Howard Argyle

Ira Howard “Howie” Argyle, age 89, passed away peacefully in his sleep on October 19, 2021. He fought congestive heart failure and COPD for many years. He was born July 27, 1932 in his grandparent’s home in Holladay, Utah to Ira Coltrin and Alice Elizabeth Howard Argyle. He was raised in Bountiful, living and working there until he married Donna Lucia Blaes. They share three children, Lucia (Mike) Hathaway, Shaun (Dori) Argyle, and Michael (Natalie) Argyle. He was preceded in death by his parents, younger sister, NaRee Maddox, and granddaughter, Cindy Hathaway.

Howard was raised with a strong work ethic. He worked in the local fields at a young age. Howard followed his father into the construction business as a journeyman carpenter for Bowers Building Company. He left carpentry to work with friends in interior design as a drapery salesman/installer. He worked with draperies for many years. Howard returned to his roots as a much sought-after remodeling carpenter. His specialty was building decks. Retirement brought a new skill – Chef!! He perused the paper for delectable dishes to prepare for his sweet wife.

Howard wasn’t all work and he was always athletic. He accomplished the sports trifecta – a grand slam, a 300 game in bowling, and a hole-in-one in golf. He bowled on a team sponsored by Lyngle Bros. Interiors for many years. He was often invited to tournaments and brought home hams or turkeys every year! Howie was a “championship” golfer. Valley View Golf Course in Davis County was his favorite course. Mountain Dell was where he made his hole-in-one on the 11th hole.

Howie loved the freedom of skiing! He and his brother, Wayne, would ski Solitude and Park City all afternoon for a dollar. He loved the fresh powder! He skied the Greatest Snow on Earth on 8-foot black Head skis. He painted bright pink nail polish on the tips so he could see the skis way out in front of him. A man of all seasons, waterskiing was the sport of summer. He was graceful on the slalom ski, jumping the wake, and flying over the ski jump at Bear Lake. Equipped with a fish finder and knowing the secrets of each lake, Howard was an enthusiastic fisherman. It was trout and kokanee salmon at Flaming Gorge; and striped bass at Lake Powell. Howie loved catching fish but never really cared for eating them.

Howard and Donna Lu are solid Utah Utes supporters. They tailgated for many years with great friends. Saturdays saw Howie in his Utah shirts, ready to cheer the team onto victory!

Howie was a kind and compassionate friend and neighbor. Shoveling snow off of sidewalks, fixing air conditioners, emergency handyman who could fix anything were skills he shared willingly. His sense of humor was unique and he loved to laugh with his family. His mind was always a steel trap, remembering appointments and tasks that needed attention.

He adored being with friends! Backyard parties were the best. He never met a stranger and treated everyone like his best friend.

Howard carried this clipping in his wallet since 1947.

Be with me, God, when I am glad. . .And all the skies are blue. . .And never let me fail to give. . .My gratitude to You. . . Be with me when the night is dark. . .And shadows cross my heart. . .That I may always keep the faith. . .And never grow apart. . .Let not my mind be lonely or. . .My footsteps go astray. . .But teach me how to live my life. . .According to Your way. . .Be with me, God when I am home. . .And when I travel far. . .And help me to appreciate. . .The beauty of a star. . .Be my companion everywhere. . .In happiness and tears. . .Be with me, God, and give me grace. . .Through all my earthly years.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, November 7 at Woodhaven Pointe (6775 S 900 E, Midvale, garden level), 12 – 3 pm, with a toast and open-mike remembrances at 1:30. Handicap parking is available on the north side of the building.