Thomas G. Howard, age 56, of Cambridge died peacefully at home August 5, 2015. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, August 15th at Strike Funeral Home – Cambridge Chapel. A time for visiting will be held one hour prior to the service
Memorials are suggested to Abbott Northwestern Hospital Foundation, Neuroscience Institute, and Allina Health and Hospice Foundation.
Thomas George Howard was born July 17, 1959 in St. Paul, Minnesota to Frank and Dorothy (Reil) Howard. He was raised in South St. Paul, attended Holy Trinity Catholic School and graduated from South St. Paul High School in 1977. On September 13, 1980 Tom was married to Laurie Swift and they made their first home in South St. Paul. In 2006 they moved to Harris where they enjoyed country life. Recently in 2014 they built their new home in Cambridge. Tom worked in automotive parts and service, retiring from Southview Chevrolet in Inver Grove Heights. He then established and ran Ink Alley Goods for a number of years, selling clothing and accessories at tattoo and motorcycle conventions. In his free time Tom loved motorcycling, ice fishing, and craft beer brewing. He was a tattoo enthusiast, and his colorful art reflected his personality. He was dearly loved and his positive spirit and great humor will be missed by all who knew him. His family gives special thanks to Dr. John Trusheim and team at Abbott Northwestern, Karen Carlson and team at Visiting Angels of Cambridge, and Allina Health Hospice.
Thomas Howard died peacefully at home on Wednesday, August 5th following two and a half years with Anaplastic Astrocytoma Brain Cancer at the age of 56 years and 19 days. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Dorothy Howard; infant brother, James; and beloved nephew, Nicholas Murphy.
Tom will be lovingly remembered by his wife and best friend of 35 years, Laurie; daughter and his pride and joy, Leah Howard of Richfield; brother, Stephen (Vicki) Howard of South St. Paul; two sisters, Patricia (David) Radtke of Cupertino, California, Judith (Timothy) Murphy of Blaine; nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; and by many other relatives and friends.
Stephen Howard says
My little brother I cannot imagine my life without you. You certainly were the shining star
in the Howard family. Always a smile, always a laugh, always a beer in your hand.
I will miss your stories and I will miss all the things you did. It is going to be tough
not to see or hear you again.
Dean Haehnel says
I’ll. never forget the memories we made as kids. Our family vacations to Crosslake, you driving me to high school, and the fun we had playing “kick the can”. Rest in peace. We will meet again. Deepest sympathy to your family.
Jen Edwards says
Laurie,
I am so sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. I met Tom a few years back when he came to Indy with you and he was so fun to talk to throughout the work event that day. My thoughts are with you.
Jen
Scott Hoffmann says
My sympathies and condolences to Laurie and the Frank & Dorothy Howard family. Many fond memories of growing up in SSP with your family and the stuff that Tommy and I learned together as kids and young adults. . Until we meet again, have the best damn ride of your life my friend!
Georgette and Richard Kleinbaum says
Our condolences to Laurie, Leah and all friends and family. You are in our thoughts.
Loren Wille says
Howie, Rich Brelje and a host of other friends grew up together. We made many great memories together from sleeping out at night in the summer, swimming every day of the at Lorraine pool, and Howie rebuilding the engine of his Camaro in front of the family house. Rich and I were with Howie the first night he went up to Laurie Swift’s front door to ask for a date. She accepted, much to Howie’s surprise!!!
I consider myself lucky to have known Howie, and I will miss his dry humor and gentle spirit. My deepest sympathies to the Howard Family and Laurie and Leah.
Ben Krueger says
Laurie,
I’m so sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. I enjoyed meeting him long ago at a corporate Timberwolves event. You have my sincerest condolences and sympathies.
Ben Krueger
Ron Solyntjes says
Laurie and Leah, I’ve been thinking of you and Tom for many months. My deepest condolences for your loss. I hope that you can find strength in Tom’s kind and gentle spirit that will remain forever in all of us.
Dave Radtke says
I will miss you Tommy. I enjoyed your visit to California a few years ago, and I know Pat did too. Pat always had good things to say about you. You were always nice to me and took an interest in Derek and Nathan whenever we came to Minnesota
You were an interesting person and completely unpretentious.
My condolences to Laurie, Leah, Stephen, and Judy and everyone who feels your losss.
Donnie Hurrelbrink says
Laurie,
My family and I are so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in all of our prayers.
DeeAnn Kuznia says
From all of us in the Infusion Department at Cambridge Medical Center we will miss Tom very much. We all enjoyed caring for him and visiting with him. Thinking of all his family and friends during this time.
Donna Childers says
Laurie:
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Howie. I have cherished memories and pictures of Rich, Trent, and Howie ice fishing up North. You and Howie were always so kind to care for everyone.
I am so very sorry for your loss. Your family is in my prayers.