Howard “Howie” Edmund Lee

Howard “Howie” Edmund Lee passed away peacefully on March 17, 2024 at his home in Camarillo, CA.  After a long battle with dementia, strokes, and numerous seizures, he was ushered into the loving arms of his Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. His family rests in the assurance that he is now at peace.

Howie was born in Moorhead, Minnesota, on January 18, 1941 to Edmund C. Lee and Irene Jacobson Lee.  He spent his early years in various towns in western MN. He was a good athlete, lettering in football, basketball, and track at Elbow Lake High School.  He also played tuba in the school band and sang in the choir.  Howie attended Gustavus Adolphus College and subsequently graduated from the University of MN.  Upon graduation, he enlisted in the Navy and trained as an air intelligence officer. He spent two tours of duty in Vietnam and the Philippines.  Returning home, he worked briefly as a stockbroker.

In 1970, he married Mary Arntsen, the love of his life.  About the same time, he changed professions and became a math teacher.  He taught for 33 years until he retired.  During his tenure at Channel Islands High School in Oxnard, CA he coached tennis and basketball and, at one point, started a school choir.  Howie was a beloved teacher, respected by students and faculty alike.

Among his numerous interests and hobbies, music probably came out on top. He was an accomplished musician, singing and playing piano and guitar.  He sang in the Ventura County Master Chorale, church choirs, and for many events throughout the county.

Howie and a friend constructed a home-built plane (Ruton Long-EZ) which he enjoyed flying. Both Howie and Mary loved traveling in the United States and abroad. After retirement, they owned an RV and camped throughout the western U.S.  As his health and memory declined, the Lee’s became homebound.

Howie leaves behind his wife, Mary, of nearly 54 years, and three children: David, Michael (Gretchen), and Kim (Tim) Schluter; six grandchildren: Sophia, Josiah, Cole, Ben, Kingston, and Justin; and his sister Nancy Lee Isaacson.  Our guy will be forever missed.  We have the assurance, however, that we will see him again someday.

A memorial service will be held May 18 at 2:00 p.m. at Chapel City Church in Camarillo, CA.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Global Missions at Chapel City Church (2315 Ventura Blvd, Camarillo, CA 93010) or to Livingston Hospice (1996 Eastman Ave, Ste 101, Ventura, CA 93003).