Obituary: Richard S. Howes Jr.

Richard Seth Howes Jr., 59, a Weymouth native, passed away unexpectedly at his home in Upland, Calif., Monday, Dec. 17, 2012.

He was son of Catherine E. Kay (Smith) Howes of Weymouth and the late Richard S. Howes Sr.

Rich was born, raised and educated in Weymouth. He was a graduate of Stonehill College, summa cum laude, earned a bachelor's degree in Marketing, was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, and earned highest achievement from Dale Carnegie Leadership Program.

Mr. Howes was an employee of M&G Industries of RI. He managed the Illinois office, and then moved to California eight years ago, where he proudly established this branch as manager.

He enjoyed writing short stories and poetry. He loved the outdoors, music, attending concerts, singing, was a longtime member of Friends of Tanglewood, Worlds End of the Reservation, and San Juan Capistrano Mission, where he found solace, peace and beauty. He faithfully followed Garrison Keillor performances, and was a Red Sox season ticket holder since 1976. He loved hiking and mountain climbing. This year was his highlight reaching the summit of Mt. Washington, N.H., Mt. Baldy summit, "the hut" at Claremont, Calif., and Crack in the Mountain, Arizona. Rich spoke fluent Spanish, was deep spiritually and with faith in God enjoyed every moment. He fed stray cats and loved his beloved cat Bumpkin, and Karen's dog Sissy.

Mr. Howes leaves his siblings Catherine Paccioretti and her husband Joseph of Quincy, Carol A. Harding and her husband Rev. William C. Harding III of Norwell, Robert J. Howes and his wife Karen of Plymouth and William E. Howes, also of Plymouth; his nieces and nephews Dr. William C. Harding IV, Kaylah Howes, Ashley Fermin, Jessica, Zachary and Sean Howes; and the love of his life and fiance, Karen Duhamel of Norton and Upland, Calif.

A memorial service was held in the Bethany Congregational Church, 18 Spear St., Quincy Center.

Donations should be made in memory of Richard to the Jimmy Fund, c/o Dana Farber Cancer Center, 10 Brookline Place West, 6th floor, Brookline, MA 02045.

For condolences visit www.McDonald-FuneralHomes.com.