March 13, 2005

To Clarence Howard’s family and friends,

I’m so sad to hear about my friend, Clarence. I enjoyed just being around him and valued his talents, his honesty and his sense of humor. I’m already missing him terribly.

I can’t remember ever stopping by and finding him in a bad mood and I always left with the feeling that there was still some good in the world. Other good people were usually around and I enjoy knowing them too. Oz, Al, Mr. Wilson, Robert, Colin , Raeford, Walt and me were regular visitors. Oz and Al got put to work, but no one else needed any particular reason to stop by. We all just knew that we’d feel better if we did.

With a sly grin, Clarence would quiz you about your automotive maintenance habits and your life choices with questions designed to point out the proper path for both. Then that big smile would break out to let you know there was still hope for you if not your car.

Clarence taught patience to many of us. Although he was a drag racer, he never got in a hurry. While that meant a wait for your car to get fixed, it also meant he always had time for you. Clarence loved cars, but he loved people more.

My whole family knew and loved Clarence. My wife, Brynn, her mom, Joan Hassler, and my sons Kerry and Larsson. It meant a lot to all of us when Clarence came to Joan’s memorial service in February 2000. Now sadly, it is our turn to pay our respects to him.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you, and we will always hold Clarence dear in our hearts.

Mark Puckett