Richard L. Howell, Sr.

• 

Howell, Richard L., Sr. age 82, of Wayzata, MN, passed away on March 15th surrounded by family. Dick left this living world for a better place where the greens putt true, the fairways never end, and the ball always finds a perfect lie. His classic, southern gentleman's pride sustained him over the last few years as he struggled with the challenges of pulmonary fibrosis. Dick was born in Philadelphia, PA on July 14th, 1933, the younger son of Homer and Elizabeth Howell. Soon after, his family moved to Alabama where he spent the remainder of his youth. Dick completed his B.S. in Chemistry from Auburn University and was commissioned as an Officer in the U.S. Army Artillery immediately following school. In typical Dick fashion, several golf tournaments were won with his commanding officer, as partner, while serving in Germany. Dick had a long career in the investment business, including years with Woodard-Elwood and ultimately as President of Dain Corporation. Later in his life he led several business ventures in golf course and real estate development, and always loved meeting a new entrepreneur or connecting, networking, and helping people. Dick was a gifted athlete and enjoyed snow skiing, water skiing, and golf. He competed in water skiing exhibitions in the early fifties, and was known for his trick skills, including skiing barefoot through The Narrows on Lake Minnetonka under a full moon, sans bathing suit! But golf was Dick's calling. He learned to play from his mother, an excellent golfer in her own right. Golf was more than a pastime for Dick; it was part of his identity and certainly his greatest passion. He played for the Auburn Tigers throughout college, went on to qualify for the National Amateur Championship in 1960, and qualified for the U.S. Senior Amateur in 1991. Woodhill Country Club served as his home course for his entire adult life. He couldn't wait for the start of golf season and spent most afternoons on the range hitting balls or playing "speed golf" on Wednesday evening with his great golf buddies. At WCC he made his mark winning the Club Invitational four times, the Men's Championship no less than 19 times, and the Senior Championship six times. Dick loved to compete and thrived under the pressure of a play-off match, the more spectators the better! Dick also possessed a unique talent for writing, from poetry to musical skits. He was the creative genius behind several Woodhill CC / Wayzata CC variety shows and also assembled some of the most witty and clever toasts and roasts for friends and family. As master of ceremonies, he delighted in socializing and being with people. Most of all, Dick loved his family, and felt his greatest joy when everyone was together. He will always be remembered for his soft and unruffled demeanor, joy of conversation, and of course, that smooth-as-silk golf swing. Dick is survived by devoted wife Meredith, children Rick Howell of Excelsior, Larry Howell and wife Pam of Wayzata, Andrew Howell of San Francisco, Stuart Howell and wife Emilie of Washington D.C., Lindsay Howell and husband Dr. Alexander Gurfinkel of Minneapolis; Grandchildren Asher, Alex, Caroline, and Camden; brother Homer Scott Howell and wife Betsy of Alexander City, Al., nephew John Scott Howell and wife Jane, nephew David Howell and wife Teresa, and niece Elizabeth Strickland and husband John. A gathering to celebrate Dick's life will be held at 4:30 PM, Wednesday, May 18th, at Woodhill Country Club, 200 Woodhill Road, Wayzata. In honor of Dick's passion for golf and desire to inspire and help others please make contributions to "University of Minnesota Foundation" and designated to the "Science of the Green (20620)", a joint research program that focuses on improving all aspects of the game of golf; the speed of play, the environment, and the effect of green speed on the pace of play. Address: P.O. Box 860266, Minneapolis, MN 55486-0266. Alternatively, contributions can be given to The Western Golf Association Evans Scholars Foundation, Address: One Briar Road, Golf, IL 60029. David Lee Funeral Home Wayzata 952-473-5577 davidleefuneralhome.com

Published on March 27, 2016