R. Patrick Howard

R. Patrick Howard, age 78 from Saranac Lake, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 2. Born in Saranac Lake on August 15, 1938 he was the the son of the late Timothy and Mildred (OŃeil) Howard.

Pat was a lifelong resident of the area growing up on the family farm on the Franklin Falls road. The family moved to Bloomingdale, NY where Pat spent the remainder of his youth and teenage years until eventually settling in Saranac Lake which was his home for the remainder of his life. A perfect weekend afternoon for Pat would often be spent taking a slow Sunday drive re-visiting many of his favorite spots near the family farm and enjoying the countryside.

Pat spent over 50 years working at the Adirondack Regional Airport in Lake Clear which included serving as the airline manager for multiple airlines which included Colonial, Mohawk, TWA, Eastern, Delta and Cape Air to name a few. In addition he served the Airport and the region as representative of Hertz-Rent A Car for almost 40 years a position he continued with well into his retirement. If Pat wasn't at the airline ticket counter or warming up the rental cars, he could often be found enjoying coffee with friends at the airport cafe or spending time walking or biking the airport property. Simply put, Pat was the face of the Adirondack Airport for over a half a century and made many lifelong friends during the process. The Adirondack Daily Enterprise featured Pat and his lifelong commitment to the area in a 2008 story entitled ¨Pat Howard, 50 years of blue skies¨.

Pat was also very involved in other capacities throughout the Saranac Lake community. He was a member of the Village Board for many years serving as both a trustee and the Deputy Mayor. He was also the former President of the Lions Club as well as a former member of the Saranac Lake Chamber of Commerce and the Elks Club.

Pat´s true joy in life was spending time with his family and it was a very rare occasion when you could find him without one of his children or grandchildren by his side. Whether it was spending time on the sidelines of sporting events, storytelling with the grandchildren or attending one of the many family parties, Pat loved every minute of his time spent with loved one´s.

Pat is survived by the love of his life for almost 60 years, Marjorie A. McNicholas Howard and his four children, James and Stephanie Howard, Patti and Clay Sauvie, Amy and Leigh Wenske as well as son Michael. Together, the children blessed Pat with 10 grandchildren, Corey Howard, Justin Howard, Krysta (Sauvie) Fudger, Kassie (Sauvie) Romeyn, Nicholas Sauvie, Vanessa Badlam, Colin Howard, Blake Howard, and Robert and Taylor Wenske. Most recently, Pat´s first great-grandchild was born, Hunter Romeyn. Also surviving are Pat´s sisters, Shirley (Howard) Woodruff, Joan (Howard) Rustad, Norma Howard, Nancy (Howard) Heath and husband Rick, sister in law Janet Howard as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased in death by his parents and his brother Brian.

Calling hours will take place at the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Saranac Lake on Sunday, March 5, 2017 from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:00 AM on Monday March 6, 2017 at St. Bernard's Church, with Rev. Patrick Ratigan officiating.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made in Pat´s name to the Saranac Lake Volunteer Rescue Squad , Saranac Lake Volunteer Fire Department or North Country Life Flight Inc. in care of the funeral home. Family and friends can also share their memories and sign the online guestbook at fortunekeoughfuneralhome.com.

Elks Lodge

Lion's Club

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