Howard G. Bethel

Howard G. Bethel, 89, of Solvay, NY, formerly of Bozeman, MT passed away peacefully on February 12, 2023, born in Brooklyn, NY to Howard C. and Marie Bethel. He grew up on Long Island where he attained his Eagle Scout award. Howard graduated from SUNY Buffalo with a dual degree in Industrial Art and Art Education. He taught Industrial Art and Art Education in several districts before going on to receive his certification to be a guidance counselor from Syracuse University. He spent many years as a counselor before retiring in 1989.

Howard loved to share his knowledge and was a passionate teacher. Throughout his life he was an instructor of water safety, small crafts sailing, mountaineering, first aid, adaptive skiing, rod building and fly tying.

Always on the go, Howard was a member of the National Ski Patrol, a New York State Swim Official and an award winning photographer. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. A swimmer all of his life, Howard was a lifeguard at Jones Beach, swam for SUNY Buffalo and ended his swimming career swimming in the Senior Olympics in his seventies.

Howard met his wife, Joan Coffin of Fayetteville, NY in 1982. They were completely dedicated to one another thereafter, sharing their love of the outdoors. Howard and Joan, as life and business partners, founded and operated Hawkridge Outfitters and Rod Building. They first traveled between New York and Yellowstone National Park. After Howard and Joan retired from teaching, they moved to Montana in 1989. From their Trail Creek home, they ran their outfitting business and spent many days hiking, camping and traveling the west.

Howard was predeceased by his parents, daughter, Marti M. Christian and his wife, Joan A. Coffin.

He is survived by three children, Wendy M. Gross (A. Eric), Kristin A. Waterstripe (Paul) and Jay H. Bethel (Kimberly); step-children, William S. Coffin, Benjamin Coffin (Kara), Laura A. Coffin-Bauer (Richard), J. Douglas Coffin (Diana) and Thomas E. Coffin (Angeli). Howard and Joan together leave behind 19 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren, which include the two grandchildren on the way.

There will be services at a later time.

Thank you to all of his lifelong friends who have called, kept in touch, that have dropped in and have prayed for him in the past five years.

Memorials in lieu of flowers, may be directed to these charities: Yellowstone Forever, American Parkinson Disease Association or a charity of your choice.