Dr. William "Steve" Stephan Howard

Dr. William Stephen "Steve" Howard passed away September 13 in Campbell after a brief illness. He was 77.

Steve was born July 5, 1949, in Princeton, Indiana, to Thomas and Margaret Howard. Following his graduation from high school in 1967, he earned his bachelor's degree and Doctor of Optometry degree from Indiana University-Bloomington. Steve moved to California and served as an officer in the U.S. Navy from 1973 to 1976, where he was primarily stationed at the U.S. Naval Hospital on Treasure Island. Following his service, Dr. Howard practiced optometry for nearly four decades, serving patients at Kaiser Permanente’s San Francisco and Santa Clara medical centers.

Known for his sharp mind, quick wit, and wonderful sense of humor, Steve was a lifelong reader who loved immersing himself in history, current events, and film. He also loved to travel, exploring destinations around the world throughout his life, including enjoying many cruises and trips to Hawaii and Las Vegas as well as traveling to Alaska, Canada, Mexico, South America, Singapore, Hong Kong, Komodo Island, Bali, Antarctica and Australia, Europe and the Mediterranean with close friends.

Steve loved living in Northern California, staying active as an avid tennis player for many years at the Town and Country Club. He also enjoyed numerous skiing trips to Lake Tahoe and the Rockies over the years. A lifelong student of golf, Steve was delightfully self-deprecating about his own game. Steve was also a dedicated sports fan and San Jose Sharks season ticket holder for over 20 years. Though he didn't get to see the Sharks lift the Stanley Cup, he was thrilled to watch his perennial underdog IU Hoosiers win the College Football National Championship last year.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents and his older brothers, Tom and David. He is survived by his four nieces and nephews, John, Molly, Ellen, and Scott.

A true gentleman and a kind soul, Steve was a dedicated and loving son, brother, cousin, and uncle who also maintained many lifelong friendships over his 55 years in the Bay Area. He will be greatly missed.

A memorial gathering among friends and family will be held October 10.