Bert Christian Howmann passed away on October 29th, 2020 at his home in Laguna Hills.He was born on January 18th, 1929 in Jersey City, New Jersey to Anker and Erna Howmann, recent immigrants to the United States from Denmark.He had three siblings (all passed): Tove, Ivar, and Dagmar.
Bert and his brother Ivar became interested in hot rodding and were active in street racing, drag racing, and salt flats racing.Bert was a contemporary and friend of the late Ed Donovan, a legendary force in the drag racing community.In his later days, it was obvious through his reminisces that he really enjoyed the camaraderie he had with this group of men.

An Electrician by training Bert worked for several electrical contracting firms before starting his own successful company in 1968.But his true love was design and architecture and he often said that if he'd had the opportunity, he would have loved to have become an architect.
In 1951, Bert was drafted to serve in the Army during the Korean War.He served in combat in the 40th Division, 223rd Regiment, Heavy Mortar Company.Though he rarely spoke of the experience, it haunted him and influenced his outlook on life.

After returning from Korea, Bert met Marguerite (Margie) Church on a blind date.It was love at first sight for him.They were married within a year in August of 1953. They bought a home in the San Fernando Valley and started a family.They had five children: Eric (wife Stacey), Dale (wife Lorna), Mark (wife Moira), Ivar, and Tamra.

Bert loved his grandchildren Mirja and Kyle, Ashley, Heather, and Sierra, Anders and Allison, Kate and Spencer, and John and eleven great-grandchildren and spent as much time as possible with them.

Bert was very active in his faith as a member of the Christian Science Mother Church in Boston and the local Christian Science churches in every community he lived in.He served in various capacities including 1st Reader, 2nd Reader, and many committees.He and Margie attended Class together in the 1960's and they volunteered at Ardenwood for 6 months after their retirement in 1995.

He loved to draw and paint and was very talented.He painted and sketched many beautiful pieces and loved to talk about colors, shading, and light. He enjoyed teaching others and taught at local colleges and community centers as well as teaching his children and grandchildren.

After Margie passed in 2017, Bert met Joan Bell and found love again. They were married in March of 2020.

Bert could build anything and fix anything.He was always ready and willing to help with any project and we can still visualize him walking up to the door, toolbox in hand, ready to go to work.He cared about people and always put his family and friends first.

We will miss him deeply.