Ira “Pat” Howard passed on May 5, 2016 at the age of 75 years young in his home in Phoenix, Arizona. He entered into his eternal life peacefully, surrounded by his wife and family, after a battle with cancer. Pat was born February 26, 1941 in a sod house in the sandhills of Milburn, Nebraska. He married his high school sweetheart, Bertha Ann Clarke and they enjoyed 57 years of marital bliss. In 1979, Pat moved his family to Phoenix, Arizona where he was employed for Knoell Homes. He started his own family business, P&B Excavating, retiring in 2008. He found peace and relaxation at the family cabin in Payson and enjoyed a multitude of outdoor activities with his family and friends; primarily riding snowmobiles and ATV’s, travel, fishing and wildlife observations. Pat was preceded in death by his parents, his son Patrick and his three brothers. He is survived by his loving wife Bert; two sisters; daughters Jody Shrock and Cindy Howard; son-in-law David Shrock; grandchildren Michael, Eric, Zack and Katie; and four great-grandchildren. Pat was always very generous and willing to lend a helping hand. He was a kind and loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend and will be greatly missed by all. Pat always had a twinkle in his eye and a story to tell; his legacy will last for all time. The family would like to thank all who have helped during their time of need. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Ira H. (Pat) Howard Memorial Fund in care of Wells Fargo Bank. Friends may call at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix on Thursday, May 12, 2016 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM with a Vigil Service at 7:00 PM. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 AM, Friday, May 13, 2016 at St. Theresa Catholic Church, 5045 E. Thomas Road, Phoenix. Interment will follow at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery.
Katherine Stevenson
Pat was admired and loved by all that knew him. He had a sparkle in his eyes and a wonderful sense of humor which will be missed by family and friends. He was kind to everyone he met. Such a rare, sweet and humane man. He will be greatly missed.
cyril Brown
Pat was a true gentleman and a friend to all.
We will always remember the wonderful Clarke family reunions that Bert and Pat hosted.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Bert and your family.
Mick and Marcia Brown
Carolyn Dickson
Pat was a loving , careing , and thoughtful friend who everyone loved. He was a wonderful friend to be with and a wonderful boss at P&B Excavating. He was loved by many and will be greatly missed.
Carolyn Dickson
Pat was a loving, careing, and thoughtful friend who everyone loved . He was a wonderful friend to be with and a wonderful boss at P&B Excavating. He was loved by many and will be greatly missed.
Mary Smith (Howard)
Please know my thoughts and prayers are there with all of you. Uncle Pat was a beautiful and wonderful man. His smile could not only light up a room, but you also knew his love for you and that he truly cared how you were. He always knew me, no matter how long since I’d seen him (or that I was technically no longer “in” the family). I’d get one of his great hugs and that huge smile. He cared. For everyone. The fondest memory I have of my Steve’s funeral is turning around during the sign of peace, seeing Uncle Pat there behind me and getting one of those hugs. It meant so much to have him come and join us in our farewell to Steve. My spirit and heart are there now to give Uncle Pat my farewell.
May God give you strength and peace in letting go and letting God’s angels carry Uncle Pat into paradise.
My love & prayers, Mary Smith Howard