In loving memory of Royce Edward Howes - Obituary Baldwin Brothers

Obituary

Royce Edward Howes of Hermon, Maine and Englewood, Florida passed away peacefully from natural causes at his Florida residence on March 4, 2024 with family by his side. Royce was born on May 2, 1933 in Vassalboro, Maine, son of Royce E. Howes Sr and Helen F. (Jaquith) Howes. His family moved to Woolwich, Maine during his childhood and he graduated from Morse High School in Bath, Maine, class of 1950. Royce married Margaret Jerolyn “Jerry” (Harris) Howes on December 5, 1952 and they were blessed with 71 years of marriage. Royce served in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict from 1953 – 1955. Afterwards thanks to the G.I. Bill he was able to attend Portland Junior College (now University of Southern Maine) then Boston University where he received his Bachelor’s degree in Business Management/Accounting. Royce and Jerry made their home in Bath, Maine where Royce was employed at several local businesses but the highlight of his career was his co-ownership of Longreach Company in Bath, a marina and dealership of recreational “toys” such as boats and snowmobiles. Royce loved leading the outdoor adventures of boating and snowmobiling with his family and friends and also enjoyed the outdoors during summers at the family cottage on Damariscotta Lake. Royce was active in many community functions and is a lifelong member of the Solar Lodge in Bath. Royce and Jerry relocated briefly to West Bath then after he retired in 1995 they moved to Beaver Cove on Moosehead Lake where they resided for 13 years. There he enjoyed doing what he loved most – snowmobiling and boating plus hunting and fishing. For many years he was President of the Moosehead Riders Snowmobile Club and was awarded “Snowmobiler of the Year” by the Maine Snowmobile Association. He was instrumental in initiating the “Ricky Craven Snowmobile Ride for Charity”. In 2009 they relocated their primary home to Hermon, Maine near both their son and daughter. During their retirement Royce and Jerry were able to travel throughout the U.S. and they enjoyed the life of “snowbirds”, first spending winters in Florida with their camper, then renting and finally in 2011 purchasing a second home at Alameda Isles in Englewood, Florida. At Alameda Isles Royce was active in community groups and activities and greatly enjoyed boating and camping with his family and friends. Family activities always were a large part of Royce’s life and both his daughter and son purchased homes in the same Alameda Isles community to allow them all to be nearby.

Royce is survived by his wife Margaret Jerolyn “Jerry” of 71 years, a daughter Melissa “Missy” (Howes) Herrick & her husband Daniel Herrick of Englewood, Florida and The Forks, Maine, a son James “Jim” Howes & his wife Tamara (Tripp) Howes of Hermon, Maine and Englewood, Florida, grandchildren Megan Howes of New London, NH and Andrew Howes of Hermon, Maine, brothers Frank Howes, Robert Howes, and William Howes. He was predeceased by mother Helen Howes, father Royce Howes Sr, brother Charles Howes and sisters Dorothy Howes, Della (Howes) Goodnow and Marion Caron. He leaves many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held in Maine this summer. In lieu of flowers Royce would have been honored to have donations made to American Cancer Society for family members and friends who have struggled or are currently struggling with cancer.