Russell E. Howard, DVM
June 29, 1960 - May 29, 2017
"Russ"
Our dear Russ was born on June 29, 1960, in Poughkeepsie, New York, the oldest son of Edward and Edwina Howard. His family moved to Sandy, Utah in 1976.
While in high school and college, Russ was a counselor at YMCA summer camps, on the Solitude Ski Patrol and participated with the Rocky Mountain Rescue Dogs group with his German Shepherd, Cima. He was an avid hiker and skier.
Russ graduated from the University of Utah magna cum laude in 1985, received his Master's Degree in Science from the University of Utah in 1989 and his DVM from Colorado State University in 1992.
In 1993 he married Kerry Fisher, DVM, and they moved to Spokane, WA, establishing several animal clinics. They were later divorced. Russ returned to Salt Lake to continue his profession. His progressive illnesses caused him to restrict his working hours but he became more active with several bluegrass music groups. The last one was "Rusty Shovels" and they performed at several events in the area. Russ was a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Intermountain Acoustic Musician Association.
Russ built a small cabin in Teasdale, Utah, where he passed away (with his beloved dog Luna) on May 29, 2017. He will be remembered as a courageous spirit who loved teaching and mentoring. A Memorial service in his honor will be held at a later date.
Russ is survived by his dad Edward (Suzan); mother Edwina Green; brothers Glenn (George); Garry (Tracy); sister Valerie Lovegrove (Andrew); 4 nieces; one nephew, and one great nephew along with several aunts, uncles and cousins.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Color Country Animal Welfare, P.O. Box 750329, Torrey, Utah 84775.
In Loving Memory
I am so sorry for your loss. But it is also a loss to many other people who admired Russ for his kindness and his amazing skills with animals and musical instruments. He will be remembered with great fondness in the Torrey/Teasdale area.
Barry Morgenstern
Torrey, UT
Edwina, I am so sorry for your loss. Praying for strength and comfort for you and your family. Love, Anne Grossman
Anne Grossman
Sandy, Ut
Russ loved his family, the mountains and music. We will all miss him.
Mark Murphy
Millcreek, Ut
Ed and Edwina, our sympathy to you and your families on this most difficult time. We have no idea of how to ease your pain, but pray there may be confort in your hearts in days to come. God bless you. Linda and Lew
Linda and Lew Brown
Salt Lake,City, UT
I met Russ at Camp Roger years ago. I worked at the camp as well. He was the most kind,intelligent person there. I remember how talented he was. He was a great musician. I also worked at Solitude but at a different time. I became a vet technician and heard he became a veterinarian. Sadly, our paths never crossed again. When I worked as a vet tech in Hawaii, a class mate of his spent some time at our hospital. She and I talked about what an amazing person he was. All these years, I have thought of him and what a special person he became.
michelle johnson
murray, UT
Edwina and Ed I am sorry for your loss. Thank you Edwina for your time this afternoon. It is a precious conversation backed up by many special memories over many years. ruth
RUTH MAJOR
WALSENBURG, CO
I'm sorry to read about Russ passing. I spent a summer with him at Camp Rogers. I enjoyed every minute I was around him. He was kind, funny, helpful and such a handsome guy. I'm sorry for your enormous loss.
Cathy Lloyd Trane
Sandy, UT
Edwina, my sympathy goes out to you and yours.
Chris Meeker
SALT LAKE CITY, UT
Many years ago I had the honor of meeting Dr. Howard while he was helping out at my regular vets hospital. I was immediately impressed by his compassion, care and knowledge. Subsequent to that meeting, I had occasion to hear him play the mandolin at different IAMA events. What a talented and generous man. My sincere sympathies to his family and wishing you God's comfort through the years with good memories.
Judy Dencker
Salt Lake City, Ut
Heartbroken to hear of Dr. Russell's passing. He was so kind and generous when I had to have my old Dachshund put down. His professionalism and compassion was far beyond what one usually encounters. Prayers for you in your loss of such a wonderful man. I will always remember him. He leaves a very high standard that few will match. God bless, and Godspeed Dr. Russ.
Denise Boertje
Salt Lake City, UT
We still miss him. Many fine memories...vet school cramming, late night jamming, hiking. A dear friend forever missed.
Lynne Robin
Corvallis, MT
Still miss him. So many vet school memories. RIP friend.
M Robin
Corvallis, MT
We still miss him. Many fond memories.
M Robin
Corvallis, MT