He attended local elementary schools and graduated from Lower Lake High School in 1975. After high school he entered into the US Coast Guard and served for two years.
Howard received encouragement from his elders to pursue a career in education, and so he did and received his BA degree at Humbolt State University in June of 1980.
He followed this up by completing his MA degree at the University of San Francisco in 1985. He was a teacher for the Konocti Unified School District from 1981 to 1990.
Howard then worked as the Principal of the Round Valley High School from 1990 to 1997
He also worked for a year as the superintendent /principal at the Pyramid Lake High School
In his later years Howard worked with different agencies to help Native American programs
offering his writing skills in obtaining Federal grants and development of training and social
Involvement addressing various tribal issues.
Howard leaves behind sons Dustin Latham, Matthew Chavez, daughters Summer Porter, Roberta and Cassandra Chavez, along with numerous grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
His brother Ron Montez, sisters Leora John and Jeanne Lopez.
His love and life partner of twenty years, Janice Freeman. He loved that she was a traditional Indian woman believing in the old ways, and that she was a great cook.
With Janice, Howard opened his heart and home to shelter and raise many needful Indian and non Indian grandchildren. They provided a home and family atmosphere for these children that they would otherwise be without.
Affectionately these children called Howard "PAPA" and he always had a word of encouragement for the kids little quotes like " the early bird gets the worm" or " quitters never win and winners never quit". He believed in education as a way to make a difference for yourself and to help set an example for the generations to come.
A traditional Native American wake will be held at the Big Valley Rancheria gymnasium at
4:00 pm Friday, March 21st to Monday 24th
A Memorial service will take place on Sunday 23rd at 11:00am to Monday 9:00am
Contributions may be made to Jones Mortuary in care of Chavez Funeral.
Arrangements entrusted to Jones Mortuary www.jonesmortuary.com FD311, Lakeport, Ca
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
April 2, 2014
Jeannie Freeman
Howard...my brother-in-law, you are forever etched in our hearts and souls! You are now pain-free and able to let your free-spirit run and accomplish everything you wanted to do here on Earth! We love you Brother,Papa, Grampa, Friend, Teacher..etc
March 26, 2014
Prayers for Howard's family and friends. We wen through school with Howard and have fond memories of him. Mike and Kyle feder
March 24, 2014
Roxann Hellgren
God Bless Howard and his family. He is always with you in spirit.
March 24, 2014
May the God of all comfort grant you peace.
March 23, 2014
Audrey Hellgren
May you rest in peace Howard. Prayers to your family & loved one. God Bless.
March 23, 2014
Mary Porter
My condolence to your family, I'm sure he will truly be missed.
March 21, 2014
Tim Stone
I am so sorry to hear of Howard's passing. I went to East Lake & Lower Lake High School with Howard. He was on the track team with me at Lower Lake & we sure had a lot of fun! Rest In Peace Howard, and my heartfelt sympathies to all his friends and family.
March 21, 2014
Jesse Dizard
I met Howard at Chico in October 2011 when he agreed to sit for an interview as part of the California Indian Voices project. Howard was a very compelling person and his analytical comments were equally refreshing. He played his guitar and sang a song he wrote, "Light of the Feather". We recorded it all and used his song for the film that resulted from his and others' interviews, "California Indian Voices". You can see him in that film's trailer here: http://www.csuchico.edu/alva/projects/2012/indian-voices.shtml
He was and will always be an inspiration to me and I hope that everyone who sees him in that film can be inspired by him and his words as well.
March 21, 2014
I love you uncle howard and my condolences to the entire family.
March 21, 2014
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Funeral services provided by:
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