Adjectives are to the writer what oils and watercolors are to the artist. They give definition to the character on the page as oils and watercolors give life to the subject on the canvas.
Loving, caring, composed, intelligent, respectful, dignified, and loyal are a few of the many characteristics which defined Howard Leslie Trekell, 68, who died May 9, 2009, at his home in the foothills east of Gilroy.
Barbara, his wife of 34 years, was at his side. Death was due to complications of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
In addition to his wife, Howard is survived by his son Todd of Los Gatos and daughter Jill Trekell-McNulty (Ryan) of Redmond, OR. He also is survived by his twin brothers Doug (Donna) of Vacaville and Don (Linda) of Santa Rosa and their families.
Born in San Francisco and raised in Belmont, he graduated from Carlmont High School in 1958 and University of the Pacific, Stockton, in 1962.
At UOP, Howard was active in the Rhizomia fraternity which later became Phi Sigma Kappa. In 1963, he received a teaching credential from UOP. He taught English and journalism and coached basketball at San Benito High School from 1963 to 1969.
Subsequently, Howard received a counseling credential from Santa Clara University and began a long career with the East Side Union High School District in San Jose. He also had a secondary school administration credential.
Howard taught and served as a counselor at Oak Grove High School from 1969 to 1973 and as head counselor at Santa Teresa High School until 1991 when he became ESUHS Subject Area Coordinator for Counseling and a member of the National College Board advisory committee. He then returned to STHS in 1995 as a counselor until his retirement in 2001.
In 1975, he and Barbara Parsons, a teaching colleague, married. They enjoyed entertaining at their home, were active members of the Gilroy community, and traveled extensively.
Howard had many passions including performing arts, camping and fishing at Pinecrest Lake in the Sierra, skiing, and attending Bay Area sporting events and Oregon State football games. An avid reader, he valued learning and enjoyed conversing on virtually any subject.
As a devoted husband and father, Howard supported his family members in all their endeavors. As a steadfast friend, he was loyal and caring and will be missed by many.
A private celebration of his life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the Trekell family requests that contributions be made to a scholarship fund in his name. Donations made payable to the Howard Trekell Memorial Scholarship Fund can be mailed to Student Bank, Santa Teresa High School, 6150 Snell Avenue, San Jose, CA 95123.
