Background
Howe, Richard J. was born on October 15, 1928 in Minneapolis. Son of Chauncey Eugene and Mildred (Rall) Howe.
Howe, Richard J. was born on October 15, 1928 in Minneapolis. Son of Chauncey Eugene and Mildred (Rall) Howe.
BME, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, 1950;Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, 1951;Doctor of Philosophy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, 1953;Master of Science in Industrial Management, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1965.
Engineer, Shell Oil Corporation, Houston, 1953-1959;general manager production research, Exxon Company United States of America, Houston, 1959-1978;president, chief operating officer, Pennzoil Company, Houston, 1978-1987. Advisory director Pennzoil Company. Director Battle Mountain Gold Company, Houston, Fugro-McClelland, Netherlands.
Those who knew him spoke of his character as a moral compass; his humour as the “king of one liners;” his happiness as contagious; and his friendship and love as all encompassing. Dick was a complex man of great intellect, yet he took joy in the simplest things in life. He was a righteous man.
Board of directors Florence Crittendon Home, Houston, 1974-1976. Board of trustees Kelsey-Seybold Foundation, Houston, 1984-1988, United Way Texas Gulf Coast, 1987-1988. Vice president Houston Grand Opera, 1985-1988.
Served to First lieutenant United States Air Force, 1955-1957. Member Society Petroleum Engineers (Distinguished Lecturer 1969), Forest Club (Houston), Sigma Xi, Tau Beta Pi, Pi Tau Sigma.
Following his retirement, Dick was treated successfully for prostate cancer in 1991 and subsequently became one of the nation’s leading lay authorities on the disease.
Dick was also an avid collector in many fields, including his most passionate interest in mechanical musical instruments and associated literature. His large collection included antique music boxes, player pianos, calliopes, violenas, photoplayers, nickolodeons, and juke boxes.
Married Charlotte Relf, June 15, 1951. Children– Richard Junior, Dwight, Roger.