Howard Mills,

9/15/1930 – 05/3/2010
Birthplace: Bellingham, WA
Last Resided in: Everson, WA
Service: Celebration of Life
Location: Westford Funeral Home
Date: Fri. May 15, 2010
Time: 12 noon
Obituary
Howard Mills, age 59 of Bellingham, passed away May 3, 2010 unexpectedly at his residence. He was born September 5, 1950 in Bellingham to Howard Sr. & Patricia (Ford) Mills. Howie was the third generation owner of H.E. Mills Electric, which was founded by his grandfather in 1911. He met his future wife Barbara Dunkak in grade school and they married on May 6th, 1972. He served 6 years with the U.S. Air National Guard in Bellingham. Howie was the current President of the Mt.
Baker Ski Area, and in past years was active in several community organizations. He was passionate about students having the opportunity for Vocational Education. Howie was a man of many hobbies including flying, riding motorcycles, boating, hunting, fishing and woodworking. Howie was always curious and had an adventurous spirit. He loved his family dearly and was active in his children’s lives, always wanting them to be independent and successful.
Howie was preceded in death by his father, Howard Mills, Sr. in 1988. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Mills; son Howie E. Mills (fiancé Amber Stringer); daughters Lauren Mills and Angela Mills (fiancé Brian Watson); grandson Howie Mills, mother Patricia Mills; sister Stephanie Mills and her children Doug (Kuni) Grant and Jaime (Josh) Nichols, and numerous other relatives.
A Celebration of Howie’s Life will be held at Westford Funeral Home on Friday, May 14 at 12 Noon followed by a reception at the the Squalicum Boathouse at Zuanich Point Park, 2600 Harbor Loop.
Memorial scholarship gifts may be made in Howard’s name to Bellingham Technical College Foundation, 3028 Lindbergh Ave., Bellingham, WA 98225; or memorials to Whatcom Hospice.
Guestbook
From: Ron Fenton
City/State: Kona, HI
Many are saddened by the news of Howie’s death. I am so very sorry that Barb and family have experienced such loss. I’m especially sad for Aunt Pat, one of the most important people in my life. My heart goes out to all of the Mills family. I have many thoughts of Howie giving me advice and being interested in what was happening in my life. Riding with him in fast boats and his airplane was always a thrill. I’m sorry that I cannot make it from Hawaii for the service on Friday, but Steve will be there. I will send all my love with him to all of the family. With deepest sympathy, Ron Fenton
From: Steve Ford
City/State: Kailua Kona, HI
Barb, Pat, Steph and all the family, so very sorry to hear the news of Howie’s sudden passing. Howie loved life and lived each day as if it could be his last. He loved an adventure and he loved to share his adventures. I think that my cousin packed about four lifetimes in his short 59 years on earth!!!!! Howie you will be so missed, but never forgotten. Steve
From: Lynn Feller
City/State: Bothell, WA
I wish I could put into words what I want to say. Howie was a big brother to me and I have so many awesome memories of great times and adventures with him and Barb. I hope you know how much those memories mean to me. Pat, Steph, Barb, Howie, Lauren & Angie…our hearts and our prayers are with you. May the Lord comfort and hold you close. All my love, Lynn (and Steve, Logan, Zach & Alisa) xo
From: Peggy J. Hinton
City/State: Bellingham, WA
Hello Pat and Family: I am so sorry about your loss and I’m sending my sincere sympathy and fondest regards to Pat and the entire Family. My memories of Howard were his friendly personality, intelligence and love of the outdoors. With my sincere sympathy to each of you, Peggy Hinton
From: Jeff Starkenburg & Michelle
City/State: Bellingham, WA
Message:
Barb, Howie, Lauren, Angie and Family, I’m so very sorry to hear about Howie’s passing. Howie was a hell of a man, a true friend and confidant to many of us. Howie had a huge heart and a genuine love and concern for his family, friends and co-workers. Howie loved to play and I’m very greatful I had the chance to hang with him! God speed Howie! Love Ya Man!!
From: Lisa Christensen
City/State: Bellingham, WA
Dean and I were both surprised and saddened to hear the news of Howie’s sudden passing. One of my fondest memories I have is of my first “retirement” party at the ARCO jobsite when he bought me a cake and a Mickey Mouse watch (I still have the watch). His humor and love of life will be missed by all that knew him.
From: Splendora Papetti-Huizenga
City/State: Bellingham, WA
Please know that my heart goes out to the whole family.
From: Malia Jorgenson
City/State: Bothell, WA
Barb and family, I’m so sorry for your loss! We are praying that you will have God’s comfort and peace during this time. Malia & family
From: Marci Hanson
City/State: Bellingham, WA
To Barb and family: I am very saddened by this news and will miss Howie. I have good memories of working for him at the Ski Area. He was all heart and could always tell a story to make us laugh. I am grateful I had the opportunity to know him. Marci Hanson
From: Darcie Haskell
City/State: Bellingham, WA
Barb, Howie, Lauren, Angie, Pat and Steph, I am so sad that Howie is gone from our lives and I know you will all feel a great void in your lives. Howie lived life ‘big’ and we all benifited from it with his stories, his passions and his actions. The Haskell family has great memories of boat trips (Desolation Sound), Mother’s Day outings and hanging out on the lake, just to name a few. His family was the most important thing for him and he always would say to me “You know Darc, our (Allsops, Haskells and Mills), kids have turned out so great. I’m more proud of that than anything!” He was loved. You are all in my prayers. Love, Darcie
From: Dan Stenvers
City/State: Bellingham, WA
Barb I am so sorry for your loss.
From: Michelle Starkenburg
City/State: Reno, NV
I have known Howie since as far back as i can remember. My dad Jeff and Howie were good friends. Many fond memories playing at the lake, 4th of July drive by’s in a boat. Howie, you will be greatly missed. Rest in Peace.
From: Dorothy (Johnson) Goldsmith
City/State: Bellingham, WA
My father worked with Howie at Mills Electric back in the 70's and always had kind things to say about him. My father referred to Howie as a man of integrity and a man with a great work ethic. We are so sorry for your loss and we know how much he will be missed.
From: Peter & Karen Anderson
City/State: Bellingham, WA
We would like to express our sympathy to the Mills family. Barb, you and Howie were so kind and generous to us for so many years when we were just starting out. A typical Howie story: I was building a fence and needed a nail gun with aluminum nails. After asking Howard if he had one I could borrow, he instructed me to jump in his truck and he proceeded to take a couple of hours to take me down to the construction store to buy everything I would need for the job. I could tell many such tales about the kindness of this family. Thanks for being there for us. We will keep you in our prayers. Love, Peter and Karen
From: Tami Eiford
Dear Barb and family, Sorry your family has to say good bye to their beloved Howie, father, husband, friend… and all that made him special. My thoughts are with you all. Tami
From: Cary & Cecilia Ford
City/State: Ferndale, WA
Dear Aunt Pat,Sephanie,Barb,Howie,Lauren and Angie, Words cannot express my sadness over Howie’s passing. Howie was one of the most generous, caring and loving people I knew. He did so much for my family and me. He was very much like his Father. Howie and I went from blowing up mail boxes on the 4th of July as kids to some very memorable hunting and fishing trips as adults. Howie was a doer not a talker; when a task needed to be done he got it done. We were able to spend more time together the last couple of years and boy did we have some fun. Howie, I will always love you and deeply miss you forever! We have lost a truely great friend. Love to all, Cousin Cary Aunt Pat,Steph,Barb,Howie,Lauren and Angie, When we lose someone so suddenly, it’s devastating. When you think of them there’s a catch in your breath when you realize they are no longer here with us. After a moment remembering that person brings a smile. When I think of Howie, things that make me smile are Mr. Kim’s and big platters of sushi. Listening to stories of the goose hunting trips to Eastern Wa. Watching Howie talking with Clem and Cary at dinners at Aunt Pat’s. His sense of humor. He was a good man and a generous person. I’ll miss seeing him. Cecilia
From: Nancy Blake
City/State: Stanwood, WA
Dear Barb, How very sorry I’am to hear of Howard’s passing. I will remember him as he was in highschool, tall good looking and always with a smile. Thinking of You
From: Douglas Davis
City/State: Nooksack, WA
Barb,Howie,Little Howie,Lauren,Angie,Pat & Stephanie Even though We have had Howie as a friend for only the last twenty years, it is like I’ve known him all my life. He has such a profound impact on all who are privileged to know him.I will miss sitting with Him, talking about our grandchildren and Discussions about, “THE WORLD ACCORDING TO HOWIE” Peggy and I are deeply sorry for your loss and are grateful to have known your family. You are in our thoughts! Doug & Peggy Davis
From: John & James Metz
City/State: Blaine, WA
My deep, deep and most heart felt sympathy to all your family. Understanding loss is a difficult emotion to deal with. Howie, I remember playing card board coffee cup poker with your dad in the lobby of the tech school during our apprenticeship 35 years ago. Lots of good years since. John & James Metz
From: Christina Riley
City/State: Catham, NJ
My deepest sympathies go out to the entire Mills family. I am a good friend of Amber Stringer and her fiance, Howie, and while I only met Howie’s father a few times, the memories I have of him are those of a passionate, friendly, and kind person. In the words of William Penn, “For death is no more than a turning of us over from time to eternity.” I hope that his memories stay with you, his friends, his family, for eternity. In sympathy, Christy Riley
From: Howard & Kristen Plank
City/State: Bellingham, WA
Barb & Family We were so sad to here of your lose, we all will miss Howie. Howie has always been a part of my life and has been a great friend and boss.Please remember Kristen and I are always here for you if you need anything. Love Kristen and Howard
From: MaryAnn F. Kohl
City/State: Bellingham, WA
Barb and Family: Howie was a sweet man with a depth of feeling that shaped his life and his love. He was always kind to me, and when we spoke, we had conversations where he was a beautiful communicator. I remember being next door neighbors when we were all newly married couples living in Silver Beach. That was fun!! I will never forget Howie, and now send my truest love and care to each of you. Howie will be missed, this we know to be absolutely true. Your friend, MaryAnn
From: Candy Ford and Jamie & Ian Kaplan
City/State: Bellingham, WA
Aunt Pat, Steph, Barb, and family — We were so saddened to hear the news of Howie’s sudden passing. His dry wit and colorful storytelling of his adventures will be missed at dinners at the lake. Our deepest sympathy and prayers go out to all of you. Sincerely, Candy, Jamie and Ian
From: Steve Hunnicutt
City/State: Bellingham, WA
Pat,Barb,Stephanie,Howie,Lauren,Angie (pause) I’m so sorry for your loss. Howard was so many things to so many people. As I try to write this note I reflect on how Howie himself would reference lifes challenges. He always put a funny spin on it and (magically) recreated the same hard situation into a story that would give hope or just make us all laugh. As I listed your names it brought to mind special nick names he had for each (smile) Thanks for sharing Howard with me for so many years. His influence and graciousness has been life changing.
From: Michael and Sarah McEvoy
City/State: Bellingham, WA
Barb and all the family, All of us in the Mann clan are deeply sorry for your loss of Howie. We will hold you up in prayer in the days and seasons ahead. Please hold tight to your faith; even when things make no sense at all, God is faithful, and He will carry you. Hold one another close…
From: Gibbons’ Family
City/State: Fullerton, CA
Barb and family- I was truly depressed at hearing of Howie’s passing. He was a huge part of my life when I lived in Bellingham and I’m sorry to have not spent more time with him the past several years…truly my loss! Howie was a kind, caring and compassionate soul that I admired greatly. He always had kind words and thoughts about everyone. Kim, Sarah, Laura, Billy and I have such fond memories of our family boat trips together to Desolation Sound. Those were vacations of a lifetime and we still talk about them. He was a great friend to me and I looked forward to our outings on the boats, plane, hanging out at the Yacht Club, sushi at Mr. Kim’s (omg, the bills there!), talking shop and about our families. And, who could ever forget the 3 week Alaska trip with Howie and Steve! What an unbelievable guys trip! Howie was a unique person in many ways. He had a heartfelt appreciation for his employees and truly hurt when they were down, had family issues or he didn’t have work for them. He just had a huge capacity to understand and feel others pain. Certainly a learning I took away from our relationship and I always valued his perspective on things. I know the world is a better place for having had Howie in it and am very sorry for your family’s loss. Bill, Kim, Sarah, Laura and Billy Gibbons
From: Lynda Hinton
City/State: Bellingham, WA
My Dear Pat, I wish I could turn the clock back to when I saw you last just a couple weeks ago, and life was good. I am so terribly sorry about Howie’s passing and if there is anything I could do to help, please let me know. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family~ Lynda
From: Pat Tucker
City/State: Hamilton, Montana
Somehow I thought we’d all live forever, that Dellesta Park gang who built tree forts, dug bomb shelters, girdled trees that didn’t belong to us (or our parents)and on it went. When high school ended we all went separate ways but childhood memories cling like the Sunrise Cove clay we used as war paint. They are good memories. Howie is in nearly all of them. Rest in peace my childhood friend.
From: Aaron Booker
City/State: Bellingham, WA
Barb, Howie, Lauren, and Angie (and the rest of the extended Family), I am missing Howard a lot. I miss his wise council, his sense of humor, and his enjoyment in other’s successes. (like mine, as I started and grew my business in the fall of 2001) I had less than a decade of his friendship, but feel lucky. I’ll never forget the day he said, “let’s go down to Seattle and visit Lauren tomorrow – you can help her with her computer.” He had me pack an overnight bag and we drove out to the airport and flew down in the Beaver. He had me fly most of the way down and back – and put us up at the WAC. What a blast. I happened to look at the picture he took of me piloting the plane recently – sure made me smile. My love to all of you, Aaron (and the rest of the Booker family)
From: John Crews
City/State: Sun Valley, Idaho
Having been fortunate enough to have shared our childhood years, growing up just down the street from Howie, I will always remember his ever-present smile, adventurous spirit, and always positive attitude. I was truly saddened to hear of his passing, but like everyone who was lucky enough to have been around Howie, I feel grateful to have spent a part of my life knowing him. John Crews
From: Jeff and Sandy LaPlant
City/State: Bellingham, Washington
Dear Mills Family, Our thoughts and prayers go out to each of you. Doug and Kuni we are so sorry to hear of your loss, your Uncle Howie was such a special man. Jeff and Sandy LaPlant
From: Erin & Mark Schlichting
City/State: Bellingham, WA
Barb and kids, We were so shocked and saddened to hear of Howie’s death. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
From: Ryan Hulford
City/State: Bellingham, WA
I can remember howard from when little howie and i were in boy scout together.he had the old blue ford with the carpet in the back.I also worked for howard in the shop at mill’s if there was ever a problem i could talk to him and felt comfortable talking to him!!!lol i can remember mark working and howard calling on the two way phone on his trips for ocean fall’s All i can say is that if i ever had to pick for someone to be my boss it would be him there are a lot of thing he said and the advice he gave me and i do beleave that if i didnt listen i would have my child livieng with me he is a real good man !!!!!and i just wish i could have told him one last time thankyou for what you did for me !!!!!you will alway’s be in my heart MR.MILL’S THANKYOU
From: Roland & Hazel Lewis
City/State: Langley, BC
Dear Barb, Hazel and I were saddened to hear of Howard’s death. I was thinking of him just days before as I read one of my journal entries where he and I had lunch together. We wish that we could come to the memorial service, but I am teaching a seminar on that date. Our hearts will be with you. Please accept our love and sincere prayers. Roland & Hazel Lewis
From: Doug & Judy Sande
City/State: Everson, WA
Dear Pat, Barb & Family – We were so sad to hear the news of Howie. We are thinking about you all and remembering our so, so long & many connections with the Mills’ family, starting with Doug’s Mom working for Howard Sr. all those years ago. Howie was a bright, funny guy & a good friend; we’ll especially remember these past few years of great flying/fishing trips to O.F. There will be one more empty chair at the pilot’s breakfast table on Saturday mornings.
From: Cindy Neidecker
City/State: Arlington, WA
Dear Barb and family. I am so sorry to learn that Howie passed away. I pray that you find strength in one another and the many happy memories that you share as a family. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Take care – Cindy Moran Neidecker
From: Stuart Smith
City/State: Ferndale, WA
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
From: Steve Peterson
City/State: Dupont, WA
I have lost a great friend,and mentor!The community has suffered a great loss as well.The mills family contributed so much of their time,and money to clubs,charities, employees because they believed in Whatcom county.I had the pleasure of knowing Sr,Howard,and little howie.Great people.Howard will be gone but not forgotten.
From: Mark & Dentte Stringer
City/State: Lake Stevens, WA
Our deepest sympathies and fervent prayers go out to the entire Mills family at this time of great loss. We will treasure the few times we were able to get together with Howard and always remember his fun sense of humor, love for his family, community and friends and most especially his deep love for his grandson, little Howie. He will be greatly missed by us all. Mark & Danette Stringer
From: Richard & Carol Mills
City/State: Bellingham, WA
Barb, we are so sorry for your loss. Dick and I have so many great memories of our times with Howard in Ocean Falls. He was a wonderful friend and we will miss him greatly.
From: Tiana (Willey) Staples
City/State: Lake Havasu City, AZ
Barb, so sorry to hear about your loss. He was one of the really good guys. Have fondest memories from our school days. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
From: Linda Marrom
City/State: Bellingham, WA
My deepest sympathy to the entire Mills family. I knew Howie from BLI and enjoyed his enthusiam in aviation. I was blessed to fly with him in his Beaver and I treasure the pictures. I know how much he loved his family as he always spoke of them. He was a wonderful,kind hearted man and the world could use a million more just like him. I am so sad for the family. God Bless you all.
From: Mark Richardson
City/State: Bellingham, WA
I knew Howard from preschool and he has been a first class member of the bellingham community his whole life.I am sorry to see him go.
From: Tony Fisher
City/State: Bellingham, WA
Dear Pat, Stephanie & extended Mills Family, It is with heart-felt admiration that I read the tributes to Howie’s fine character, abilities and spirit of adventure. So many of us are the benefactors of his fine upbringing. I am very grateful for the enrichment that Howie and the Mills family added to my “Dellesta” years. Tony Fisher
From: Jaime Nichols (Jambo)
City/State: Bellingham, WA
Uncle Howard always had a story, a joke, a nickname, and your back! He, like his father, always made sure his family was taken care of! even Doug and I. Thank you Howard! Gunna be wierd not have’n you around, you will be missed!
From: John Ellis
City/State: Bellevue
I’ll miss hanging out in the shop with Howie showing me how to build cabinets, boats, and everything else he loved to work on. And I’ll always remember his personal tour of Mt Baker- and I wish we could do it again.
From: Les Okonek
City/State: Bellingham, Wa
Dear Barb and family: As I write this note, I am thinking of the good memories. We had some good times at Mt Baker when the kids were all young. I will never forget the fun times at Ocean Falls and fishing with Howie Jr, Mark, Danny, and others at Rivers Inlet. I will always be grateful for having been one of Howard’s friends and for being a friend of his family’s. Howard had many friends during his journey through life, I am blessed to have shared part of the journey with him. Sincerely, Les Okonek
From: Mark Wright
City/State: Seattle, Washington
I first met Howard in 1983 when I answered a job posting on a bulletin board at Western Washington University. It said, “Handyman Wanted,” inquire at Mills Electric. I can’t remember what the interview was like, but I’m sure I said something like, “I grew up on a farm. I’m pretty handy.” I got the job, which mainly consisted of working around the family home on Lake Whatcom, the farm up the road, and around the shop on Iowa Street. I immediately liked Howie and Barb and everyone who worked for them. Howie’s grin and comfortable style put me at ease right away. My handyman skills did not put Howard at ease that first week. In four days, I managed to fall a tree that took out the family’s cable TV line. I backed a cherry picker truck into a power line connecting the airplane hanger to the house. I lost a rotor-tiller out of the back of a pick-up truck, sheering off a bolt inside, which essentially ruined it. I also partially melted a kayak that was apparently too close to a bon fire I lit near the house to get rid of some old wood. To this day, I’m not sure why Howie didn’t fire me. As I reported each disaster to Howie, he just kind of said, “Really?” To which I relied, “Yeah, I’m sorry.” Then he would smile in a way that I really couldn’t tell if he was mad or not. It was more of an amused look. He should have fired me, but he didn’t. That’s just the kind of guy Howie was. After that first week on the job, Howie started calling me “Boy Blunder” because I sure wasn’t Boy Wonder, at least not yet. I called him Batman in return. Even years later when we talked on the phone, he would say, “Boy Blunder?” I would say, “It’s me, Batman.” Looking back now, people overhearing our calls must have wondered about both of us. Later, as I got to know the Mills family, I felt like part of the family. I babysat the kids, gave them nicknames. Helped with the house addition. I even moved Howie’s sister to Sun Valley. Howie let me put his Gold Wing motorcycle in the moving truck and drive it back to Bellingham from Central Idaho. I was pretty sure he was either really hard up to find a mover, or he trusted me. I think it was the second one. A lot of you have talked about how giving Howie was. I saw it all the time. In fact, he co-signed a loan for me so I could buy a motorcycle–my first transportation. He did it because he knew I didn’t have anyone else to co-sign the loan. It’s just the kind of guy he was. I stopped working for Howie and Barb when I transferred to WSU. Years later, after becoming a news anchor in Seattle, I got a phone call from Howie. He said, ” I turned on the television with Barb… and I’ll be darned if it wasn’t Boy Blunder on the news!” What I learned from Howie was: life should be fun and you should help everyone you can, whenever you can. I also learned that our faults don’t erase the good we do. The good lives on in others, even after we’re gone. Howie did so many good things for all of us. My only regret is that I had hoped one day to sit down with Howie for lunch, talk about old times and tell him thanks for all he had done for me. I never got around to it. I think I told him in Christmas letters, but that’s not the same. I’m going to miss not having that afternoon with Howie. Many of you will miss him in ways far more profound. I’m just glad that I knew Howard and was able to share a part of my life with him and his wonderful family. Batman, I’ll miss you. My thoughts and prayers are with you and family Barb.
From: The Clarke Family
City/State: Bellingham, WA
Dear Barb and Family: We extend to you ours sympathy and our prayers. Please know that he is in a special place and taken caarae of. We understand a sudden loss and our heaart goes out to you. God and time heals wounds. With love, The Clarks
From: Tom McIntee
City/State: Bellingham
I orignially met Howie through a mutual friend. I sure enjoyed his company. He always knew how to put the right spin on a story or find the humor where there was none. I had thought at one time that I knew something about flying, but it became obvious to me that he knew much more. He will be missed. Please know that he was a good man and find comfort in your memory of him.
From: Kelly Jamison
City/State: Bellingham, WA
Barb & Family: My heart and prayers are with you. I use to work at the bank with you Barb. I have only the fondest memories of you and Howie. You let me keep my sail boat on your property. I am so sorry for your loss. I will hold you in a peaceful healing vision for a long time. Take good care. Love Kelly Jamison Previous Kelly Johnson
From: Michael Hunnicut
City/State: Bellingham, WA
I remember… Howards blazer. I THiNK it was a blazer or maybe a bronco, and he had this radar detector. He told me it ‘detected’ things, but well YOU ALL know Howard.. .he came up with some PRETTY colorful explanations for things. I miss him. I looked up to him. He was my cub scout leader, my teacher, and my friend. He was my family. He taught me MANY many things about the world and how it is to find your own way in life. Howard, I wish you well. You WiLL be missed. I love you big guy. Akela has left the building.
From: Marion Raney Oman
City/State: Long Beach, WA
I was saddened to hear that Howie died. My heart goes out to you in the family, especially. I was a neighbor and friend of Steph’s; I remember Howie as a handsome older brother with alot of warmth. I picture him out on the lake in the boat.