Elias Brennan Jonathan Howard came into this world six weeks early on February 10, 1988. On May 1, 2020, he left the world early, as well. Reach high, Buddy … You are finally free to fly.
As a young child, Eli delighted in the great outdoors, building forts and enjoying the magical world of the Huntington River valley, Mount Mansfield Union school area and Bolton Valley, where he grew up. As he got older, his connection to nature continued. Always in motion, he ran and then ran some more; rode; and skied Nordic, racing to much acclaim.
He took great joy in music and his wonderful friends of many ages, races, social groups, cultures and backgrounds. He had great compassion for the underdog and those differently abled. His adventurous years in the Chittenden East school system and St. Lawrence University provided him with many opportunities for deep thought, deep bonds with friends and some outrageously good times.
Along with, and in spite of, his struggles, Eli both found and brought joy through music, his love of running and the outdoors, good food, humor, and friendship. It is hard to let him go or forget the indelible stamp of his presence in our lives.
As much as Eli asked for a great deal from us individually, he also gave us much creativity and pushed us to higher levels of creativity, too.
At times, no matter how fast he ran, rode, skied, worked or played, the peace he sought eluded him. Yet he was no stranger to questioning deeply, working hard, playing hard and striving earnestly.
He had many, many mentors, champions, lovers and friends. You know who you are. You know that you tried hard, and he did, too. You tried to help him feel worthy, loved and lovable. And he was reciprocal in letting you know how much he cared for you. We thank you all for your kindness.
Eli leaves behind his father, Tom Howard, of Richmond and Stuben, Maine; his mom, Meg Howard, and her partner, Tom Northrop, of Huntington; his sister April, brother-in-law Ben Dangl, nephew Leon and niece Eulalia, all of Burlington; grandparents Jean Roberts and Howard Gross of Connecticut; many aunts, uncles, and cousins; and beloved friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Howard Center or the Richmond Land Trust in the name of Eli Howard.
Reach out to one another; to Earth, Sky and Water; and to us. A gathering will be arranged when we figure out how; meanwhile, feel free to share your memories on Remembering Eli Howard (facebook.com/remembering-eli-howard-109407990761676).
—With love, Meg and Tom N., Tom, April and Ben
This article appears in Apr 29 – May 5, 2020.
I am so sorry to hear of Eli’s passing. Although I only met him a few times, he had a certain light about him that could brighten up a room. May he rest in peace. <3
Eli was such a great young man and runner. I was truly blessed to be a part of his running and his life. I am sorry for your loss and there are no words to express how sorry I am for your loss and how wonderful he was as a person.
At times we dealt with a darker side, as I’m sure many of you did. But here was a kind and decent soul, who really just preferred to have fun with all of us. We were blessed with his creativity, honesty and kindness.
Eli graduated MMU the same year I entered it. He was a legend on the cross country team, who had just won states for the first time against the consistently dominant Essex team. 50 young boys all aspired to run as fast and race as hard as Eli. His courage and charisma on the race course was felt years later by generations of MMU runners who saw his name on banners and record books. He set the mark for excellence. But he was more than just a name; every interaction I had with him, despite never overlapping as team mates was generous, warm and loving. I remember going out for a run in mid-winter and slowly catching up to a runner in a red jacket. Eli was out on an 18 mile run, having the time of his life. He exclaimed that I was a life saver and almost as good as a banana as we charged up the hill. Rest in peace and keep it tight!
One of my favorite athletes I have ever had the privilege to coach. Very few stories last the test of time from State Nordic Ski Championships past, however, there is still one that is told of a certain stormy day at Prospect Mtn where Eli put the team on his back through is amazing leadership and grit. If you were there, you know. Amazing human, I feel lucky to have known him. So sorry to hear this news, much love and as Eli would say, “Stay strong.”
Rest in love and power Eli. May the hearts of the Howard family and all those who are feeling Eli’s loss be filled with love and peace. Love you April and Ben. ❤️
Still thinking about you big E! All the time – thanks for the great memories at SLU.
Till next time.
Mike Fox
We think about Eli every day: on beautiful fall days such as this one, when groups of people come together and he’s not there, a song, a joke, a new baby..a memory, a voice that could be his, a bear. We know you do too. He’s in the wind – and in all of our hearts.