1944 ~ 2024
Jeffery “Jeff” Neal Howell, 79, of Traverse City passed away peacefully at his home in the morning of February 15, 2024.
Jeffery was born on October 22, 1944, in Los Angeles, CA to the late William Lee and Lois Marcelle (Duncan) Howell. In his final years Jeff battled Parkinson’s disease, which made mobility challenging. Nevertheless, Jeff still enjoyed reading and watching all things scientific, historical, political and from the world of finance. He always loved conversing with people and his wisdom was extensive. From early childhood, Jeff demonstrated extraordinary curiosity and thirst for knowledge. He applied his learning in his boyhood garage workshop, and he acquired more knowledge and experience through his participation in the Boy Scouts “Tribe of Tahquitz” and “Sea Scouts”. The depth and breadth of his knowledge was truly awe-inspiring. However, it paled in comparison to his sense of humor, clever wit, and fun with jokes, which was renowned among family, friends, colleagues, and clients. Jeff’s leisure time was spent with his family, engaging in activities such as fishing, particularly fly fishing, sailing, and traveling. He had a passion for horses and horseback riding, having been a member of the Leelanau Mounted Police with his horse “Bahs” for several years. Aviation was another interest, and he enjoyed flying his Piper Cherokee airplane. Despite his occasional complaints about the dogs in his life, they were his constant companions throughout his time on earth. He often extolled his appreciation of the comfort they brought to him.
