Thomas E. Howe

Thomas E. Howe, 68, of Benton Harbor, passed away, Saturday, July 16, 2016 at Hanson Hospice Center in Stevensville. Tom was born November 5, 1947 in South Haven to George & Jeanette (McIntosh) Howe. He attended L. C. Mohr High School in South Haven and enlisted in the US Army in 1966, proudly serving in Germany and Fort Lewis, Washington as the General’s personal cook.  After completing his enlistment, Tom earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Advertising and Marketing from Western Michigan University, while working as a truck driver for Associated Trucking in Benton Harbor.  On December 28, 1968 he married the love of his life, the former Nancy Paquin, in St. Joseph.  Tom gained employment with Siebert-Mathieu-Bowser & Reed Advertising in Benton Harbor for several years until he founded his own computer company called The Information Center.  In December 1991, Tom and his wife purchased the North Shore Inn in Benton Harbor while he continued to operate The Information Center until 1993, when he devoted his full time to the North Shore Inn. Tom had many passions and hobbies in his life.  He was a fully ordained minister and the founder of the “Tom Howe View of Life Church”, dispensing his wisdom to all who would listen.  He even performed a wedding ceremony at the North Shore Inn and was proud to do so.  Tom had a passion for cars and spent several of the past years building his 1923 Ford T-Bucket into the 700HP “CB2GO” that all are now scared to drive — but it wins awards, so who’s to argue?  Fishing was another favorite pastime of his and he spent many vacations down in Mexico with his close friends chasing the “big one” in the deep sea.  At the North Shore Inn, Tom enjoyed every minute spent there, from grilling his famous burgers, trying new recipes, preparing luncheon & dinner specials, greeting each and every customer in his role as the “Official Greeter” and making many valuable friends along the way.  He enjoyed his daily trips to Martin’s on official North Shore Inn business, which allowed him to get his restaurant errands done, while also allowing him to socialize with the staff and customers alike over a cup of coffee.  When Tom and Nancy started the North Shore Inn, there wasn’t much to talk about, but after years of work and laughter, Tom enjoyed building the business into a family friendly establishment and welcoming people in, as well as making the North Shore Inn a main attraction during the Senior PGA Tournament for the last six years.   Tom loved life and thoroughly enjoyed every minute he had and he did it all his way – he was certainly a colorful character full of humor and always appreciated laughter more than tears.  He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Tom is survived by his wife of over 47 years, Nancy; his children-John (Stacey) Howe of Benton Harbor, Courtney (Brian) League of Milwaukee, WI; and six grandchildren-Alana, Isaiah, Jackson & Huckleberry Howe, Julia & Griffin League.  He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Roger Howe. Tom’s final Fish Fry will be held in his honor & memory in the fall.  Per his wishes, his body was donated to Mayo Clinic Anatomical Dept. for research.  Memorial donations may be made to Hospice at Home or Hanson Hospice Center.  Arrangements entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel in St. Joseph. Those wishing to sign Tom’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.