Howard James Lash, 96, passed away peacefully, Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at his home in Friendship, Maine. He was born December 2, 1927, the twelfth child of Captain Robert and Levilda Lash. He grew up in Friendship with 13 brothers and sisters and received his education there graduating from Thomaston High School in 1944. He enlisted in the Army in 1946 attaining the rank of Corporal.
Howard returned home and worked with his brothers at Lash Brother’s Boat Yard until his retirement in 1994, building many wooden fishing vessels and Friendship Sloops. He was known as one of the best plankers around but was too humble to admit it. His attention to detail led to him being assigned to finish the interiors of the ships they built.
He married Lois Brusby in 1959 and they had two daughters and a son. Their son, Timothy, died in 1971 after a difficult battle with cancer. The faith of Howard and Lois helped them greatly in facing such a difficult loss. The whole family found great strength in the love and care given by extended family and church friends.
Howard loved providing for his wife and daughters including well-made furniture. He used his skills to maintain his home, making many nice upgrades over the years. He had the rugged hands of a carpenter and loved capturing his grandchildren’s hands and holding them in his strong grip.
Howard was a faithful and active member of the Advent Christian Church of Friendship. His faith in Jesus Christ was practiced in his daily life and set the example for his family. He loved being with other men in the congregation, and he helped bring children to Sunday School so they could learn of God’s love. Howard served as a trustee of the church properties for many years. He and several of his brothers donated their time and labor to build the new sanctuary between 1994 and 1996. He loved his Lord and Savior, his family, and his country.
Howard was predeceased by his mother and father, son Timothy; sisters, Eleanor Lash, Carolyn (Benny) Kaler, Mary (Ike) Wotton and Myra (Harlan) Maxcy; brothers, Austin, John (Loretta), Winfield (Barbara), Robert (Kay), Harold (Elsie), Paul (Lucille) and Douglas Lash; and brother-in-law Ronald Summy.
Howard is survived by his wife Lois; daughters Esther (Alan) Chamberlin, Carol (Jon) Ehle; grandchildren Beth (Jonathan) Going, Joshua (Sarah) Chamberlin, Timothy (Aubyn) Ehle, Wesley (Melissa) Ehle, Stephen (Rachael) Ehle; and great-grandchildren, Ingrid Going, Jude Chamberlin, Caris, Afton, and Maren Ehle, Khloe, Eli, Emmett, Hannah, and Jedidiah Ehle, Annelise and Howard Ehle; brother Philip (Janice) Lash; sister Esther Lane and sister in-laws Lucille Lash and Nancy Summy, and many nieces and nephews.
A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, June 21, 2024 at Old Village Cemetery, Friendship. The Reverend Clayton Blackstone will officiate.
Those who wish may make memorial donations to the Advent Christian Friendship Church, 19 Cushing Road, Friendship, ME 04547.
Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland.
