William Howarth Meadowcroft's Obituary
William Howarth “Howie” Meadowcroft, 85, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 15, 2014 at his home in Lakewood, WA. His last days were spent overlooking the view of his beloved American Lake where he enjoyed many years of boating and proudly flying his collection of flags.
He was born on January 30, 1929 in Seattle, WA to Lillian Howarth and Dr. Albert Henry Meadowcroft. Howie spent his childhood years growing up in the Highlands and attended Lakeside School before beginning his college career at Stanford and the College of Puget Sound (University of Puget Sound). At UPS, Howie joined the Sigma Nu Fraternity and served as President his junior year. In 1954, he completed his secondary education by earning an MBA from the Harvard Business School.
Howie married Elizabeth “Wiz” Weyerhaeuser on March 2, 1957 in Lakewood, WA where they raised a family which grew to 5 children and 14 grandchildren. Together Howie and Wiz forged many friendships and loved to entertain. They also loved to travel and enjoyed many family adventures exploring Africa, Hawaii, Europe and Arizona. Howie took his camera wherever he went. Everyone who knew Howie will remember him as a fixture at numerous events documenting important moments. He leaves behind thousands of photos and precious home movies that will be cherished. Howie was equally known for his unrivaled passion for politics. He was dedicated to attending and supporting political events in the Puget Sound Region and very much enjoyed the thrill of the political arena.
Howie spent his entire business career at the Weyerhaeuser Company from 1950-1986. During his tenure, he held various positions within the company beginning with Marketing and then serving as Project Coordinator for Corporate Headquarters in Federal Way from 1967-69. The bulk of his career, however, was spent serving as Assistant to the President where Howie spent many loyal years beside his lifetime friend and brother-in-law, George Weyerhaeuser.
Howie loved being involved in the Tacoma and Seattle communities. He proudly served on numerous boards over the years. Some of his favorites included: Miller Botanical Garden Trust and Charitable Foundation, Tacoma Sports Council, Charles Wright Academy Board of Trustees (Chair), Forest History Society, Greater Tacoma Community Foundation, KeyBank (Puget Sound Bank), Mary Bridge Children’s Foundation, Tacoma Art Museum (President), University of Puget Sound, Washington State Historical Society, Virginia Mason Medical Foundation, Weyerhaeuser Company Foundation, Weyerhaeuser Family Foundation. But close to his heart and a board that brought Howie much joy was the University of Washington Tyee Board of Advisors where he served as President from 1983-1984.
Howie’s greatest joy in life was making things happen and taking care of people. He did this with gusto for the 53 years he was married to Wiz and beyond.
Howie is survived by his sister, Jane Robison and his 5 children: Laura Hofberg, Lisa Politeo (Mike), Anne Meadowcroft, Mark Meadowcroft (Gloriana), and Dave Meadowcroft (Anna); and 14 grandchildren Kate, David, Sam, Nathan (Mercedez), Spencer, Claire, John, Madeline, Daniel, Brooks, Carson, Blake, Lauren and Alex. In addition to his parents and Wiz, he was preceded in death by his sister Margaret Challman and his brother Tom Meadowcroft.
The family is grateful for the compassionate care given to Howie over the last several years by May Maynard, Normie Hathaway and Barbara Kaapana. Heartfelt thanks goes to Barbara Kaszewicz for 12 years of loyal dedication and friendship to Howie and Wiz. Her care for them was first class. Profound gratitude goes to the wonderful Marilyn Hager for 14 years of caring, professional & attentive assistance to Howie.
A celebration of Howie’s life will be held at the Tacoma Country and Golf Club on Sunday, November 9 at 2pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Greater Tacoma Community Foundation or the Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital. Please sign the online guestbook and look for details regarding the upcoming memorial service at www.mountainviewtacoma.com.
What’s your fondest memory of William?
What’s a lesson you learned from William?
Share a story where William's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with William you’ll never forget.
How did William make you smile?