Gilbert Howes

[ Originally published on: Thursday, May 14, 2009 ]

ASHFIELD -- Gilbert 'Bud' Howes, 90, of Ashfield died on Mother's Day, May 10, 2009.

Born on April 27, 1919, he was the son of the late Leon and Stella (Lilly) Howes and coincidentally died on his late Mom's birthday. Bud was the third generation to live in the same farmhouse in Spruce Corner. He began his education in the one-room schoolhouse in Spruce Corner, one of the many district schoolhouses in Ashfield at that time. The one he attended still stands today, in its original state and uninhabited. From there, he graduated from the old Sanderson Academy in 1936.

Prior to going into the service, he worked for the University Crane Service of Springfield and occasionally for the Hathaway Lumber Company of Spruce Corner. In 1942, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and spent his basic training in California and Texas. He went overseas in 1944, as a member of the 3454 ordinance medium maintenance as a track engine specialist. During much of his time overseas, he was in the middle of the war in Germany, participating in the Battle of Bulge and the Liberation of Normandy. He attained the ranking of Sgt. T4. On his return from service in 1945, he worked as a farmer for a short time and then for various construction companies until he went to the University of Massachusetts and retired from there in 1988 after 23 years.

Before and after retiring, he worked at the Ashfield Recycling Center. Being there was the highlight of his week. He loved to visit with old friends and make new ones. Everywhere he went someone would say 'Hi, Bud!' and he was so pleased to see each and every one of them. Although he couldn't always remember their names, he felt very blessed for having so many friends. This winter he could not work and missed seeing everyone. There were no strangers, just potential friends.

He leaves his wife of almost 53 years, the former Alice (Dresser) Wilde of Goshen, three daughters: Linda Cobb and her husband Randy of Heath, Margo Dupont and her husband Edmond of Holyoke and Lana Helems and her husband Clarence of Northampton; five grandchildren: Michele Snow and her husband James of Agawam, Shawn Shippee of Greenfield, Aimee Helems of Northampton, Danielle Dupont and Stephen Howes-Dupont of Holyoke; two great-grandchildren, Laura and Andrew Snow of Agawam, and various nieces, nephews and cousins.

A grandson, Dalton Shippee, predeceased him.

At Bud's request, there will be no services.

In lieu of flowers, he wished donations to be made in his memory to the Highland Ambulance Service EMS, Main Street, Goshen, MA 01032. Its services have helped his family so much in the past.

Arrangements are under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home, 104 Bridge St., Shelburne Falls.

 

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