Howard G. Chaffee, formerly of Okemos, MI. died on November 9, 2018 in Petoskey, MI. at the age of 92.
Howard was born May 3, 1926 in Adrian, MI. to P. Gordon Chaffee and Melva (Hammel) Chaffee. As a young man, Howard enjoyed and actively participated in numerous outdoor activities such as golf, sailing, skiing, tennis, hunting, archery and Boy Scouts.
These interests followed him into adulthood where golf was his true passion. He played weekly/daily until he was 89 primarily as a member of Walnut Hills Country Club where he also served on the board of directors. As a sailor, he raced “E” scows (M-2) on Muskegon Lake (MLYC) and competed in many national regattas.
In the winter, he sailed DN iceboats on Lake Lansing. Later in life, he enjoyed taking advantage of the free skiing options for people over 70 years of age. Howard was a veteran of WWII as a member of the 12th Armored Division “Hellcats” and survived the Battle of the Bulge.
After the war, Howard matriculated from Michigan State College with a degree in mathematics. While at MSC, he was a member of the Men’s Swimming and Diving team, Spartan Bowman and the Porpoise Club. Howard was avid Spartan his whole life!
Professionally, Howard was a commercial builder and general contractor, Howard Chaffee Construction Company, and the Christman Company where he worked on the restoration of the Michigan Capitol building. Later in life, he obtained a degree in computer science and taught at Lansing Community College. While at MSC, Howard met his true love D. Constance Chaffee (Graham).
They married on May 5, 1951 and were married for 67 years when he died. One of Connie and Howard’s favorite hobbies was woodworking and building furniture. He had a keen eye for design and built many beautiful pieces.
A love of hammered dulcimer music prompted him to learn how to build and play his own dulcimers. They love was passed to his grandchildren. Together, Howard and Connie raised a close and loving family.
He is preceded in death by his son “Buzz” G. Graham Chaffee. Survivors include his wife Connie Chaffee of Harbor Springs, MI; daughters Ginny Heinritzi (Walter) of Harbor Springs, MI and Janet Yuknas (Michael) of Aurora, CO; grandchildren Erich Heinritzi of Lansing, MI, Matthew Yuknas of Tempe, AZ and Sarah Yuknas of Aurora, CO; sister Julia Badura of Mancelona, MI and numerous nieces and nephews. At his request, there will be no services.
Anyone wishing to make a memorial donation may do so to the Greater Lansing Humane Society in Howard’s name.
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