Howard Wilder Former Mount Vernon resident, passed away Thursday, April 17, 2008 in Shelton, WA at the age of 104. Howard was born December 6, 1903 in Blaine, WA to James Lindsay Wilder and Dora Emeline Bingham. The youngest of eight children, Howard graduated from Blaine High School in 1923 where he played football, basketball, baseball and track. He went on to Bellingham Normal (now WWU) where he received his teaching certificate and was one of 15 lettermen on the football team. In 1923, the Viking nickname was adopted and Howard helped his team win its first conference championship under Coach Sam Carver. Howard married Hazel Himes of Sedro-Woolley in 1935 and together they had a son, Bruce. Howard taught middle school for 17 years, teaching mainly in Western WA and Ellensburg. In 1942, Howard left the teaching profession for the lumber business. He worked for Master Lumber Company (sold a month later to Columbia Valley Lumber Company) for 16 years, and was manager for 12 years. In 1958 Howard became the owner of Lincoln Grocery in Mount Vernon. He was actively involved in Kiwanis and the Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce, where he was elected President in 1953 - 1954. Howard and Hazel retired to their property on Hood Canal in 1968 and lived there until 1972 when Hazel's health necessitated a move to Olympia. After Hazel's death in 1978, Howard moved back to Hood Canal and revived his interest in golf after a lapse of 50 years. He became an avid golfer and in 2002, at age 99, he golfed 88 times. Howard was honored with his own golf tournament at Lake Cushman, his home course, for his 100th birthday. Howard's other passion was St. Germain's Episcopal Church in Hoodsport. He was an active parishioner until his late 90s and enjoyed the many friendships he made there. Howard helped organize garage sale fundraisers for the Church and he loved to play in the Bishop's Open. He was an inspiration to many, both for his longevity and his appreciation for life. Howard was preceded in death by his wife Hazel and son Bruce. He is survived by his longtime best friend, Kay Hoyt of Lake Cushman , nieces, Danna Davis and Joyce-Wilder Jones of Warm Beach, and Betty Jordan of Camano Island. He is also survived by his grand-nieces Wendy Poulton of La Conner, Dana White of Marysville, Susan Wilder of Australia, Jane Wilder- O'Conner of Marietta, OH, Miriam Mehl of Anacortes, Sandy O'Shea of Boise, and Linda Shiedler of Everett; grand-nephews Danny Davis of Stanwood and Tim Jordan of Milton-Freewater, OR and their families. A private burial was held on Wednesday, April 23 at Hawthorne Memorial Cemetery. A memorial service will be held at St. Germain's Episcopal Church, 600 North Lake Cushman Road, Hoodsport, on Sunday April 27 at 1:00 pm. Remembrances can be made to WWU Viking Football Department, 516 High Street, Bellingham, WA 98225 or to the charity of your choice.