VASSALBORO, MAINE
Charles Herbert “Chip” Howe, IV, age 59, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, January 12, 2011 after a courageous battle with a rare neurological disease. He was born September 16,1951 in Rockland, ME to Charles Herbert Howe, III and Phyllis Anne (Hubbart) Howe.
He attended the United States Military Academy at West Point and later went on to study Physics at the University of Maine in Orono. On October 12, 1991 he married Jane Elizabeth Aiudi.
He lived in several different towns across Maine during his lifetime. As a high school student, he was trained and licensed by the Department of Commerce Weather Service and became the youngest weather observer in the United States. Chip starting working in 1970 as the Assistant Downhill Ski School Director and director of the Nordic Ski program at Squaw Mountain in the Moosehead Lake Region. He later served the State of Maine for over 37 years in different positions. He began his career with the state working as a watchman for the Forest Service on top of Bigelow Mountain, and moving in 1973 as a Forest Ranger to the forestry camp in Rockwood. He joined the Maine State Police in 1974 and retired in 2005 as Lieutenant and commanding officer of the training division for the state police. For many years he specialized in accident reconstruction taking photographic images for the state police. He also oversaw the state police K-9 unit for several years. He received several awards and special recognition during his career with the state police including, being named “Trooper of the Year” in 1983. In honor of his contributions to training cadets, when the Maine Criminal Justice Academy was expanded and relocated to Vassalboro, the Maine State Police dedicated the new exercise room at the academy in his honor. After retirement, he reentered the workforce and began working as a computer forensic examiner for the Maine State Police Computer Crimes lab. He also received national recognition while working with the Computer Crimes Unit Task Force for aiding in the capture of two pedophiles.
Chip was a member of several different organizations including the Bicycle Coalition of Maine. He held positions as the President of the State and Provincial Police Academy Directors and chairman of the New England State Police Administrators Conference (NESPAC). While working with NESPAC he trained law enforcement professionals throughout New England. Chip was an award winning photographer and won several state and national awards. He also was an avid runner and Nordic skier and won several races during his lifetime.
Chip will be especially remembered for his love of running, mountain climbing, biking, fondness for travel in the Western United States and talent with photography. He will also be remembered for his determination, attention to detail, endurance, and exceptional athletic ability, along with his ability to precisely instruct generations of law enforcement professionals across the United States. He was known by his fellow officers and those he instructed and lead as a “good man.” His family will remember him as a dedicated, kind, and compassionate son, husband, father, uncle, brother, and grandfather.
He was preceded in death by two aunts: Virginia Delaney and Ruth Watt.
He is survived by his wife, Jane Aiudi of Vassalboro; his daughters: Christine Howe and her husband Dana Black of Orland and Rebecca Lebel and her husband Richard of Brooksville; his parents: Chick and Anne Howe of Thorndike; Jane’s children: Stephen Lepore and wife Kelly of Bangor and Sarah McGuire her partner Katrina O’Connor of South China; a sister, Catherine Bright of Amarillo, TX; a brother-in-law, Emil Andy and his wife Eleanor of Blue Hill; a sister-in-law, Judy Davis and her husband Everett of Hollis; a sister-in law, Earlene Jackson and her husband Paul of Monmouth; grandchildren Rory and Jade McGuire, Nicholas Lepore, Marshal and Breton Lebel, Oceania and Madelyn Black, and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Visiting hours for relatives and friends will be on Sunday, January 16th from 2-4 PM at Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta. A memorial service will be held on Monday, January 17th at 10 AM at the Maine Criminal Justice Academy in Vassalboro. Burial will be at the convenience of the family.
Those who desire may send flowers, or memorial contributions can be made to: Bicycle Coalition of Maine, PO Box 5275, Augusta, ME, 04332.