Damon Patrick Howard

Damon Howard passed away on 8/22/2023 at home. 

Born in Simi Valley California. He grew up camping, water-skiing, and riding motorcycles. He moved to Grants Pass Oregon with his family in the early 1980s where he enjoyed horseback riding, even joining 4-H. He enjoyed running, playing pool, mountain biking, riding motorcycles and rafting down the river. Not many knew he was a very talented artist and enjoyed drawing. He was proud of his accomplishments; he was a certified personal trainer and a successful Self-Employed General Contractor. 

Knowing Damon and who he was, was such a gift. He inspired others to never take anything for granted, to work every day, to learn new things, and to see their full potential. Damon’s love for his family and his friends was his biggest gift. With that love came selfless protection. He fought for what was right. He wanted the best for everyone he cared about. And, when you needed him he would be there with a Dutch Brothers coffee in hand. When you needed advice, you better be ready for the hard truth because asking Damon for advice meant he would listen, analyze both sides, and find a solution. He put his whole heart into it. 

If you were one of the lucky ones that could see past a protective wall, you knew what a one of a kind stand up man he was. He was a man of his word and he was respected. He looked you in the eyes and meant what he said. A man that would to his last breath fight to protect you if you needed him. But it did not stop there… he would reach out with his business card to help someone that could use a second chance and let them know they could call him and he would try to find them work. He would say” Things come easy with effort, consistency, and hard work. Luck has little if anything to do with it.” 

Damon absorbed every conversation he had because he truly listened. when you sat down next to Damon it was not for a surface conversation. He lived for those open discussions when you could push beyond each other’s differences and come out the other side with a respect to each other’s opinions. This man did not just hear you. He listened to you… he took in what you would say, processed it and thought long and hard before he answered because conversations meant something to him because he cared.

He was a huge presence and our hearts are broken. We will miss him every day. 

Preceded in death by his parents Duane and Julia Howard. His oldest brother Duane Howard Jr.

Survived by his partner Tara Fisher and their dog Bella. His son Dyllon. Brother Dennis Howard (Alisia), Sister Melinda Hankins (Joe) and many nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews. As well as many friends he considered family. 

A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.