Howard Armstrong passed away April 19, 2005, at his home in Richland.

Howard was born August 25, 1938, in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, to Howard M. Armstrong and Blanche L. Armstrong. In 1943, the family moved to Richland.

Howard graduated from Col-Hi in 1956. After graduation, Howard enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served as an aviation machinist mate. After his military service, Howard attended CBC.

In 1961, while attending CBC and working as a checker at Campbell's C&H market on Wright Street, Howard met Jeanie Victor. Jeanie worked next door at Howard's Ice Cream Densow Drug. After many coffee breaks, Jeanie finally got Howard's attention. They were married August 7, 1961.

Howard worked for various contractors at Hanford as a pipefitter, foreman and general foreman in maintenance and construction for 35 years. He has been a member of Local 598 for 43 years.

Howard retired in 1997 and persuaded Jeanie to retire in 1999. They were able to golf several times a week, travel and enjoy their children, grandchildren and life in general. Howard had fun taking Jeanie gambling and he enjoyed video poker, especially when he would get a royal flush.

One of Howard's greatest joys was the birth of his granddaughter, Taylor Jean Wallace, in 1996. Since he raised three daughters, Taylor was the apple of his eye. Three grandsons, Nicholas, Tanner and Austin, arrived in 1999 and 2000. While Howard loved them all equally, Taylor was 'his little girl.'

Howard is survived by his wife, Jeanie; daughter, Debra Johnson, her husband, Steve and their son, Tanner, in Olympia; daughter, Cheryl Armstrong, her partner, Lynne and their son, Austin, in Seattle; daughter, Diana Wallace, her husband, Dale, and their daughter, Taylor and son, Nicholas, in Richland; and brother, Dennis Armstrong and his wife, Judy, in Richland.

Howard will also be missed by brothers- and sisters-in-law and their families, Bob and Yolanda Victor of Havasu Lake, CA and Curly and Jane Hinkley of Richland.

It was Howard's wish not to have a service. He wanted everyone to remember him as he was when they last saw him; whether at work, golfing, working in his yard or just around town.

'Howard, I once told you that you were my 'Knight in Shining Armor.' You were a little amused by that, but I meant it then and I still do. You were my husband, friend, confidant, teacher and the love of my life. God bless you and keep you until we meet again.' Love Eternally, Jeanie

'If life is a journey, Howard drove straight down the right side of the road. Whether it was taking care of his finances, raising his children or remodeling his home, he always did it the right way. I guess you call that character. God knows we'll miss him.' Love from your brother, Dennis.

'Dad, you are my rock. You were always there for me, watching, encouraging, supporting. They say that kids learn by example. I believe this to be true and could not have had a better teacher. I will always remember you as a loving father who was honest and hard working with a wonderful sense of humor and quick wit. I miss you so much and I am so thankful to be your daughter.' Love, Diana

We thank Tri-Cities Cancer Center, Drs. Rege and Chenal, nurses, Gloria, Sandra and staff, and in-home Tri-Cities Chaplaincy Hospice nurses, Mary Hammond and Winnie Zeamer, for their help and caring in our time of need.

The family requests that those wishing to make memorial contributions do so to the Tri-Cities Cancer Center and/or Tri-Cities Chaplaincy Hospice.