On Thursday, April 5, 2012 my dad finally passed away after a long struggle with Alzheimers. The past 10 years he endured more than any human should ever go through. Our family has suffered immensely as well and now the struggle is finally over. Even though my dad will not be here physically, his memory will live on forever. Price will know his grandpa Price well and so will our daughter. It makes me cry knowing my dad will not be given the opportunity to share in what my mom will share: watching our kids grow up. But I know he'll be watching from somewhere, looking over us and giving his great big, proud smile. My dad was my best friend, my hero, my protector, my inspiration. He was everything to me and he'd do anything for me and my family. He wanted grandchildren so much and looked forward to what that would bring. He talked often about taking our kids to the zoo, taking them out on his boat, going to the beach. He'll still be there with us on those trips, I know that. One of the most important things to me was that my dad knew I was able to have children. When he started to get sick he comforted me during my miscarriage and I was fearful that I would never give him a grandchild he and I wanted so badly. But our miracle of Price was born and he got to hold him and see him on various occasions. He lived past his first birthday, almost his second. During our last visits together I would talk about our daughter to be and would say, "you are so lucky, you got a grandson and a grand daughter." On our final visit together I sensed it might be our last. I told him what he always wanted for our family-that we are all okay. I don't think he was able to go until he knew we were all okay, and we are-we will all but just fine. I love my dad more than anything, will miss my dad greatly but his memory will forever live on.
Here is the beautiful Obituary of my dad, written by my mom in the Easter Sunday Everett Herald.
Howard M. Price Jr
Howard M. Price Jr., 76, of Mukilteo, WA went to be with the Lord on April 5, 2012, freeing him of a long struggle with Alzheimer's disease.
Howard is survived by his devoted wife, Mary; son, Howard M. Price III of Scottsdale, AZ; daughter, Reenie (Kadin) Brooking; and grandson, Price Andrew Brooking of Mukilteo, WA. He is survived by his two brothers, Gary (Sharon) Price and Stephen Price; and an uncle, Stanley (Helen) Price; and many nieces and nephews. Numerous friends; extended family and; former students will also miss him.
Howard taught and coached in the Mukilteo School District for 36 years, of which 30 were at Mariner High School. He was among the original faculty when Mariner High opened in 1971, where he remained until he retired. Howard was a popular and successful track and field and x-country coach during those years, and was inducted into the Washington State Track & Field Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2010. Teaching and coaching was Howard's calling. He truly loved working with young people, and had a gift for motivating and inspiring them to do their best.
Howard was the oldest of three sons born to Howard Sr. and Verene Price. He grew up in Seattle and Edmonds, WA, and graduated from Edmonds High School in 1954 where he played in the band and excelled in track. After attending the UW for two years, he enlisted in the
US Navy for four years where he studied and worked as a hospital medic in San Diego, CA and Guam. He was also an avid runner, which continued to be a lifelong passion for him. After finishing his military service, he met and married Mary, a love that lasted 50 years. He completed his BA in Education at WWU and his Masters in Physical Education at the UW.
In his youth, Howard loved the waters and outdoors around Puget Sound where he fished and rode his horses. Later in life he shared similar interests with his family who meant the world to him. After retiring, Howard and Mary became snowbirds to Arizona until Howard's health made it necessary to return to Mukilteo full time in 2009.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Hospice of Snohomish County (South) in Everett or to the
Alzheimer's Association of WA in Seattle. Everyone is invited to attend a Memorial Celebration of Life which will be held in Everett in the near future.
