especially the things that really resonated with him, or funny sayings… the “Howard-isms” as we call them. Eyes would roll, occasional protests grumbled as another line would make its way out, but we all secretly loved hearing him share them, over and over again.  



One of my favorite quotes regarding his membership at Crystal Downs, a rather exclusive country club designed by Alister Mackenzie was this, “I’m a member, but I don’t belong.”  

A simply great guy.
Howard was a humble man.  He enjoyed nice things, but it was the simple things in life that he really loved, like champagne cocktails at the cottage on Sunday afternoons, or smoking a cigar with the boys on the back deck while Judy served up some of her amazing hors d’oeuvres.  Ok, I guess “simple” is relative, but Howard came from simple beginnings, and while he enjoyed the richness of life, he knew that his greatest blessings were his loving wife and his beautiful family and friends.  

His tears.

Howard had battled with health issues for several years.  When faced with his own mortality, he became very cognizant of what really mattered in life.  He was quite emotional when it came to recognizing life’s blessings.  Howard couldn’t get through a toast without fighting back tears.  He choked up when talking about Judy, the love of his life.  His shoulders shook in silence when he tried to fight back the tears, and he would usually just give in to them.  I loved this most about Howard.  He was a deep, caring man with a huge heart. 

I could go on, but I'll end for now with a little prayer that Howard always added at the end of his pre-dinner grace.  We have made it our own, and we always think of "Grandpa Labadie" when we say it.

Howard, may your soul, and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.  Amen.

Big love to the entire Labadie family.