BRUNSWICK — Joel Glen Howard, 72, died Feb. 8 from complications of a stroke at Mid Coast Senior Health Center.

On July 27, 1937, he was born in Brunswick, a son of James H. and Sophie Deschenes Howard. 
In 1959 he graduated from Bowdoin College, and later from the University of Rhode Island in 1968. 

After serving in the U.S. Army in Germany, he worked in management for Sears.

On June 13, 1970, he married Betty Lou Willett in Kittery.

He became an accountant and established Howard & Howard Accountants in Middletown, R.I. with his wife Betty.

Following the death of his wife in 1992, he returned to Brunswick in 1996, where he established GMK Enterprises Inc.

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A paraplegic towards the end of his life, he served as an advocate for the disabled.  He was appointed by Governor Baldacci to the State Independent Living Council.

He created and maintained a Web site devoted to helping disabled people live independently outside of institutional care.

In the last months of his life, using an on–screen touch pad while bed-ridden, he wrote and published a novel, “The Resurrection of Ethan Hayes.”

He was predeceased by his sisters, Anita Pelletier and Fernande D’Auteuil, and his brother, Dominique Lavoie.

Surviving are his brother, James H. Howard of Scotland and a sister, Gwen Alexander of Lake Worth, Fla.; and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of his life will be held in the spring at a date to be determined. 

A guestbook and photo album can be viewed online at brackettfuneralhome.com.
 
Memorial contributions can be made to a charity of choice that serves the disabled.

Arrangements are by Brackett Funeral Home, 29 Federal St., Brunswick.


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