LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Howard Rudy Chavez Jr. attended local elementary schools and graduated from Lower Lake High School in 1975.

After high school he entered into the US Coast Guard and served for two years.

Howard received encouragement from his elders to pursue a career in education, and so he did and received his bachelor of arts degree at Humboldt State University in June of 1980.

He followed this up by completing his master's degree at the University of San Francisco in 1985. He was a teacher for the Konocti Unified School District from 1981 to 1990.

Howard then worked as the principal of the Round Valley High School from 1990 to 1997. He also worked for a year as the superintendent /principal at the Pyramid Lake High School.

In his later years Howard worked with different agencies to help Native American programs, offering his writing skills in obtaining federal grants and development of training and social involvement addressing various tribal issues.

Howard leaves behind sons, Justin Latham and Matthew Chavez; daughters, Summer Porter, Roberta and Cassandra Chavez; along with numerous grandchildren, nieces and nephews; his brother, Ron Montez; and sisters, Leora John and Jeanne Lopez.

He also leaves behind his love and life partner of 20 years, Janice Freeman. He loved that she was a traditional Indian woman, believing in the old ways, and that she was a great cook.

With Janice, Howard opened his heart and home to shelter and raise many needful Indian and non-Indian grandchildren. They provided a home and family atmosphere for these children that they would otherwise be without.

Affectionately these children called Howard “Papa” and he always had a word of encouragement for the kids, little quotes like “the early bird gets the worm” or “ quitters never win and winners never quit.”

He believed in education as a way to make a difference for yourself and to help set an example for the generations to come.

A traditional Native American wake will be held at the Big Valley Rancheria gymnasium at 4 p.m. Friday, March 21, to Monday, March 24.

A memorial service will take place at 11 a.m. Sunday, March 23, to 9 a.m. Monday, March 24.

Contributions may be made to Jones Mortuary in care of “Chavez Funeral.”

Arrangements entrusted to Jones Mortuary www.jonesmortuary.com FD311, Lakeport, Calif.