Howard Lawrence Cekander

Howard Lawrence Cekander, age 78, of Portage, MI passed away on Friday, August 21, 2020. He was born on May 16, 1942 the son of Howard C. and Jennie M. (Slack) Cekander. He was proceeded in death by his parents and two brothers, Norman and Douglas Cekander. After he was honorably discharged from the United States Air Force where he was stationed from Alaska to Texas, he married Charlene Ann Leipzig. They were married for over 56 years and from that marriage came three children: Leslie (Jon) Griffith, Lynn (Rob) Gaynier, and Timothy (Traci) Cekander; three grandchildren: Matthew Griffith, Caitlyn Griffith and Trevor Cekander. Howard often said they went for quality, not quantity and was very proud of each one. In his final days, Howard wrote in his journal “he was lucky in finding a wife that added a wonderful home life for all of us”. Howard worked for thirty-three years as a lead chemical operator for the Upjohn Company. He was a proud recipient of the 1990 W. E. Upjohn Award. He was the first production-based employee to win this award. Howard enjoyed his children and grandchildren, especially watching them play many different sports throughout the years. His hobbies included slow pitch softball, bowling on several teams & in many tournaments, playing pool and was an avid woodworker. He enjoyed participating in the Hoinke Classic Bowling tournament each year. If he wasn’t working 2nd or 3rd shifts or volunteering on his kids’ sports teams, you could find Howard at Airway lanes where he bowled in three leagues. Howard had an ease about himself and he made friends everywhere he went. A self-taught wood worker, Howard’s skills went from adding a two-story addition to the family home as well as helping out friends and family with their projects, all done to perfection. All who Howard helped are well versed in the phrases “measure twice, cut once” and “kittywampas”. Howard will be interred at Fort Custer with a private service due to COVID-19. Please take time to sign Howard's guestbook by lighting a candle and/or sharing a memory with the family. The family is being assisted by the Avink Funeral Home & Cremation Society, 5975 Lovers Lane, Portage, MI 49002 (269)344-5600.