Howard Pinkley, 1927-2012

Howard H. Pinkley “Mayor of Point Place”, 85, was taken by the Lord on September 1, 2012 to help organize the activities of Heaven. He was born in Toledo, OH on April 20, 1927 to Harold C. and Carrie L. (Kerchevall) Pinkley who welcomed him into Heaven.

Howard was a faithful patriot and served courageously in 2 branches of the Military; Navy and Army. His country is forever grateful for his service and his sacrifices. Howard was the beloved son of Point Place and worked diligently to preserve the history and to keep advancing its attributes so that the residents of Point Place would prosper. Howard was very instrumental in the development of; the Point Place Lighthouse, the Nautical Village Walkway and the Howard Pinkley Landing for canoes and kayaks.

Howard was President of Flags Sales and Repairs, LLC since 1960. His memberships included; Point Place Business Association; Harbor Light Masonic Lodge, as a Past Master; Zenobia Shrine Temple: 32nd Degree Mason Scottish Rite, Mariners Unit Past Director; International Park Board member; Western Lake Erie Historical Society, Past President; Willis B. Boyer Museum Ship, Advisor; Founding Member of Flags for Point Place; and Founder of Point Place Days Parade. Howard belonged to the following yacht clubs: Ottawa River Yacht Club, life member; Order of Blue Gavel; Toledo Ice Yacht Club, Past Commodore, and life member; Riverview Yacht Club; Past Ole Man of the River; Associated Yacht Club, Past Commodore and Past Executive Secretary for 25 years; Inter Lake Yachting Association Delegate for over 50 years; Monroe Boat Club, life member; North Cape Yacht Club, 35 years; Jolly Rodgers Sailing Club, founding member since 1945. Howard’s life was a full life.

Point Place was his dearly loved home. He did everything in his power to make sure she was never forgotten and always held in high esteem. Point Place grieves for her loss for the empty shoes Howard left behind which will never be filled with the spirit and determination that Howard had. In 2004, First Lady Laura Bush ventured into Flags Sales and Repair to meet Howard and before she left hugged Howard and thanked him for his gracious hospitality that he was famous for.

Sadly he leaves his precious daughters; Lauri S. (Ed) Zunkiewicz, Heidi K. (Ken) Germain, and Wendy M. (Jeff) Beallas; grandchildren, Chad Stewart, Kelly Zunkiewicz, Becky Zunkiewicz, Corey Beallas, Ben Beallas, Sarah Germain and Jason Germain; sister-in-law, Sharron Pinkley; and brother-in-law, Robert A. (Louise) Fox. Howard was also reunited with his beloved wife, Mary (2009); and brother, Donald Pinkley.

Visitation will begin Tuesday and Wednesday, September 4th and 5th, 2012 from 2-8 pm both days at David R. Jasin-Hoening Funeral Home, 5300 N. Summit St. (419.726.1583) with Associate Yacht Club Services at 6 pm on Wednesday followed by Harbor Light Lodge #746 F.& A.M. Masonic Services at 7 pm. Visitation also Thursday, September 6, 2012 from 9-11 am at Messiah Lutheran Church, 4703 N. Summit St., Toledo, OH; Funeral Services will begin 11 am in the church. Pastor Cindy Getzinger will officiate. Entombment will be at Toledo Memorial Park.

Contributions in Howard’s memory will be to Messiah Lutheran Church or Shriners Hospital. Those wishing to leave a kind word, a fond memory or photos for the family to receive may do so at www.jasinfuneralhome.com He touched so many lives, he changed so many things, his passions were contagious, and his memory is forever. Sail on Howard, sail on.

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