A Tribute

Howard Bohlin

Though we are saddened by the sudden loss of our spiritual Brother, we are content in knowing he has arrived at his reward in Heaven. Howard left an inspiring legacy of faith and service, providing a lifelong example to family and friends. From his early years he was athletic and strong, a member of his high school and college gymnastics teams. That strength followed him through his education and into his first career as a pilot with the United States Air Force. He flew the T-38 and was a flight instructor for the T-37 before settling into an exciting role flying the largest aircraft the USAF offered during his time – The C5 Galaxy. As a pilot, he was known for his instinctual style and the occasional surprise aerobatic maneuver or fly-by. “He was really one with the plane,” Elaine said. She should know. He taught her to fly in Arlington in the 1990s; that’s how they met. He took a short break from flying to serve in Air Force Intelligence but gladly returned to the C5 where he flew Special Operations and taught aerial refueling. It wouldn’t be unusual to hear him singing “Nice and Easy Does It” by Frank Sinatra to keep the aircraft steady for the boom operator. He flew missions around the world, many of which he wasn’t permitted to share about until long after their completion, if at all. He had an adventurous spirit, always willing to go where he was needed or travel somewhere new or dangerous. After 22 years in the Air Force, Howie continued to fly, becoming a private flight instructor for small aircraft. He also went on to fly routes for Chicago Express, Vanguard (where he became a check airman) and Frontier Airlines before settling down as a flight simulator instructor for Southwest Airlines in Dallas. It was his joy to share the instruction duties with his wife, Elaine who is a Ground Instructor for Pilot Security and Emergency Procedures. During all these years, Howie raised a family. His two sons fondly recall their early years when Dad would spend hours in his garage workshop tuning up motorcycles, building intricate wooden toys and constructing sturdy furniture. He had a sharp mind for math, was a master of many tools and enjoyed teaching his sons to have the confidence and patience to fix just about anything. If he wasn’t jetting through the skies or tinkering in the garage, his nose was most likely buried in a book. He pored through literature of all kinds, and especially enjoyed learning and studying. Howie was always learning and trying something new, and was known for preparing surprising and delicious recipes for Elaine, family and friends. He recently started pursuing wood carving, creating artful and realistic likenesses of animals and nature. He was also a talented voice actor, lending his unique tone as a volunteer, recording audio books for the blind and occasionally taking on professional voice assignments. You will hear his unmistakable voice in “A Soldier Surrenders, the Conversion of Saint Camillus de Lellis” by Susan Peek. Howie instilled in his family an appreciation for all kinds of music, but especially classical music. He was a Stradivarius supporter of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. He was a kind and confident man of infinite talents. When the microphone was off, he was known as a man of few words, reminding us all that we learn more by listening than speaking. Elaine said of his service to our council: “He loved being a Knight. He was like a kid going off to camp when he helped with a Knights activity.” His stoicism was his trademark. He is remembered for his quick dry wit, his awful “dad jokes”, his enduring kindness to others and his belief that we each have a responsibility and unique capability to serve and help people. He had an unwavering faith in God and a true passion for service. In addition to Elaine, Howard is survived by sons Chris and Andrew and five grandchildren. Chris and wife Andee have 14-year-old twin daughters Chole and Camee, living in Fort Worth. Andrew and wife Emily have three children – 12-year old Stephen and 5-year-old twins