Howard M. McKinley

December 5, 1921 – August 2, 2021

Howard passed away on August 2nd with his family by his side.

Howard was born in San Francisco on December 5, 1921. He was the younger of two children born to Howard and Elsie McKinley. He grew up in San Francisco and graduated from Galileo High School. He was an Eagle Scout as a member of Troop 14. Howard attended the United States Naval Academy, graduating with the class of 1943. He served three years in World War II, in the Pacific aboard the USS Oakland and the USS Savannah in the Atlantic. Following the War, Howard earned his wings as a carrier pilot flying torpedo bombers. He retired and was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1947. In 1947, Howard married the love of his life, Lorraine

Mohr. They were married for 74 years and were the personification of a devoted and loving couple. Howard and Lorraine lived life to its fullest, but were first and foremost dedicated to their family.

Howard spent his entire 40 year working career at Pacific Gas & Electric Company. He began in the electrical department in San Francisco and retired as an officer and Vice President. Howard valued the many relationships forged during his time with PG&E and remained active as part of the retired officer’s organization. He was involved with numerous industry associations during his time with PG&E. Howard was deeply involved in philanthropic organizations and charitable causes. He was Chairman of the Board of Governors for Shriner’s Hospital for six years, a member for twenty-four and headed the Building Committee for the new San Francisco Hospital. He also served on the Mayor’s Fiscal Advisory Committee for the Cable Car Rehabilitation Program. While living in Stockton, Howard served as Foreman of the San Joaquin County Grand Jury, and was involved with the Advisory Board for Stanislaus State University; Downtown Alliance; National Alliance of Businessmen; United Way, and, the Boy Scouts of America Forty-Niner Council. He joined the Masonic Order in 1947 and served as Master of the California Lodge. Howard was a 91-year member of the Olympic Club where he set multiple Strength and Fitness records and national Master’s swimming records. He received the Pacific Masters 2013 Swimmer of the Year award for the 90-94 age class and was the oldest living member of the club on his passing. Howard and Lorraine were also members of the St. Francis Yacht Club. They enjoyed cruising on Caz II to Tinsley Island in the Delta and up and down the west coast, spending considerable time in the Pacific Northwest. Howard and Lorraine especially enjoyed spending time at the family cabin in Cazadero. The cabin was a centerpiece of the family heritage. Howard took particular pride in seeing his offspring embrace the values and importance of family, and a solid work ethic, while at the cabin. Howard was a selfless man who always gave of himself for the benefit of others. He encouraged and helped countless people enhance their lives under the principles of respect for others, hard work, humility, perseverance and understanding the responsibility to give back. He was an inspiration and source of guidance to his family and everyone who he touched, a true gentleman by any definition.

He is survived by his wife of 74 years, Lorraine; his children Scott; Robyn Digesti (Laurence); Marsha Quinn (James); and John (Denise). His eleven grandchildren who affectionately referred to him as Gramps: Alyson, Matthew, Marc, Eryn, Ryan, Allen, Erik, Laura, Katie, Stephanie and Jeffrey, along with six great grandchildren who held a special place in his heart. Howard was deeply loved and will be dearly missed.

Family services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Howard’s name to the Cazadero Community Club, P.O. Box 3, Cazadero, CA 95421; or to Shriner’s Hospital for Children, Attn. Processing Center at P.O. Box 863765, Orlando, FL 32886.