Howard Nelson Lumsden

Howard Nelson Lumsden was a kind, strong, and generous grandfather, husband, father, uncle, brother, and friend. He approached life with a calm assurance, benevolence, quick wit, and an inexhaustible well of strength and determination. His fight, through sheer force of will, against all odds to beat pulmonary fibrosis, endure a double lung transplant, gaining the gift of life for a few short years was no different. He embodied grit; fighting through bouts of pneumonia to the end, passing peacefully on January 20, 2023, at age 70.

Howard was born to George and Relna (Lewis) Lumsden on May 14, 1952. He married Gloria Brown and together they had two children, Nick and Adam. Howard began working in construction for his uncle Mack Lumsden and then Les Jones Construction before starting a 38 year career at Besser Company. In his retirement he continued to work for DeVere Construction and Alpena Township. But more important to him was his time serving the community as a volunteer firefighter for 25 years, and another 20 years as a trustee and township supervisor for Long Rapids Township. He was proud to be a part of community projects including the Thunder Bay River Restoration, the recycling center, and many others.

Howard was immensely proud of anyone who served their community - whether as a firefighter, law enforcement, healthcare, military or other community service. He always took time to speak with, thank, and encourage those who served.

He loved time with his grandchildren, Isabelle, George, and Oliver; often taking them on adventures to pick apples or blackberries, four wheeler rides in the woods, or just creating a little mischief to evoke wild laughter or turn a frown upside-down.

He is survived by his sons Nick (Jennifer) Lumsden, Adam Lumsden, grandchildren, Isabelle, George, and Oliver; aunt Elsie Lumsden; siblings, Linda (Ken) Keyes, Jan (Dale) Thomson, Harold (Jean) Lumsden, Gary (Cheryl) Lumsden, and Mary (Tom) Atkinson; and so many cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews - all of whom he endeavored to know and for whom he was extremely proud.

Howard was preceded in death by his wife of 48 years, Gloria (Brown) Lumsden.

He was full of life and lifted up all around him. Join us as we choose to lift him up and celebrate his life and his going home with fond memories and stories, he can hear all the way in heaven.

Visitation will take place at the Bannan Funeral Home on Tuesday from 2-8 p.m. with a Thunder Bay Fireman Association bell ceremony at 7 p.m.  Visitation will continue on Wednesday at Long Rapids First Congregational Church from 10 a.m. until the time of his celebration of life service at 11 a.m.

Inurnment: Long Rapids Cemetery

Memorials: Long Rapids Township Fire Department