Howard Allen Reeher

Howard Reeher was born in Forest Grove to Howard and Maryanna Reeher, the eldest of two children.  His family moved to Vernonia, Oregon where he attended grade school and the first half of his freshman year of high school.  He also attended high school in Astoria, Forest Grove and Orland, California.

In 1953 Howard was appointed to the Portland Fire Department where he worked in the Suppression and Fire Prevention Division.

In 1954 he married Connie Lee Parks.  They had two daughters.  Howard retired as a senior fire inspector (Captain) in 1980.  During and after his fire service career he taught fire science classes part time at Portland Community College, Clackamas Community College and Chemeketa Community College.  From 1983 to 2006 he was an instructor at the National Fire Academy, Fire Service Admin. Program,  through Western Oregon University.  He was extremely proud of the fact that he was able to help hundreds of students improve their firefighting skills.  From 1950 to 1970 Howard was a member of the Army National Guard in Oregon.  In 1958 he was chosen to be part of the original staff of the Oregon Military Academy, serving as tactical officer for classes, 1, 2 and 3.  In 1971 he transferred to the 6229th Army Reserve School at Vancouver Barricks, where he retired as Director of Officer Courses in 1982.  He retired with the rank of Lt. Colonel USAR.

Howard was preceded in death by Connie his loving wife of 66 years; his parents, Howard and Maryanna Reeher; and his sister Janet Stewart.

He is survived by his two daughters, 4 grandchildren and one great grandchild.