Chico
(530) 342-9003
Paradise
(530) 873-7602
In Memoriam
David M. Howard
David Mikel Howard passed on May 1, 2018. He was born September 15, 1966 in Ukiah CA, and attended school in Corning and Paradise. David graduated from Paradise High School and Chico State University and received his Juris Doctorate from Nor Cal School of Law. At the time of his death, David was a partner at Henderson & Howard Law Offices and was practicing as a criminal defense attorney for the Glenn County Public Defender’s Office. While in practice, he helped many at-risk children and was a strong supporter of CASA of Butte & Glenn Counties.
David is survived by his mother Nancy Humphrey, his father Charles Howard, and his fiancée Colleen Duncan. He had many aunts, uncles, cousins, and other extended family. David is also survived by his four step children, and three step grandchildren of whom he spoke of often, and loved dearly.
David was a self-described Renaissance man, turning his hand at many endeavors. He was tireless in his desire to help others, whether it was cooking food for an event, or donating his time in another way. He often cut truck-loads of firewood, only to give it to someone who needed it. He started hundreds of vegetable seedlings to share, and would grow a large garden when, as we all know, he would not eat the vegetables. He was a member of Clan MacLean, and loved wearing his kilt and all the accessories. He enjoyed playing Dungeons and Dragons with his close friends, whom he tried to meet up with weekly.
His newest quest was to become a gentleman farmer, and started with rebuilding a barn, which lead to learning much about the sheep business and Border Collies. He was voted in as a board member of Redwood Empire Sheepdog Association, and competed in his first sheep dog trial this April.
David’s Celebration of Life will take place on May 26th at 1pm at the Gold Nugget Museum, 502 Pearson Road, in Paradise. Please share your thoughts and memories online at NewtonBracewell.com Casual attire is encouraged.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to NVCSS CASA of Butte & Glenn Counties, 10 Independence Circle, Chico, CA 95973 or to Gold Nugget Museum, PO Box 949, Paradise, CA 95967.
There are no words to express the sadness and the grief I feel over the death of David. Nancy and Charlie… I am so very, very sorry for your loss. You are both in my thoughts and prayers.
Devastating news to hear of David’s passing. I’ve known Dave for over 20 years and he’s always had a smile to give even in difficult circumstances. He’s given some great advice both personally & professionally over the years and it’s true he always enjoyed doing things for others.
He will be missed terribly in the Butte-Glenn County communities for his tireless work and for his jovial attitude.
Very sorry for his loss at such a vibrant time in his life. I pray for peace and healing over his family during this difficult time.
I’m shocked and saddened. This is truly a great loss for his family, friends, law partner, clients, practice and the entire legal community. David was always pleasant but tough when needed. Generous with his advice and time. Love to you.
I’ve known David as both a friend and colleague for more than 20 years. We worked closely for the last 3 years in Glenn County on so many cases. He was the best. I will miss him and his sense of humor and desire for justice for his clients. He was such a great guy to be around! It’s hard to imagine the loss to his family. You have my deepest condolences.
Nancy, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your son. May your many memories bring you peace and healing.
David will be truly missed by the Glenn County Child Welfare team. David was one of the nicest persons I’ve known and it was always obvious he cared deeply about the clients and community he served. He was especially good with our foster youth and very passionate about making our local child welfare system a better one. David was funny, kind, compassionate, generous, heroic, and many other positive qualities. We will miss you David.
I wrote this on my Facebook status the week after David died. I think it is appropriate to share here, “The universe is on my shit list this week for the unfair and untimely death of a very kind and intelligent person. I still cannot wrap my head around the fact that colleague David M. Howard, passed away from cardiac failure after inhaling sea water while snorkeling in Hawaii while on vacation last week with his fiance. David was a defense attorney for our county and specialized in advocating for children in both child welfare and probation. He had a lot of empathy for people and was good at reaching out and making contact offering help to those he perceived might need it. He has the distinction of being the only person in my 23 plus year career with probation of being able to both notice and offer caring support when I was having a very hard time internally, but soldiering on professionally. Stoic stubborn person that I am, I did not acknowledge anything was wrong, but the gesture was cataloged and noted earning him very high marks as a decent human being. David was less than a year older than I, and his passing a reminder that we are usually not privy to how much time we have left in this life. I did not know David well, but I knew him well enough that his death hurts my heart and I will miss him. And the reason why he will be missed is because he was a compassionate and kind person who tried to do right by people. RIP David, I wish you were still here with us.”