Howard Francis Gemperline

What a fun person to be around! It is so easy to remember his laughter over board games + cards, his false indignation over Aggravation losses, teaching about plants + rocks at his home, doing adventurous favors with relish... And what a full life! He once talked of childhood memories of steam trains + excitement about electric cars in the same minute - He saw so much. When he went to Europe, he entered a greater danger + unknown than missions to the moon faced, then worked hard for an education afterward. He danced to big bands in LA, practiced harmonica, National Park hopped, found he loved the desert...he found the things he loved.  Stepping back and looking at my Grandpa objectively, I feel even more fortunate that I know him. He acted upon what he thought was right versus what could get him ahead. He was a genuinely kind person, whose thoughts always turned toward others, especially Grandma and his family. I will love and admire Grandpa always

To all the amazing Gemperline family, Maria and I are so sorry to hear of your loss. A loss not only to you but to us as well. Howard was one of those heroes from the village that raised me. It is so hard another to lose another of the greatest generation. We will always remember his humor and his Good Will towards everyone.

Marie, Andrew, Joe, Mark, Kenny, hopefully I haven't forgotten anyone. Your father was probably my favorite uncle. I didn't get to see him much, but when I did he was always easy and kind to talk to. He was very funny too. A lot of your cousins will probably say the same thing. One of the best memories I have of your Dad is the night before my mom's funeral. My Dad (Al) was in poor spirits but your dad literally kept his spirits up by playing cards with us and never letting Dad's glass of Scotch go empty. Dad told me later he needed that. I think the only person that got upset at that was my sister Peg, because she was trying to sleep when a bunch of drunk Gemperline's were having an Irish Wake. I wish I could be there with you in your time of grief. I love you guys and your mom.