McKEE: Howard R. "Howie," 68, of St. Johnsbury, passed away at
Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital in St. Johnsbury, Tuesday
evening, Aug. 19, 2003, surrounded by his entire family. He was born
Nov. 20, 1934 in St. Johnsbury, the son of Ronald Lionel and Myrtle
(McElreavy) McKee. He graduated from St. Johnsbury Academy in 1952
and was a U.S. Air Force veteran of the Korean War. The
McKees had been former residents of 9 Garey's Drive in Littleton.
Howie was employed as a salesman for the former W.S. Tilton Food
Co., a.k.a. Independent Food Co. He was a member of Elks BPOE 1343
and the St. Johnsbury Country Club. At the age of 53, Howie suffered
a life-altering stroke. He and and his wife Nancy moved back to St.
Johnsbury. He demonstrated a grace and dignity in dealing with his
everyday life. Weather permitting, he could be seen around the upper
Main Street area with his motorized wheelchair; that first day out in
the spring was so very special. A daily destination was the fire
department where he continually reminded the firefighters to "plug
the engines in" after a call. Of all the challenges he faced, his greatest
loss was not playing golf. He is survived by his wife, Nancy (Leach)
McKee of 17 Church St., Apt. 2, St. Johnsbury; four children, Timothy
McKee of St. Johnsbury, Linda Stafford and husband D. Neil of St.
Johnsbury, Lisa McKee of Hatfield, Mass., and Todd McKee and wife
Shannon of Littleton; seven grandchildren, Jarrid and JasonMcKee;
"DB," Adam, Elliot and Aaron Stafford; and Jack McKee Heath; one
great-granddaughter, Emma Stafford; one sister, Phyllis Lawson and
husband Tom of Middlebury; three nieces, one nephew, cousins and
the entire Leach in-laws. He was predeceased by an infant son,
Jeffrey, who would have been the second oldest. Visiting hours will be
held at the Sayles Funeral Home Friday evening from 6-8 p.m.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, Aug. 23, at 2 p.m., at the North
Congregational Church in St. Johnsbury. Burial will be at the
convenience of the family at the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. Memorial
contributions may be directed to either the Santa Fund or the Gene
McDonough Scholarship Fund, both in care of St. Johnsbury Fire
Dept., 1187 Main St., St. Johnsbury, VT 05819.
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