On September 22, Capital Region ESD 113 lost a board member and dear friend, Dr. Howard Coble. He was 91 years old. Howard was a dedicated man with boundless energy and unstoppable curiosity.
- He was dedicated to his country, so he enlisted in the Army shortly after graduating from high school in 1943. He served mostly in Hawaii during World War II.
- He was dedicated to education for 60 years. While earning ever-higher degrees, Howard worked as a teacher, principal, director of elementary schools, superintendent, executive director of the Washington Association of School Administrators and board member of Capital Region ESD 113.
- He was dedicated to his community, serving in Rotary, United Way, St. Peter Hospital Foundation Board, Board of Regents at Saint Martins College, Education Commission of the State under Governor Spellman and as a founding member of the Thurston County Roundtable.
And he was dedicated to his family. Married for 68 years, he and his wife, Marilyn, raised three children. Once his children had children of their own, their holiday table often sat 16 family members.
Those who knew Howard appreciated his wit as well as his wisdom. From the capitol to the classroom, he was a tireless advocate for what is right and good in public education. He made a clear mark on education in our state and believed in supporting the success of every child.
