Robert Glenn Howell Jr.

Robert Glenn Howell Jr., 76, beloved husband, father, brother and friend, passed away surrounded by family on Nov. 10, 2018 in Seaside, Oregon.

Robert is survived by his wife of 47 years, Tricia Howell; sons, Trent Christopher and Morgan Nicholas Howell, and his brother, James Howell.

Robert was born in San Diego, California, to Robert and Gladys Howell. He was the second of three children in the family. Upon graduation from Helix High School, he explored a number of occupations and then decided to go to college and enrolled at Fullerton Junior College in the mid 1960s, where he earned an associate of arts degree in psychology. He transferred to Cal State University, Fullerton and earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology in 1969.

By that time he knew his calling. He assisted the director of the Special Education Clinic at CSUF and in 1970 earned a master’s degree in special education. In 1981, he furthered his education, earning a doctorate in educational leadership at United States International University in San Diego.

Robert taught students with a wide variety of disabilities: severely handicapped, communicatively handicapped, visually handicapped and learning handicapped in both public and private school settings. His students ranged in age from early elementary to high school.

Robert was always interested in teaching, training, coaching and helping others to grow and develop. This motivation led him to become a school district administrator of special education programs in the Orange Unified School District.

During his decades in Orange he devoted his energies to support administrators and programs throughout the state and held administrative leadership positions at the state level. In 2000, he became the assistant superintendent of human resources in the Fairfield-Suisun School District.

While Robert loved working in the schools, he also loved working in the community. He coached soccer for many years, served on the soccer board and also served as a park and recreation commissioner in Yorba Linda, California. He also became a lay minister at Garden Grove Community Church during that period.

Throughout his busy life, Robert found time to build his skills in landscaping, gardening and cooking. He was an inventive chef who never made the same recipe twice. He enjoyed beach camping with the family and always was most at home by the ocean.

In 2015, Robert moved to Seaside, Oregon, and found a wonderful place for retirement. Sadly, health concerns related to a neurological disorder continued to grow during his final years. He and his family greatly appreciated the help provided by the Seaside Providence Home Health providers: Marianne, Christy, Connie, Lucy, Susan, Diane and Angela. He and the family also thank Clatsop Care givers Sharon, April, Lea, Meagan, Sarah and Jennifer for all of their support. The Lower Columbia Hospice team provided tremendous support to Robert and family in his final weeks.

Funeral arrangements are in the care of Caldwell’s Luce-Layton Mortuary in Astoria, Oregon. Memorial services will be held Sunday, Dec. 16, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. at the Seaside Evergreen Masonic Lodge at 201 N. Holladay Drive in Seaside. Graveside services were held at an earlier date.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to his name to the Lower Columbia Hospice 2111 Exchange St, Astoria, OR., 97103.