Howard W. Colby

QUINCY, MA -- Mr. Howard W. Colby of Quincy, Mass., passed on peacefully on Saturday, November 20, 2010, in Braintree, Mass. He was 96. Born on a farm on Jan. 3, 1914, on the outskirts of Colebrook, NH, he was the youngest son of Guy and Eva (Holden) Colby. Howard graduated from Colebrook Academy during the Depression and completed secretarial coursework at Bryant and Stratton in Boston. He moved to Concord, NH, where he worked as an assistant in the Department of Fish & Game, travelling the state and promoting wildlife preservation. After the death of a close friend and associate in the department, he then went to work in the office of the Whittemore Company in Boston. He enrolled in the Navy in 1942, where he worked as secretary for the Chief of Naval Security in New England. After training in Monterey, Calif., he transferred to Okinawa, Japan, where he worked establishing the military government. After the Japanese surrender, he returned to Boston on the battleship North Carolina in Oct. 1945. He always spoke fondly of his Navy days, and used the training throughout his life, and maintained contact with his friends from that time. He then returned to work at the Whittemore, enjoying post-war life in Boston and around New England, caring for his mother as she succumbed to leukemia. Vacationing in Nantucket, he met Anne O’Leary, a lovely tall secretary from MIT, and they married in March of 1951. Returning from the beach in Duxbury one afternoon, they came upon a rustic two-room camp in Marshfield that they decided to buy, as a weekend retreat. After searching around Boston for an interesting place to raise a family, they bought a house in a need of work, a block from Maypole Hill in Quincy, where Howard continued to live until recently. They started a family that grew to four children. Studying nights, Howard obtained an accounting degree from Bentley College. He transferred to the Boston Sand and Gravel Company when it purchased the Whittemore Company, and he worked there as an accountant until retirement. He was a devoted family man, and delighted sharing his varied interests with his children and friends. He passed on north country tips for dressing and enjoying the outdoors in all seasons. He loved to skate, swim and garden. He spent many pleasant weekends with his family at Shadowwood, the camp in Marshfield, living simply, working around the house, picking berries, and graciously hosting numerous visitors who dropped in. He often invited others to join the family for outings to museums, and historic spots around New England. He attended numerous professional sporting events in Boston over the years, always with one of his kids. As improvements continued on his residences, he studied nights to learn cabinet making. And he was celebrated for his homemade donuts. His comfortable homes displayed his creativity and craftsmanship. He weathered family tragedies with grace and faith, caring for his wife at home as she died of cancer, and helping his son John recover from a debilitating auto accident. After the death of his wife, he continued to work part time at Boston Sand, taking the train to town several days a week until his late eighties. During those years and after, he divided his time between Quincy and Marshfield. He travelled extensively throughout New England, Canada, Europe, the western United States, and Latin America. He supported numerous causes, particularly those promoting the art and work of the physically challenged. Until recently, he regularly served food at a local homeless shelter. He was a gracious gentleman and loyal friend to many, and he enjoyed a rich active life. He passed on with characteristic dignity. Mr. Colby leaves behind two sons, Alan Colby of Marshfield, Mass., and John Colby of Watertown, Mass.; and two daughters, Martha Colby of Quincy, and Nancy Shallow of Colebrook, NH. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Anne (O’Leary) Colby in 1981. There are no public visiting hours. Mr. Colby returns to Colebrook for a funeral Mass with a Eucharistic service on Wednesday, November 24, 2010, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Colebrook with The Rev. Marlyn Neary as celebrant. Interment will follow at the Colebrook Village Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to the Gateway Crafts, 62 Harvard St., Brookline, MA 02445, or online at www.gatewayarts.org. Condolences may be offered to the family on-line by going to www.jenkinsnewman.com. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Jenkins & Newman Funeral Home, Colebrook, NH.

Howard W. Colby

January 3, 1914 - November 20, 2010