Howard “Howie” Richard Schaible, who came from a family with deep roots in Altamont, was a veteran who served during the Korean War and then had a long career with The Boeing Company.

He died on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at the age of 91.

He was born in Altamont on March 19, 1933 to the late Frederick E. Schaible and Anna Blanche Severson Schaible.

“Howard’s mother was born in the oldest house in Altamont on Brandle Road across the road from the Severson Cemetery,” his family wrote in a tribute. “Howard is a ninth generation member of the historic Severson family that founded the village of Altamont in the 1700s.

“He helped his daughter Jennifer with research of the history of the Severson family back to the Declaration of Independence, which was his mother's heritage.

“He met Ruth Rochon of Guilderland in high school, his beloved wife, Ruth, of 69 years. He grew up in Altamont, and attended the old Altamont school.

“He was a member of the Altamont Reformed Church. Howard was also a volunteer member of the Altamont Fire Department, a member of the New York National Guard, and then enlisted in the Navy serving during the Korean Conflict aboard the USS Caloosahatchee based out of Newport, Rhode Island. He was a longtime member of the American Legion Post 977 and had served as its commander.

“Howard and Ruth lived in Altamont, raising their family, until 1966. They moved to Issaquah, Washington where he started his career at The Boeing Company and retired from Boeing as superintendent of manufacturing and tool fabrication with the military division. He was a charter member of the Museum of Flight in Seattle.

“Over the years, he enjoyed boating and waterskiing with his family on Lake Sammamish and snow skiing at Snoqualmie and Stevens passes. He loved to grow his beautiful dahlias and so enjoyed singing and dancing.

“His retirement from Boeing was filled with fun on the golf course, and volunteering with the Boeing Bluebills in Port Ludlow on the Olympic Peninsula. Many trips back to Altamont visiting family and friends were special times. Early in retirement took them to many destinations traveling abroad.

“We will so much miss Howie’s gentle hospitable cheer and how he always gave and helped whenever he could.”

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Howard Richard Schaible is survived by his loving wife, Ruth; his children, Jeffrey (Janet), Jennifer Davis (John), and Gregory (Ginny); his grandchildren, Jason and Kristi Earley (Patrick); and his two great-grandsons, Wade and Cole.

He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Marion Rochon Hickey, and by many nieces and nephews.

His parents, Frederick E. Schaible and Anna Blanche Severson Schaible, died before him, as did his sister, Marion Schaible, and his brothers, Harold, Robert, and Herbert Schaible.

His committal service will be held at Tahoma National Cemetery.