The man… the beard… the boots… the Legend See Memorial Details Below
Wil Howe Rests with Jesus at 81 August 16, 1941 - May 21, 2023
With great sadness, but ultimate joy in the completeness of a life well lived, our beloved Wil Howe, the legend, the myth, the horseman… died in the loving arms of Beverly his love, soulmate, wife and partner in life for 46 years, at their home ranch, log cabin front room, surrounded by friends, loved ones and his recent & loyal caregivers Sunday evening May 21st 2023.
Wil, was oh, so ready to receive his Savior’s arms & shelter after a 2 ½ year diagnosis of stage 4 Prostate Cancer, advancing Vascular Dementia and most recent & painful, lower back L4 & L5 herniated discs that culminated in a speedy exit, a merciful, return home in peace, one that all would hope for.
Through it all, ever resilient, his positive attitude, humble and kind demeanor refined by the Lord, Wil expressed the gentleness and kindness of character that permeated his entire life, and thus, he graced us with his meaningful words of truth and grand sense of humor. Wil endured with grace, strength and dignity, enjoying these last few years with Beverly at the Home Ranch in Richland. Most recently they shared an adventurous 5 1/5 week vacation in March & April this year, returning in their Mini Motorhome to their new favorite spot, Mesquite, Nevada. Exploring the Red Rocks of Utah’s parks and boondock camping on the desert among the Joshua trees. Wil held the fort down while Beverly hit the trails with her two horses & Katie Dog.
“What more could one ask for?”…we squeezed all we could out of this life well lived, we truly had a ball, praising God all the while. A promise he made to me before it all began was… “ I promise you life won’t be a bore,,... Babe, if you’d just walk through that door.” Wil kept that promise to me for 46 years and I have been blessed beyond measure ever since…
As are all of you, who have crossed Wil’s trail and received his love, wisdom, & spiritual encouragement, you are his beneficiaries. Most received these life lessons here at the ranch, in his horse training schools, or at his clinics, tours back in the day, personally mentored by him or by the years of owning & riding one of his hand-picked & personally trained bridle-horse geldings.
If you made it past the ranch front gate, you were getting ready for a life changing experience with Wil. The School of Fine Horse Training and his good geldings that branded our business were an avenue for change for so many. No pretenses, all guards down. Honesty and integrity were the foundation for his huge capacity to connect with all walks of life and share what he called being...real with others. He believed that “As you think, so are you…”, “What you put out is what you get back”, “As you sow, so shall you reap” in life and horses.
As we ponder this loss, leaving a gaping hole in our hearts, let us fill it back up with the joy Wil gave us. Honor him by seeking to “get it right” with our Creator and all get ready to receive Jesus in our hearts this life…. because as Wil would put it… “It’s time for the big round pen session coming, and we ought to know by now how to give it up, lick our lips and follow the Master.”
I will be writing more on Wil’s incredible journey & life of faith… from hot rods to horses, outlaw cowboy & horseman to trendsetter and… Jesus Freak always. In the mean time,
Click Here for a recap of Wil's life in an article in Performance Horse Magazine from 1990.
CELEBRATION OF LIFE MEMORIAL FOR WIL . . .
Please call, write, stay in touch, video a story and if you can, join us at the Home Ranch Saturday, September 16th, 2023, for Wil’s Celebration of Life "Shin Dig" of Music, Faith & Memories. Memorial at 1 pm, followed by Music, Potluck & Fellowship.
NOTE: Friday, September 15th, Beverly will be riding her bridle horse "Sparkanic" in the famous Pendleton Round Up - Wagons Ho Parade leading Wil’s personal horse “Waldo,” with his 1800’s saddle & gear he rode on “Blue Boy,” and a pair of his tall top cowboy boots in honorary Calvary fashion, will be hung backwards off the saddle.
Please join us for this Celebration. If you have never seen the Pendleton Round Up, get your tickets now! and make it a vacation out West for this. It’s a 2 1/2 hour drive from Richland, and Boise, ID, is our closest major airport, though some flights do go to Pendleton.
You are welcome to spend Friday and Saturday nights with us or locally. We have some bunkhouse accommodations at the ranch, RV parking and camping available in the pasture and barnyard, local Motel and Air B&Bs and RV parks are in both Richland & Halfway. RVSP is appreciated by September 1st. Its going to be a reunion, casual in nature, and a lot of fun.
Let’s Honor …The Man…The Beard & The Boots… The Legend… Wil Howe
For more information contact Beverly at 541-893-6535, beverly@wilhowe.com
or text only 520-820-1096
Wil Howe Ranch
35768 Governor Lane
Richland, Oregon 97870
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