Dr. Angus (Gus) Howitt

HOWITT, Dr. ANGUS (Gus) J., 91, of Glenn, Michigan, passed away on April 24, 2010. Gus was born on a farm in Guelph, Ontario on February 9, 1919. He served in the Royal Canadian Air Force in WWII and then obtained his bachelor's degree from the University of Guelph in 1949. He then came to the US where he obtained his Masters degree from Montana State University in 1951 and his Doctorate degree from Kansas State University in 1953. That same year, he accepted a position as an entomologist at Washington State University. On November 15, 1955, he married Eva Mae Delaney. In 1960, he accepted a professorship at Michigan State University. While at Michigan State, Gus developed the Trevor Nichols Research Complex, Fennville, Michigan, into one of the premier fruit pest management research facilities in the nation, and a training room at the complex is named in his honor (The Angus J. Howitt IPM Training Room). Gus was awarded a Fulbright scholarship in 1967 and spent a couple years overseas (New Zealand, Uruguay). Among the various professional awards Gus received are the following: Best Applied Entomologist in North America (1984) by the Entomological Society of America, Pioneer Award for North America (1987) by the Michigan Blueberry Growers Association and the National Cherry Industry Man of the Year Award (1994) by the Cherry Marketing Institute. Gus made numerous research and education contributions throughout his 29 year career at Michigan State University, including the book Common Fruit Tree Pests (NCR63 1993), receiving the Outstanding MSV Extension Award and teaching several generations of Michigan fruit growers. Upon his retirement in 1989, Gus spent his winters in Brooksville, FL and his summers in Glenn, MI and in both places, he vigorously pursued his cherished game of golf. Gus is preceded in death by his wife of 38 years, Eve, and he is survived by his daughter, Colleen (Michael) Callahan, his granddaughters, Delaney Mae Callahan and Devin Shaw Callahan, his sister, Marg Clair, his brothers, Douglas (Kay) Howitt, and Thomas Howitt, and his close companion, Frances Mather. While Gus's professional accomplishments are truly impressive, especially in light of his humble beginnings in a farmhouse without electricity or running water, his greatest achievements were the people he touched and helped throughout his life. His generosity knew no bounds. He never hesitated to help out in any situation, and he made numerous sacrifices without any thought of himself. He genuinely enjoyed people and maintained a vibrant, lively lifestyle his entire life. His love and appreciation of nature continued throughout his life.
To say we will miss him does not begin to express our loss. His legacy includes not only his enthusiasm and willingness to seek out new experiences, but also his deep and unconditional love and compassion for those close to him. We can now only look forward to that day when we will be reunited with Gus.
Visitation is Friday, April 30, 2010 from 6:00PM to 9:00PM and Saturday from 11:30 - 12:30 at Fillbrandt Family Funeral Home, South Haven, MI. A Funeral Mass will be conducted May 1, at 1:00PM at St. Basil's Catholic Church, South Haven, MI. A reception will follow at Gus's residence, 1194 Cherry Dr., Glenn Shores Subdivision. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gus's honor to the Al-Van Humane Society.