Obituary of Charles F. Howard

Belchertown-Charles F. Howard, the oldest resident of Belchertown, passed away May 11, 2021 at the incredible age of 103.  He was born January 23, 1918, son of Everett C. and Geraldine (Fairchild) Howard.  He lived his whole life in this town and was the 5th generation of Howard's to reside here.  Charlie helped his father work on the family farm, "Mtn View Orchards" on Jackson St.  The Howards were well known for their development of hybrid strawberries, apples and the "Howard Star Petunia".  Young Charlie and his father delivered produce throughout Western MA and the pre-Quabbin Swift River Valley Towns.  Charlie was a member of the Belchertown Grange and for many years travelled to all the county fairs setting up their fruit displays, selling seeds and cuttings.  Charlie had many jobs throughout his life including, first person to rent out boats at Gate # 8, Quabbin.  He was a very hard worker and often held down two jobs.  He drove Howard's school bus , was a Belchertown policeman, worked at the Belchertown State School as a driver and was an EMT.  He was predeceased by his wife, Helen (Cook) Howard of 59 years at her death in 2000.  Charlie leaves behind two children, Mark Howard and Holly Rainaud-Loss (Alex) and former son-in-law, "Charlie #2" Rainaud.  Four grandchildren, Andrew Rainaud (Lisa), Wendy McDonald (Bob), Adam Howard and Adele Howard (Chiqui) as well as nine great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.  He had many friends through the years including Rose and Phil Sawicki.  Charlie loved the great outdoors, hiking throughout New England and the northern Appalachian Trail, fishing, canoeing the Swift River and in later years, feeding the birds and wildlife (including the occasional bears).  Charlie fulfilled a lifelong dream-taking the Amtrak train across America SOLO sometime in his eighties.  The family would like to thank all the doctors, nurses and hospice workers that kept Dad going over the last few years, especially his granddaughter, Wendy, Amy, Diane, Renee, Kate and Sheryl (affectionately known as "Sarah").  Peace be with you, Dad.  On Saturday, May 22nd, a visiting time will be held at BUCC from 10-10:30 a.m. with a service to begin at 10:30 a.m. in the church.  Burial will follow in Mt Hope Cemetery.  Beers & Story Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.