Obituary of Erwin Howlett

Long time Chico resident, Erwin M. Howlett died June 4, 2009 at his home. He was born February 10, 1913 in Germania, Iowa, the eldest son of Anna Cordes and Fred W. Howlett. Erwin was married 73 years to Fern W. Howlett who, in August 2008, preceded him in death. He is survived by his brother, Dr. William L. Howlett of Redding; sons, Jerrald and his wife Marilyn of Nevada City, and James and wife Carol of Ukiah; grandchildren, Ken Howlett and his wife Kris of Leominster, MA, Jessica Howlett of San Francisco and Marcia Howlett of Jacksonville, FL; great-grandchildren, Ross, Eliza and Marielle of Leominster. Erwin's family moved to Kernville, California, in 1914, but the Iowa family connection remained strong. He attended Los Angeles Pacific College where he met Fern, graduating from USC with a M.A. in Education and a teaching credential. For 16 years he taught history at Herbert Hoover High School in Glendale. In 1952 Erwin moved his family, including his parents, to Chico when he was hired as the Northern California field representative for the California Teachers Association. He retired from CTA in 1979, widely regarded as an expert in teacher retirement and respected for his dedication and skill in resolving conflicts within school districts. He served for 15 years on the Butte County Board of Education and was active in Trinity United Methodist Church, SIRS, Phi Delta Kappa, and the California Retired Teachers Association. He enjoyed writing letters for publication in the local newspaper on his sincere concerns about education, religion and politics. Into his 80's, Erwin was a slalom water-skier. He sang in the church choir, read voraciously, attended more than 50 Elder Hostels with Fern, traveled the globe, and supported the activities of his grandchildren. His family greatly appreciates the efforts of the staff at Enloe Hospital, Enloe Hospice, and Sierra Sunrise Terrace, particularly of the caregivers at The Inn. A Memorial Service will be held at Trinity United Methodist Church, 285 E. 5th Street, Chico, on Saturday, June 27, 2009 at 11:00 a.m.