Brian V. Howe
Brian V. Howe, Esq. died peacefully Friday, November 12, 2021. He was of Canton, MI, formerly of Grosse Pointe, MI.
Brian was born on Christmas Day, 1943 to Vernon and Evelyn Howe in Holt, Michigan. Not expected to live because of a collapsed lung, newborn Brian was whisked his father Vern to a larger hospital, where he thrived. By all accounts Brian lived a storybook childhood, much loved by his extended family. His shared that magic with all children—nieces and nephews, grandchildren, and others.
Brian attended Holt High School, excelling at football and basketball. Already a Spartan fan, he enrolled at Michigan State University where he joined Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. As a member of Lambda Chi, he put his enthusiasm and charm to good use and made lasting friendships. He also met his beloved wife, Susan, at MSU. They were married in 1967. Brian received his bachelor’s degree and went on to Wayne State University’s Law School. While in law school, Brian took a position with the National Bank of Detroit, which started his career in trust and estate planning and personal banking. He honed these skills and shaped the law through his 50-year career at Old Kent Bank, Manufacturer’s Bank, Comerica, and in private practice. He also served on and led the Michigan Probate Council. During his long career, he and Susan also raised three children.
Brian loved the outdoors, hiking, fishing, and boating throughout Michigan, especially the Leelanau Peninsula. He remained a Spartan fanatic and followed his team until the end.
Brian was the beloved husband of Susan Kay (Cooper), 1946-2014, devoted brother to Deborah Ide (Dan), loving father to Karen Howe Fernandez (John), Gavin Howe (Christy), and Katherine Howe-Moore (Mark), and cherished grandfather to Isabel, Ian, Caitlin, and Molly.
A memorial service for Brian will take place at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 11, 2022, at Plymouth First United Methodist Church, 45201 N. Territorial Road, Plymouth, MI 48170.
Donations, in lieu of flowers, may be made to The Leelanau Conservancy, https://www.leelanauconservancy.org/donate/.
Arrangements are by the Estes-Leadley Holt/Delhi Chapel.
9 Messages to “Brian V. Howe”
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Lisa Mallory
November 21, 2021 at 2:00 pmSo very sorry Karen and family
Anthony DeLuca
November 22, 2021 at 8:35 amDear Karen, Gavin and Katherine,
Our deepest sympathies and prayers go out to you and your families.
Your Dad was one of the most wonderful persons we have ever known.
We loved him and may he rest in peace.
God Bless him and your whole family.
Very sadly, but with our love,
Marie and Tony DeLuca
Clark Stevens
November 22, 2021 at 11:40 amDear Karen, Gavin and Katherine,
Very sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing.
Your Dad was one of a kind – entertaining, friendly, considerate.
May he rest in peace. God Bless him and your family.
Clark and Kathy Stevens
James S Brady
November 22, 2021 at 1:00 pmI was blessed to have know Brian when he served as a Trust officer for OKB. We were contemporaries. Both admitted to the Bar in 1969. He was a true gentleman. Always a smile, never a harsh word. He always left a positive feeling. May he Rest In Peace. Jim Brady
Crystal B
November 25, 2021 at 6:15 pmI was so lucky to get to know Mr. Howe and his family. I have been his mail carrier for the last 3 years and he was always so wonderful. Through tears, laughs and advice I could always count on him to lift my spirits, I will truly miss him and his smile.
kurt rice
November 29, 2021 at 2:27 pmMy condolences to your family. I have known Brian for over 60 years, as an honest, social, wise and all around great guy. my memories cannot come close to your loss. We will all miss him, but never forget him.
Bill O’Keefe
November 30, 2021 at 8:40 pmMy deepest sympathy to all of the Howe family. He was always a bright legal light in his professional interactions with his clients. My fond memories of working with him will stay with me forever. Rest In Peace.
Jim Oldfield
April 7, 2022 at 11:56 amI have known Brian as a friend and nearby neighbor for several years.
During that time, he and I enjoyed lots of good conversation on a wide variety of subjects. These included discussions about our work experiences, real estate, hunting, fishing, politics, U.S. economics, the stock market—you name it. Brian had a broad knowledge base, so conversations with him were always interesting.
Some of our conversations took place while I helped with some minor home/repair issues. Others occurred over lunch at Karl’s Cabin or The 3 Brothers restaurant.
Brian was always positive and cheerful, his significant health issues notwithstanding. To my way of thinking, Brian was the epitome of a “true gentleman” and a good example to all. Rest in Peace Brian.
Jim Oldfield
Ravines Community, Canton, MI 4/7/2022
Edie Kay (Howe) Smith
July 9, 2022 at 6:11 pmI have wonderful memories of visits with Brian & Susan over many years. I have pictures from when we all painted grandpa Howe’s house on State Rd,. vacation on Houghton Lake, or just visiting with Vernon & Evelyn at the farm. Brian was such a sweet soul. He kept in touch up to the end asking about me, my husband Gregg and the family. I miss our talks. Brian often reminisced about visiting my family out in California when I was just a little kid. My deepest condolences to the family. Brian was a loving, intelligent, interesting and kind gentleman who always lifted my spirit every time we talked. Heaven has a wonderful family up there. Until we meet again sweet cousin. Give my husband a hug for me.