Terry Lee Howden

June 27, 1937 to February 25, 2025 – With hearts full of sadness, love and gratitude, we memorialize the life of Terry Howden—a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, elder, minister and friend—who passed away peacefully after a life well-lived.

Terry was born on June 27, 1937, to Merle and Cora Howden in Portland, Oregon, as their only child. From a young age, he displayed an innate curiosity and skill for mechanics, a passion that would shape his entire life. After graduating from Benson Polytechnic High School in 1955, he bought his first new car, a 1957 Chevy, and within a week, had the engine in pieces to enhance its performance. That love of speed led to a bit of street racing and, later, a lifelong involvement in motorsports.

Terry began his career as an apprentice in the Steamfitters & Pipefitters Union Local 235 (at that time). Due to his incredible talent, strong work ethic and excellent quality of work he became a master of his trade, excelling as a journeyman steamfitter, pipefitter, welder, and HVAC specialist. His work took him across Oregon where he played a role in designing, building and installing HVAC systems as a career. As a Jehovah’s Witness, he used his experience and talent on a volunteer basis, to help construct Quick Build Kingdom Halls and renovate older ones. He was involved in the building of the Woodburn Assembly Hall, then later helped with additions and renovations in the years after, then contributing to construction projects at The Jehovah’s Witness Organization Headquarters in Brooklyn New York.

Terry married Sharon Garland in 1964, where they blended each of their children into a family. Sharon brought her daughter Jamie (1960) and Terry brought his son Scott (1961), they were just 8 months apart in age. Together, they bought a home in Rockwood, Oregon. His second daughter, Karen, was born in 1965, completing his trio of beloved children. In 1977 they moved to Boring (now Damascus) where Terry and Sharon raised their family and lived until 2 months before his passing.

Terry’s love of speed and mechanics continued with dirt track motorcycles and stock cars, he loved the thrill of the race. After retiring from competitive racing, he stayed involved by building and maintaining race cars for himself and others. Later in life he worked on antique midget race cars, and he had the opportunity to race in exhibition races for some of the car owners.

In 1973, Terry was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, a decision that shaped the rest of his life. He served as a ministerial servant, then as an elder, and later as the presiding overseer for the Rockwood Congregation. He officiated countless weddings, funerals, and remained steadfast in his faith for the rest of his life.

Terry was not only a skilled trades man, he was an entrepreneur. Terry has opened and operated several businesses in his lifetime. Terry’s Racing Products, Pro Trowel Concrete, Terry Howden’s Concrete Service, Pro Fab, Terry’s Fabrication and Lil’ Britches Children’s Clothing Store, which he founded to help his family.

Most importantly, he was a devoted family man and servant of Jehovah. He cherished his role as a father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather, known lovingly as “Papa” to his ever-growing family. He passed down his knowledge of welding and craftsmanship to his grandsons, ensuring his legacy of skill and precision would live on. He also passed down his love of playing the guitar, making music with friends, family and singing with his wife.

Even in retirement, Terry never stopped working with his hands, spending hours in his garage, tinkering with projects, and enjoying time with family and friends. He was a storyteller, a mentor, and a man of deep conviction who left an impression on everyone he met. But above all else, he was most proud of the family he built and the faith he lived by each day.

Terry leaves behind a family who adored him, his wife Sharon Howden, his son Scott Howden with wife Jodi, and his daughters Jamie Barrigan her husband Dave, and Karen Johnston with her husband Steve. There are 12 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild. He left a legacy of craftsmanship and service, and a lifetime of cherished memories.

He will be deeply missed but forever remembered.

We love you, Papa. Your race is finished, but a piece of you is woven into the lives of each one of us.

A memorial service will be held as a memorial to Terry’s life and faith. On March 29th, 2025 at 4:00 pm at The Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses at 17320 NE Glisan St. Portland, OR 97230. If Terry has touched your life, you are welcome to attend.

All arrangements are being handled by family and Bateman-Carroll Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Jehovah’s Witness Organization that Terry devoted himself to helping. https://donate.jw.org/en/USA/home, Thank you.