Terry Leigh Howard

Terry Leigh Howard passed away on February 6, 2026 at Chandler (Arizona) Regional Medical Center after a short illness.

Terry was born in Seattle, Washington on February 12, 1946 to Terry Jay and Louise (Boster) Howard. Terry will be remembered for loving his children and grandchildren, his poodles, fishing with friends and family, RVing with the Puyallup Eagles Daffodil Roamers RV Club, and spending the last five years as a “snowbird” in Parker and Yuma, Arizona.

Terry spent his early years living near Ketchikan, Alaska, then Grisdale, Sumner, Puyallup, Spokane, Washington and Boise, Idaho. He graduated from Sumner High School in 1964, married Cherie Washburn, and they raised three children together. Terry worked for several years in the corrugated box manufacturing industry, including positions at Fibreboard, Seattle and Spokane Packaging, Commencement Bay Corrugated, and The Box Maker. He retired in 2010 after surgery, chemo and radiation for pancreatic cancer.

Terry is survived by his wife Karleen, children Bill Howard (Darlene), Terry Howard (Julie), Katie Leavitt (Kelly), step-children Andrea Vail, Gordon Boskofsky (Jaime), and Krista Bechtold; grandchildren Brandi Thomas (Jason), Kylie Jewett (Josh), Jordan Howard, Stephanie Leavitt, Andrew Leavitt, Spencer Vail, Tanner Vail (Kelsey), Alexia Boskofsky, Tristan Dube, Derek Boskofsky, John Bechtold, Travis Bechtold; 7 great-grandchildren; brothers Fred (Joelle) and Steve Howard, sister Barbara Vorderbrueggen, and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. Terry’s parents and brother Bill “Wild Bill” Howard preceded him in death.

Terry was a 32-year member of Puyallup Eagles Aerie #2308 and a member of the Yuma Moose. He and Karleen celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary on May 6, 2025 with family and friends in Puyallup.

The family wishes to thank the doctors and staff at Chandler Regional Medical Center for their compassionate care during his time there. Terry said how very professional they all were.

Per Terry’s request, he has been cremated and his ashes will be spread as he requested. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date in Puyallup.