Howard Williams

Williams, Howard Y. - Age 75 Of St. Paul Passed away Tuesday February 17, 2004. Preceded in death by parents, Howard Sr. and Elizabeth. Survived by children, Sarah Wood, Hugh Williams; grandchildren, Jessica, Taylor; sister, Marcia Vosti (Gordon); niece, Ann Vosti; nephews, David and Hugh Vosti; family and friends. Howard proudly served in the U.S. Navy from 1948 to 1953, being named Honor Man of his training company and then serving aboard the U.S.S. Delta AR-9 during the Korean War. At a recent reunion in Washington D.C., his shipmates recalled that he was the only one who knew every crew member by name. Howard was a lifelong learner and teacher who pursued his love of knowledge until his death. During High School he worked in the St. Anthony Park library and legend had it that by the time he graduated (at age 16) he had read every book in the building. He earned both his B.A. (History/English) in 1948, and M.A. (History) in 1950 from the University of Minnesota, then completed his Masters in Education in 1954 at Macalester College. He began his first teaching position in 1955, teaching social studies for six years at Mounds View High School, a school from which his children later graduated. Howard became an Assistant Professor at Macalester in 1960, where he taught for six years. He completed his Ph.D. (Higher Education) at the University of Minnesota in 1965, and for the next 30 years until his retirement in 1995, was a professor at 'the U'. He was appointed Associate Professor in 1968, achieved Full Professor in 1972, and subsequent to his retirement, was awarded the title of Professor Emeritus. Howard held several esteemed positions at the University of Minnesota including Chair of the Department of Secondary Education and Acting Chair of Curriculum and Instruction. Howard found his real calling as a professor in the Adult Education Graduate Program, where he also served as Head of the Advisory Program from 1982-85, and again from 1989-93. Known for serving coffee and cookies during class and inviting students, advisees, faculty and staff over to his house for more of the same, Howard was loved by all of those who crossed his path. Lori Wallace, one of his former students, recalled, 'He was the reason I chose to study at the U of M. He not only lived up to his reputation as an excellent teacher and advisor, but also became a dear friend.' Howard was also known for his love of the discussion of ideas, always wanting students to think of issues from several different angles. His good friend Will Stockton summed it up by saying, 'Howie was such a gifted teacher that students always left feeling smarter, happier and excited by their new ideas.' Howard ran a summer reading camp for children for several years with his good friend Dean Barry on Enchanted Island in Lake Minnetonka. Even after his official retirement, he taught classes in Canada, Italy and Germany to civilian and military personnel while experiencing his love of travel. He was one of the founders of SPAN (Student Program for Amnesty among Nations), a precursor to the Peace Corps. Howard was an author of many scholarly works, including numerous publications on 'ways of knowing'. He was often quoted as saying, 'what we know is almost solely determined by the way in which we know it.' A proud Welshman, Howard also authored a book related to his favorite hobby, the collection of Gaudy Welsh china. His book, simply entitled Gaudy Welsh China, was published in 1978 and Howard later appeared on the Discovery Channel as the world's foremost collector and expert in the field. Avid scholar, gifted teacher, beloved father and open-hearted friend, Howard will be missed dearly by all those who had the privilege of knowing him. Memorial Service 11AM Saturday at the WASHBURN-MCREAVY HILLSIDE CHAPEL, with visitation 1/2 hour prior. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in memoriam to: University of Minnesota Foundation. Please write in the memo line: 5260 Adult Education Fund. Send to: College of Education, 178 Pillsbury Drive SE, 106 Burton Hall, Minneapolis, MN 55455. Washburn-McReavy Hillside Chapel 2610 19th Ave. NE 612-781-1999.

Tributes

Howard Williams

February 19, 2004

Tributes

Howard Williams

February 19, 2004

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