Obituary
Howard Joseph Vaeretti, age 100, died in Vancouver, Washington, on Saturday, August 1, 2026. Born in Portland, Oregon, to Joseph and Ivy (Ten Eyck) Vaeretti, he grew up on his family's farm in Sandy, Oregon. Howard attended Bull Run School and Sandy High School. After graduating from Sandy High, he attended Willamette University, the University of Washington, and the University of Oregon, graduating with a degree in business and later education.
Howard began his career teaching at Sandy High, a role he loved before leaving for an opportunity in the lumber industry-where, as he often noted with a smile, the higher pay certainly didn't hurt. He worked for several lumber companies across Oregon and Northern California, concluding his lumber mill career at the Walter E. Koch Lumber Company in Sandy, Oregon. He remained active in the lumber industry afterward as an independent wholesaler.
In June 1948, Howard married Christina R. Rannow, and together they shared 63 years of marriage. In 1970, they purchased a farm in Sandy where they raised their six children. Howard eventually returned to teaching at Sandy High, where he frequently drove the team bus to athletic events. His favorite assignment was transporting the high school ski team-largely because it meant Chris could join him for the drive up the mountain.
Around 1983, Howard spotted an announcement in The Oregonian for a teaching position in Guam. After meeting with a recruiter, he applied, beginning an adventurous new chapter marked by extensive travel—a passion both he and Chris shared. Howard greatly enjoyed traveling throughout Micronesia—particularly the islands of Yap and Chuuk—as well as visiting Japan, Bali, Thailand, and the Philippines among many other destinations.
Upon returning to Sandy, Howard devoted himself to their farm, meticulous weed control, and cultivating a park-like lawn. He became deeply involved with the Sandy Historical Society, hosting both meetings and picnics and sharing his vivid memories of early life in the area. Howard continued to substitute at Sandy High school before retiring at age 70.
Howard was preceded in death by Chris in 2012. He is survived by their six children: Bill (Gina P.) Vaeretti, Karyn Bertrand, Mark Vaeretti, Teresa (Jon) Vaeretti-Shultz, Tom Vaeretti, and Gina Curtis. He is also survived by numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
In 2023, Howard moved to Vancouver, Washington, to be closer to his daughter, Teresa. He lived at Van Mall Retirement Community until his death. While at Van Mall, he helped form a writing group; using his stories to share memories of his family, the colorful characters he met in the lumber industry, and of course, his deep love for Sandy, Oregon. He also discovered a love for BINGO and bean bag baseball, earning the nickname "Home Run Howard." He enjoyed weekly scenic bus trips across Washington and Oregon, often remarking, "That is one pretty bus to look at, but boy is it a bumpy ride!"
One of Howard's final goals was to reach the age of 100. He achieved that milestone- and surpassed it by 15 days. Howard lived a remarkably full life, rich with family, work, adventure and community. He will be greatly missed.