| In 1995, I had to drive Mr. Howland from the Chevron plant in Port Arthur, Texas, to the Houston Hobby Airport. We were running kind of late, and as one who believes you need to stay with the flow of traffic, I was driving a little too fast. We got stopped by Houston's finest and I was issued a speeding ticket (most embarrassing). About one week later, I received a personal check from Mr. Howland. He had explained that he knew it was not company policy to reimburse for speeding tickets, but he felt I was not really speeding and wanted to pay for the ticket. He was one of a kind! |
| -Rhonda Guerra, San Antonio, TX |
| As a past Senior Transportation Engineer with CALTRANS District-8 and then my working with J.F. Davidson Associates in the 1980’s, Mr. Howland’s team of local engineers provided project management processes for Project Report Preliminary Engineering and Final Designing processes that were copied by many to achieve On-Time and In-Budget projects. I met him once at a District Office Director’s Meeting but I do not remember for what project. However, I remember his promise that his engineers would have their contract finished within the schedule provided. This was a major concern at the time since contracting for freeway design services was relatively new and design firms were having difficulty with being on time or within budget for our jobs. SANBAG and RCTC where requesting projects to happen sooner and CH2M Hill helped establish working schedules needed in those days. His people made it happen as promised so we copied much of their procedure into other project schedules. This is just a small remembrance but it was important to me. Mr. Howland and his partners’ management and design legacy will last long into the future. |
| -Ralph Wheeler |
| I had the pleasure of meeting Jim many years ago. |
| -Mike Eveges PE |
| A great successor for the human biggest achievement and we should follow his footsteps and make more success! |
| -N.V.Rajan |
| A great loss to Humanity, and the engineering fraternity as awhole, May God Bless him with "MOKXA" |
| -Nalinkumar Desai |
| Thank you Mr. Howland. We're all better for knowing you. |
| -Jon Clack |
| I did not know the man, but from my researched findings; I can say this man was truly remarkable. |
| -G. Douglas Gray III |
| I worked at CH2M Hill for 9 wonderful years and was fortunate enough to work with Jim annually on the Nat'l League of Cities. It was an honor to work with him. Jim and I had alot of fun and laughs at the annual conferences. He always did such a wonderful job presenting at the awards ceremonies and the crowds were always in awe of this incredibly humble and inspiring man. I made sure to have extra copies of the Little Yellow Books on hand as there was always a long line of people waiting to meet and talk with him. Jim's sincerity and kindness always floored me. Jim would always ask me when faced with difficult decisions of what I wanted to do and I'd respond "Jim, you tell me it’s your company!" :) He encouraged people to make bold decisions and take chances and would always do it in such a caring and nurturing way that only Jim could. Even after I left the company I thought of him often and reflected on what an amazing company CH2M Hill had become through his leadership. My thoughts and prayers go out to all his family and friends. |
| -Andrew Coffman |
| In 2003, I asked Jim to sign and send "Little Yellow Books" to me for each of the 20 on-site staff we had working at Air Force bases. I wanted to do this so that each one of our on-site staff, located at remote sites around the USA felt connected to the CH2M HILL culture and consciousness. Jim gladly sent me the books, and included the following message "Great that you are working to include all in the culture of CH2M HILL. Pleased to send these Yellow Books to you for your staff at the Air Force bases." I will not forget the day I shook Jim's hand at a celebration in Denver. The energy of his spirit was felt by everyone he met. Jim was the ever present champion of the CH2M HILL culture, and a lighthouse to help us all find our way. |
| -Ed Riegelmann |
| The first most think i liked about CH was the way treat their employees. I havent seen it anywhere else no i where it came from. |
| -Pirahas Balasingam |
| I met Jim Howland in early 1999 when I was on TDY from the Denver office. It was my first year out of grad school on my first big design job. Another young engineer and myself decided we were going to take Mr. Howland out to lunch and learn as much from him as possible. We timidly asked him out to lunch one day, which turned into a 3 hour adventure that I'll never forget. He told us about the beginnings of the firm, gave us a tour of Corvallis and showed us his home. Later that year he was scheduled to visit the Denver Office, so I emailed him before his trip and asked if my husband and I could take him out to dinner. Fortunately he agreed, and as an added bonus we also were able to meet his incredible wife Meisy. My husband and I soaked in every word they spoke. It was so amazing to know that of the 2 nights they were in town, they decided to spend one of them with a first year engineer and her husband, just because we had asked. He sincerely valued every employee, every single person he met. Even though I'm no longer with the firm, we still have our copy of his Little Yellow Book, and his lessons and stories continue to live vividly in our memories. |
| -Melanie Holmer |
| After WWII, four Oregon Staters felt that there would be many design and planning opprtunities for rebuilding and adding facilities for cities and counties.The 4 were in contact with each other before they all returned to Corvallis. They started the firm in the Rennie Building, up the stairs off of Madison St. The Corvallis Clinic began up those stairs also, how sick people made it, I'll never know. In the early days they took turns as Managing Partner. Before long they concluded that Jim Howland was the logical choice to be the Manager of the firm, but they all shared in major decisions The firm continued to grow and increase in number of clients and their needed projects. Little did they realize the magnitude of growth the firm was to experience. The breadth of the types of projects and worldwide location of them. The firm now numbers 24,000 personnel and is headquarted in Denver so that people in many locations around the globe may be served. The leadership of Jim Howland was instrumental in the growth of the firm, as well as such projects as our Corvallis Riverfront improvments. I will miss him as a neighbor and friend. |
| -Bob Adams |
| May god take you under his arm the way you have taken others under yours. |
| -Debra Prince |
| first of all i want to tell my best regard to Mr.Jim that he prepear all thing about design of industrial construction so kindly let me know how can i use some thing according design of structure from your site. |
| -mushtaq ahmad nodrat |
| Spring Term 1958, Professor Merryfield called me into his office in Apperson Hall OSC. He asked me to meet with Jim for a job interview on Western Avenue. I met with him and the next day received a job offer of $425 a month. I accepted Jim's offer the next day and was assigned employee number 47. From that time on I looked to Jim almost as a father figure, friend and mentor. I don't know why I asked him to call the Portland firm where I had previously accepted a job, but he did and explained to themthat that I was going to accept CH2M's offer. Jim offered to help move my wife and 3 mo. old daughter from Portland to Corvallis-one way U-Rent Trailer. Seemed fair and generous at the time. We rented an apartment on Harrison St. and had to sign a one year lease. I checked with Jim and he said OK, that we would be in Corvallis for at least that time. Three months later they moved us to Cannon Beach. Jim approved the firm paying for the one month deposit on our apartment and arranged for a moving company to move us. Jim Howland looked out for all of us and always did the right thing. Bottom line, he taught me how to relate to others, build teams and trust. Everyone talks about Jim's Little Red/Yellow book and Jim's ability to manage the firm in the early days. The color was changed because of Chairman Mao's Red Book. Sometimes we forget his contributions in the growth in the early years. 1. He led the first international effort. A joint venture company in Argentina. 2. With Earl Reynolds, he developed how office technical and financial work together. 3. With Lloyd Anderson, he established the Portland office that was doing planning projects throughout the firm. I believe this led to our discipline system. 4.He guided all the initial regional offices: BOI, SEA, PDX and SFO. 5. Encouraged and guided my efforts to expand services to Hawaii and the Pacific, and Jim Poirot's efforts in Alaska and Western Canada. 6. Encouraged and guided the new International District through its early years. He helped form our fist overseas joint venture, Iran Energy/CH2M. Jim Howland also set high standards for our world overseas "Don't do it if it is wrong" and a "Headline in the Corvallis Gazette. Jim Howland was a builder. Without his early efforts we would not be the World-wide leader that CH2M Hill is today. Les Wierson,CH2M HILL retired |
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| Raeda and I know that Meisy and the Howland family are comforted by knowing that thousands of CH2M Hillers credit Jim for providing the basic culture of the firm. After joining CH2M in 1953, I chose to return after military active duty because I wanted to work for Jim Howland & people like him. Jim's kindness and generousity were contagious and benefited the firm continuously. He was my personal mentor in my career and life for over fifty-five years. During our visit in May, Raeda & I found Jim mentally alert, anxious to visit and having fun laughing with us. This enjoyable memory will be lasting. The world is better because of Jim and his partner in life, Meisy Howland. |
| -Jim Poirot, Chairman Emeritous, CH2M Hill |
| You're right on about Jim's humility. I never met anyone so humble, with so little reason to be. As Kipling wrote, he could " . . walk with kings, nor lose the common touch". He was also the epitome of integrity and fairness. We were both proud and honored to have worked for him. Dick first met him when he came to Apperson Hall at OSU to tell our senior class what working in consulting engineering is like. Needless to say, it had a great influence on Dick's choosing to work for CH2M. Even after he retired, we site civil and structural engineers and techs were happy that he kept an office in our wing, so that we could see and greet him when he came to the office. (Jim, of course, always seemed to greet each person by first name.) We have missed seeing him since his health took a turn for the worse, and are saddened now that he is no longer among us. |
| -Dick Horning/CVO/Ret and Grace Horning/CVA/Ret |
| Humble, gracious, engaging, respectful… Jim was all this. How could a man get some much out of life while asking for so little. I worked (using that term loosely) with Jim on several civic projects in town. Projects that involve public opinion don’t always go smoothly (Remember the River Front!!). When tensions got high in a room, Jim never seemed to be unaffected by it. His humble and respectful way of dealing with people was very disarming. It allowed him to quietly lead people to answers they were seeking. I am grateful that I got to work and play with Jim. My only regret is that I won't get to know him better. |
| -Ed Pieterick/ CVO |
| I was fortunate to get to know Jim Howland when I began in the Corvallis office in 1986. Managing clients in the Willamette Valley over the years meant that I was upgrading projects that he and the other founders originally designed 20, 30 and even 50 years before. In fact, many clients knew Jim and the others well. One in particular, Dallas, Oregon, had been a CH2M HILL client since the company was founded. I felt some pressure to keep the relationship going well in what is now it 62nd year. Well, at the 2002 Christmas Party, after greeting Jim and his wife at the door and making introductions to my wife, Jim asked what was going on at Dallas. I replied that we were designing a floating cover on a drinking water reservoir Jim and the firm had designed in 1949. Yes, 1949. Next, Jim sad "I recall we had a problem with the divider wall pour when that was built". I was floored. The reservoir had been dewatered that previous week for our inspection and I had seen the concrete patch. When I complimented Jim on his astounding memory, he placed his hand on my shoulded and said "Yes Craig, but I'll forget your wife's name by the end of the evening". This was vintage Jim, humorous, humble and dedicated to our clients. It was a pleasure knowing him. |
| -Craig Massie/CVO |
| I had the great pleasure to meet Jim when we visited CVO office as part of our 3-months familiarization program. I feel extremely honored and privileged to attend Jim's 85th birthday celebrations in CVO, which was a closely guarded secret upto the last minute. I also have the honor of having a copy of his little Yellow Book which reminds me of the core values we hold onto our work. I salute the founder of this giant engineering institution. May God give him eternal rest and may his soul rest in peace. |
| -Anil Goyal, Ex-DDRC, India (agoyal@linguait.com) |
| Probably my most memorable, and treasured, moment in my (currently 24) years with CH2M Hill occurred a few years back, at the longevity dinner where I was celebrating 20 years with the Firm. We had the dinner at the CH2M HILL Alumni Center, and sat around tables holding about 8 people. Somehow, my wife and I had the incredible fortune of sitting at the table with Jim and Meisy, and Burke Hayes. I had conversed in the hallways here, over the years, with Jim, being the ever-friendly and caring person that he was, but to get to have dinner and share stories with Jim and Burke together in that setting was too much! It was easy to see how this company grew and flourished under their leadership, with the amazing moral and personal fabric that these guys had weaved into it. Seeing Jim walking through the halls here, and conversing in the kitchen and at the mail boxes, for so many years, always brought a spark to my day, and I miss that a lot. |
| -Tim Bauer/CVO |
| Mr. Howland only visited the Boise office a few times to tell the "CH2M HILL Story" or to attend an Open House, but his visits were always eagerly anticipated and meetings well attended. He was such a genuine and humble individual. He always spoke to everyone he met and made it a point to wander the halls to talk to as many people as he could while he was here. He made you feel he was genuinely interested in your work and your personal life and encouraged us all to have balance between the two. Each time I would call the Corvallis office to request copies of "The Little Yellow Book," he would either answer the phone or call me right back to chat a little about how many copies I wanted, to inquire about the hires we were making in Boise, and to ask about the Boise staff. Knowing we had someone like him at the helm has always made me feel very proud. What a legacy he has left behind! His ready smile and the twinkle in his eyes(and his voice)will definitely be missed! |
| -Jan Stamps/BOI |
| I had the honor of meeting Jim a couple of years after I started working here. At that point, I was still telling myself that this was a transitional job and I would find my "real" calling if I kept looking. I stopped looking that day. I was so influenced by this distinguished, yet humble man, that I knew I wanted to continue working for this wonderful firm he and his partners built. His visit and subsequent talk afterwards made me realize that your job isn't something you just do - it's who you are. That was back in the late 80s and to this day I still I keep his Little Yellow Book on my bookshelf. Those few pages have been a constant inspiration to me. Thank you Jim. - Trish Schwarz/NJO |
| -Trish Schwarz/NJO |
| A great light has gone out in the world and so has one of my personal "mentors." You don't work 25 years in the CVO office without being influenced by Jim Howland. He made time for everyone, regardless of your station or position in the company. He formed a culture that made hard work fun and a company that you were proud to work for. I experienced his influence not just at work, but in the community, from his association with Linfield College, or just seeing him drive around with the top down. He always had a smile, handshake, or a personal note (all of which will be missed). The "Yellow Book" principles are a daily guide to me even now, so the challenge for us is to keep his legacy alive, bright, and moving forward. Thanks Jim, for everything. |
| -Craig Cole/CVO 1981-2006 |
| When I joined the firm in 1976, Jim Howland invited me to dinner at his home. I'm sure he did this for many new employees over the years. That evening really stuck with me, to know that he really cared about company and the people in the firm. He immediately made me feel part of the CH2M HILL family and I came away from that evening thinking "I think I'm going to enjoy working here". I still am, 32 years later. |
| -David Gee |
| I just learned about CH2M, not too long ago, around the middle of 2008, I have been researching the conpany's profile since and I was mostly impressed by the culture of simplicity and humbleness expressed by the company. This large company being founded by these men of wisdom and vision. |
| -Thaddeus Ruyer |
| Jim Howland, what a great guy. I got to know Jim while in the CVO office. I found it amusing and exhilarating that a man almost 40 years my senior and I were both trying to learn more about the same new technology. That technology was what we all take for granted today, the personal computer. It was late 1981 or early 1982, Jim had an Apple and I had a Heathkit. We would run into each other down in the computer group where one of the staff was known for his ability to explain how to make these new things work. We would compare notes and devise strategies, it was great fun, and a learning experience at the same time. Jim was very accepting of everyone in the CH2M HILL family, so long as they were contributing. The man we both met with in the computer group was the perfect example. It was the early 1980’s and the dress code was still shirt and tie, but Curtis was the perfect misfit, he would show up to work at 10:00 am, wearing a Hawaiian shirt and Birkenstocks. Jim was unflappable and did not seem to mind. Jim valued his contributions and saw that he was pulling his weight. That was Jim. |
| -Rob Edgerton/PDX |
| My fondest memories of Jim Howland are of his friendship. Jim and his partners had built a world renowned engineering firm, employing the best of the best. Yet Jim was truly a humble soul. He was friends with everyone, mentored anyone who desired his time. Jim was proud of his accomplishments, yet never lost sight of his beginnings. He was a mountain of a man and will truly be missed. Rest in peace, my friend ~ till we meet again.......... |
| -Carol Woodward |
| I had the great pleasure to meet Jim on two occasions in our KWO office when he came to visit. I cannot add much to the comments made already in remembrance of Jim. They sum up what we all feel about the impact he has had on our firm and on us as individuals. I would only add that I feel extremely honored and privileged to have met Jim and to have had the opportunity to work, for so many years, in the company he helped to create. His Yellow Book is a constant reminder of the core values we hold onto at CH2M HILL. I cannot count the number of times that one of the Yellow Book phrases has come to mind both in my work life and in life outside the office. Such a seemingly simple little book but what a powerful message and reflection of the author. |
| -Tom Mahood/KWO |
| Together with a few Singapore staff, we met Jim and Meisy at their home in Corvallis in year 2000. We were deeply impressed that at the age of 80+, Jim was still reporting for work on alternate days and had a humble cubicle amongst the structural engineers. Jim really set the bench-mark expected of a leader in CH2MHill. Jim told us then that the closest he had been to Singapore was when he was in transit after the WWII at The Philippines. He promised us that he would make a trip to Singapore. We jokingly told him that to honour the old sailor tradition for crossing the Equator, he will need to pierce his ear and wear a black pearl earring. Since 2004, during every new staff oreintation briefing, I would show the photo that we took with Jim and reward the first person with a small CH2MHill token for identifying Jim correctly. I wish Jim had made that trip to Singapore to see what a great company and legacy he has left behind. But I guess he decided that unlike many youths of today, he didn't need to show his machoness by wearing the black pearl earring. With close to 200 offices world-wide including in the ANZ, Jim, you have crossed the Equator. Thank you, Jim. |
| -NC Tan / SNG |
| My fondest memories of Jim are from ‘Voluntary Simplicity’ meetings when a group of us gathered in the Corvallis office for lunches. We discussed how to take care of our environment, with the best of intentions, good nature, & laughter. We even had a field trip to his home. I was very touched when much later he signed my copy of his Little Yellow Book: "Surely do remember our environmental meetings." I surely remember those too, Jim. |
| -Wendi Gale/CVO |
| The last of the CH2M-HILL Founders, Jim Howland, has departed; memories of Jim will last with the rest of us who knew him and what he meant to the firm for the rest of our lives. Thank you Jim. |
| -Joe Patten |
| I first met Jim in 1974 when I started with the firm in Corvallis. In those days our "new employee orientation" was held at Jim and Meisy's house. How lucky I was to celebrate my 21st birthday AND orientation with them and our other new folks that summer! I count Jim as a dear friend over all these many years. He always treated me with warmth and respect and remembered our collective good times and stories with this wonderful firm. I will miss him and send all my best wishes to Meisy and their children and grandchildren. |
| -Jane (Joyce) Walter/PHX |
| On one of his many visits to the SAC office, I was asked to pick Jim up from the Baylink bus stop and drive him out to the office in my Miata roadster. I had been with the company a couple of years and this was my first (and only) experience meeting him. I was really impressed that in spite of his ability to take whatever mode of transport he wished, he chose to take public transportation (Baylink is a way to get from the BART system in the Bay Area to Sacramento). He was very enthusiastic about getting a ride in an old Miata (even though it was too cold & wet to have the top down) and was full of complements about what a great car it was. I'll always remember him as a down-to-earth, unpretentious corporate leader who made the connection between the employees' well-being and the firm's bottom line. I also proudly display my autographed "Quotes from Chairman Jim" book on a shelf in my cubicle. |
| -Dash Antel/BAO |
| I had the priviledge of meeting Jim at his Corvallis home in 2005. I will never forget his sincerety and humility. Despite all that he had accomplished, he kept turning the conversation away from himself and towards the other people in the room. What a great role model for us all. |
| -Scott Williams |
| I had the good fortune to meet Jim early in my career (1980)with CH2M Hill. I still carry a copy of his "yellow book" in my day planner. Jim would often hold brownbag presentations at lunchtime (for old and new employees) to discuss the early days of CH2M, go over the details of his "yellow book", or discuss his current philanthropic ventures with the City of Corvallis. Jim was one of only a few company founders that remained in contact with the company and the employees. It was such a treat to hear about the antics of Archie, Burke, Holly and others in the early days of the firm. I had to opportunity to actually handle drawings from those early days, with the founders signatures on the title blocks. I think it must have been was a wonderful time to be an engineer and a wonderful opportunity to plant the seeds for a large future company. My final meeting with Jim was a few years ago in a local resturant here in Corvallis. I walked up to Jim, introduced myself (a former long-time employee) and Jim politely greeted me and asked me what I was doing now, etc. With Jim, it was never about himself, it was always about others. Jim was the perfect leader for a small company, since he cared so much about employees and his clients. I will miss his quiet wisdom and leadership in the community. |
| -Joe Mackey |
| I've had many interfaces with Jim Howland over the years, but I will restrict myself to the first one. In the summer of 1970, I was living in Louisiana and was looking to get back to Oregon if I possibly could. I got an interview with Bob Pailthorp in CVO. This eventually lead to a job offer for me to come to CH2M HILL. I turned down the offer. Jim called me up twice to talk to me about the merits of CH2M HILL and how they needed me. We quickly closed in the second call and I said "I'll take it". I was so impressed with Jim's wholesomeness, honesty and integrety. Wow, did this ever change my life, great and enjoyable occupation, seen the world, and good financial rewards. I have Jim to thank for convincing me that CH2M HILL was the place to work. Still here 38 years later. |
| -Jay Mackie/PDX |
| Jim was truely an amzaing guy. I remember one time he visited the WDC office in the late 1970s. We had a company volley ball team and I invited him to one of the games. Being a very busy guy, I didn't think he would accept. But he did, and took us all out for pizza afterwards. I gave him one of our team tee shirts, really just a simple thing. A few weeks later I received a package containing a beautiful silk screen he did himself . I still have it hanging in my office and look at it every now and then to remind myself of how a real quality individual should behave. |
| -D. Brint Bixler |
| Corporate culture, corporate vision, mission statements, core values..things that today are (sadly) more gobblygook than reality, were truly embodied in Jim Howland. I'll never forget Jim strolling down "mahagony row" to meet me on my first day of work on October 1, 1983. Jim offered to share his Apple Macintosh computer thinking it might be a good tool to organize and manage data on the corporate aircraft fleet. He was always available, always genuinely happy to see you and hear about your family as readily as issues about work. I will forever be awed by the humility of this great man. |
| -John Arico |
| Back in 1970 a group of mostly new employees were playing ping pong at lunch in the SEA office. This "older" fellow walked into the lunch room and asked if he could join us. We didn't want to be rude and, despite our skepticism of his potential playing ability, he was allowed to participate. He promptly gave us all a lesson both in the finer points of the game and in sportsmanship. After he left, I asked someone "who was that guy?" Even after I was told that it was Jim Howland, I didn't make the connection until it was explained that he was the first "H" in CH2M. Years later, I invited Jim to come to our little outpost office in Spokane to help the employees develop a better understanding of the firm's history and culture. He immediately arranged a visit and all of us, including our wives, had the priviledge and pleasure of Jim's gracious and entertaining presentation. During a subsequent chat Jim and my wife Patti learned of their shared interest in silk screening Christmas cards. For a number of Christmases thereafter, Jim and Patti exchanged cards. Jim was so influential in the lives of so many of us that it is difficult to really describe, except with a myriad of such anecdotes. Jim was a rare man who, to paraphrase Rudyard Kipling was able to walk with kings and not lose the common touch. |
| -Jim Correll |
| I had the pleasure of meeting Jim in 2000 when he visited our St. Louis office. What I remember most about his visit was that after his presentation on the firm's history, he took the time to sit down with me so that he could get to know me better. He was genuinely interested in what I had to say and shared a number of stories about himself also. At the end of our talk he presented me with a personalized copy of the Little Yellow Book. His visit that day left a profound impression on all of our staff and while I did not recognize it at the time, that quiet one on one conversation we had was Jim's way to impress upon me the importance of the character of the people we work with and the relationships we develop. To this day, I still have that Little Yellow Book on my desk. On occasion I flip through it and read the simple, yet powerful statements included in it. The messages within the book are terrific lessons on not just how we should work, but how we should live. |
| -Buddy Desai |
| I have a Little Yellow Book, signed by Jim many years ago. I appreciated his humbleness & intelligence. Most of all, I loved the firm he created & the atmosphere of individual acceptance & warmness. Jim will be missed. |
| -Connie Clark |
| During almost 25 years at CH2M Hill, Jim represented the very best about the company. I've always thought that all you really needed to know about the consulting business and life that I didn't learn in kindergarden was repeated and summed up in his little yellow book. Jim's values live on in the people he hired and mentored and in what he taught all of us about the both the business and life. |
| -Steven Hoffman |
| I met Jim when I started at CH2M HILL in 1991. I had the pleasure of working with Jim on the Corvallis 100 year celebration project. The project team of CH2M HILL and Hewlett-Packard employees putting together a timeline of all the patents that came from Corvallis over the last 100 years. One time we had a meeting over at HP and Jim asked me if we could ride together. He took me for a spin in his red convertible classic car. Of course Jim wore his straw hat and I felt very honored to ride with him. During a meeting, folks from HP were adding to the timeline of when the first calculator came out. Jim spoke up and said…”what’s a calculator? All you ever need is this”…….and he pulled out his slide rule from his pocket. Jim had a wonder sense of humor and made everyone around him feel welcomed. I will miss Jim’s smile the most. |
| -Tonya Amidon |
| My condolences to the Howland family and the entire CH2M Hill family. I am grateful for the opportunity that Mr. Howland provided to me when I started my civil engineering career. I started as an intern and continued as a staff engineer after graduation. Mr. Howland was truly a leader in environmental engineering. Working at CH2M Hill embedded within me a commitment to protect the environment. |
| -Melanie Adams P.E. |
| Mere words would be woefully inadequate. Many of us have not seen or heard Jim in person, but this is irrelevant. With the kind of history we see before us, no question that Jim was the true soul of CH2M. The 'Little' Yellow Book is in fact the awesome and delicate platform on which we the employees should be running our engines. I am grateful for this, and grateful to Jim and the team that started CH2M, without whom I would never have experienced this organization. |
| -Raghavachary Vasudevan |
| As a former employee of CH2M HIll (1985 - 1996), I still have Jim's Yellow Book on my desk and at times I refer to it for advice. My respect for Jim endures, because of the respect he showed new employees by taking time to introduce himself to us individually, including myself as a young employee in the Boise office. |
| -Herb Fricke |
| May the light perpectual shine upon Jim for eternity. |
| -David J. Trainer |
| While Jim's passing marks the end of era, the wonderful legacy he leaves and his continued presence in the countless lives he touched both inside and outside the firm will be felt for generations to come. I first met Jim when I interviewed for a position with CH2M in Corvallis in 1969. What struck me then and has continued to resonate through the treasured years of knowing Jim, was his genuine humility, his vibrant love for people, and his passion life itself. Jim's door was open to anyone and everyone. Jim always had time, made time for whom ever sought his counsel and advice. Position or station in life were never a factor. Jim would give his undivided attention to whomever he was talking with and had a wonderful way of making one feel valued. He could alway find something positive to say about almost any situation and impart a little of that "gentle Howland wisdom", particularly when discussing how to manage a difficult client or deal with a difficult person. The world is a much better place for Jim's countless contributions to making it so. It is a privilege to have known Jim as a mentor and friend for nearly 40 years. There are not many giants in my book, but Jim is certainly one. John Lee |
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| We at CH2M HILL have an ICON to follow, friendly, bright, honest, humble and a true leader. He left us his legacy in a Little Yellow Book to follow him and make his dream the best place to work: CH2M HILL. God bless him. Gainesville, Florida, September 2, 2008. |
| -Jose Ignacio Garcia-Bengochea |
| I had the great pleasure and honor to meet Mr. Howland a couple years after joining CH2M HILL, in 2000 in our St. Louis office. Mr. Howland gave a wonderful presentation on the history and his philosphy of the firm. This was a memorable presentation, made even more so because it was done through a slide projector; this just seemed to add a sentimental and nostalgic touch to the presentation he was giving. It's one thing to see the various historic pictures of CH2M HILL captured through the ages, but quite another remarkable thing to hear the history through the voice of one of the founders. He was so charming and friendly to all of the staff; sitting for quite a while after the presentation to pose for pictures and to autograph copies of The Little Yellow Book; copies which I'm sure we all hold on to and cherish to this day. His thoughts, observations through The Little Yellow Book and his legacy are inspiration to us all. I know he will be missed by many; some who crossed paths with him once, others who knew him well; all who will remember how they were inspired by him. I am priviledged to work for a company built on men of character such as Mr. Howland, and look forward to our company consistently instilling his values as we continue to grow and expand our enterprise. |
| -Shani Wahl/DMS |
| Though only a very short time member of the CH2M Hill team, I would like to express my admiration for Jim Howland. Having been in this business for over 30 years I have often heard the name CH2M Hill spoken with respect by all of the engineering people that I have worked with over this time. Men of His caliber are so needed in this world today. He passing will leave a void. Sincere condolences to his family. |
| -Rod Butler |
| Jim enjoyed and believed in sharing information. He thought every person in the office should know everyone else by name and what the projects were. Early in the firm's history, Jim as managing partner decided to distribute an occasional newsletter, which he would mostly write himself. One of his concerns after retirement, as the firm grew ever larger, was that employees would not know what others were doing in the widespread offices. During his travels telling the CH2M HILL story he would be the "roving reporter" for the firm's monthly newsletter, Tie Line. Consistent with his belief that "The one-page memo is the most effective form of written communication" (Little Yellow Book, General Thought D), he authored succinct articles for more than 20 years about the firm's interesting projects and people for the one-sheet, low-cost newsletter. I was lucky to work side-by-side with him as newsletter editor for Tie Line's last 8 years of publication through 1995 (since replaced by the quarterly tabloid newsletter, Unlimited). He appreciated the balance given to one's life by being involved not only in engineering but writing and the arts as well. He wrote with humor, believing we shouldn't get too stuffy amongst ourselves nor take things too seriously. However, he also wanted to make sure the people doing the good work for the company received recognition in the newsletter. Now it's time to recognize Jim's good work and great life and for setting an example for all of us. Thanks, Jim. You said it and lived it well. |
| -Larry Weymouth/CVO |
| In the spring of 2002 CH2MHILL Hanford Group was about to hold it's annual employee awards banquet. The Hanford contract and work force had been acquired by CH2MHILL in 2000 from Lockheed-Martin and all 1400 of the employees had received the full new employee orientation including of course, the Little Yellow Book. On what I thought was a long shot, only having joined the company mysel six months earlier and not at all understanding our founders committment, we invited both Burke Hays and Jim Howland to attend as honord guests. Not only did Jim, Meisy and Burke attend, driving over from Oregon in the "Jag", but they toured the site, with Jim signing his autograph to tens of Little Yellow Books along the way and at the dinner. Suffice it to say, these two outstanding gentlemen left an indelible mark on the character of our co-workers and a clear understanding of what it means to be part of CH2MHILL that day. I have a photograph of Jim, Burke, Ralph Peterson, Dr. Iotti, and myself in my office - it means even more now. |
| -Ed Aromi |
| I was an engineering student in Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1994 where Jim was featured speaker for Engineers Week. After the talk, Jim handed out copies of the Little Yellow Book. I decided at that time that I wanted to work for CH2MHILL based on the integrity Jim showed and the Little Yellow Book. I went to work for CH2MHILL in 1999 and have benefited from his hard work and legacy. Happy hunting, Jim! |
| -Scott Beeson |
| I had the opportunity to meet Jim when he visited the Atlanta office. I was struck by his character and general air of integrity. With his passing, the world has truly lost one of the good guys. |
| -Jan Kelly |
| I had the honor and privilege of meeting Mr. Howland shortly after being hired in 1989. I will never forget how he welcomed me to the CH2M HILL family! He was eager to share the story of CH2M HILL with me. I was impressed by his humble and genuine spririt. I will cherish my autographed Little Yellow Book. My sincere prayers and thoughts go out to his family. |
| -Susie Stallworth |
| We feel the loss of a great man, yet we are strengthened in having known Jim and in the contributions he made to the world and our lives. Jim was a true gentleman and clearly meant so much to so many. I had the honor of meeting Jim for the first time in the early 1990s when I started with the company, hearing his CH2M HILL historical perspective presentation for the first time. I was so impressed with this humble, authentic gentleman that I never missed an opportunity to attend the presentation - I think I saw it at least 4 times and it never failed to inspire me. I treasure my autographed Little Yellow Book, and work hard every day to live its values. His passing leaves a great legacy in our hands to carry forward - and I know he would place unconditional trust in us and believe, without a doubt, that we would be successful. Thank you for believing in us, Jim. |
| -Adam Cohen |
| I had the privilege of meeting Jim. I was so impressed by his ability to converse and put people at ease, his generosity of spirit and with his time, and his passion for his work and his beloved CH2M HILL. The way he lived his life is an example for us all. May his memory be eternal. |
| -Ann Hayes |
| I never had the honor of meeting Jim Howland, yet I have many times referenced his "Little Yellow" book. I would like to say Thank You to him for believe in CH2M HILL and for building a solid, honest company. My prayers and thoughts go out to his family. Thank You Jim for all of your dedication. |
| -Angela Lee |
| I never had the pleasure of meeting Jim Howland personally, but felt like I did as a result of the countelss hours I have spent with new staff in orientations viewing "Seeds of our Success" and often making comments about the "Little Yellow Book. I am sure he will be terribly missed by those who knew him personally and also by those of us who only knew of him through his work. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends, and may you rest in peace. |
| -Dion Long |
| I had not met Jim Howland but I appreciate his Little Yellow Book. This book encompasses on the righteous way to earn money and enjoy it. May Jim Howland be peaceful and happy always in his new destination. |
| -KF Lee (Singapore) |
| As a marine biologist, I'm not qualified to speak on Jim's engineering talents; others have done so (and will continue to do so) with great eloquence. However, I can speak with great authority on Jim the man, his work ethic, and his personal leadership qualities. These set the mold for our firm's personal and business ethics for many years and are the primary reason that I'm still working here 30 years after getting to know Jim on a first-person basis. In that particular situation, he had decided to relinquish a huge secondary treatment design program to take advantrage of a one-time regulatory window on behalf of our client. His take on the situation was "Lets support our client if we can do so with engineering and scientific integrity." We did and we won! And in doing so, Jim was punching holes in report sections and putting them into binders at 3:00 AM so we could make the regulatory deadline. He had just turned over the presidency of CH2M HILL to give someone else an opportunity and to get back into the trenches. As a new employee, working elbow-to-elbow with a man of his influence and perspective, throughout the project and into in the early hours of that last morning, provided a first-hand example of a personal committment/business model that I've never forgotten! |
| -Don Holmes |
| I first met Jim in 1986 when I was given the privilege of greeting him at the Toronto airport and escorting him to CH2M HILL’s Waterloo office, where he gave one of his trademark presentations on the founding of the firm to about 50 new employees who had just joined the company through an acquisition. During the hour-long drive to Waterloo, we enjoyed a wonderful conversation and I was struck by what a humble, down-to-earth gentleman he was and by what a sincere interest he expressed in my career and my young family. A couple of weeks later I received an inter-office envelope containing a short hand-written note from Jim on one of our blue Memorandum pages (before the dawn of e-mail) and about $7 in Canadian cash. In the note Jim thanked me for hosting him and said “Rather than going through the fuss of getting my Canadian money converted back into US, I enclose it. Perhaps it will cover something for your two youngsters or a milkshake for you and your wife”. I was overwhelmed by the fact that a founder and former leader of our organization would take the time to do this. I have kept that memo folded into the autographed copy of Jim’s Little Yellow Book in the top drawer of my desk for the past 22 years. It serves as a perpetual reminder to me that true leaders understand the importance of personal contact and the power that small gestures of human kindness have at inspiring the people around them. I feel honored to have known Jim and to this day consider him to be one of the finest role models one could ever hope to have. |
| -Clyde Fulton |
| Jim was a terrific human being - humble and caring. My favorite memory of Jim took place in May 1994. I had just relocated from the WDC office to Denver and, as I quickly found out, some of Jim's activities were funded by the Corporate Marketing and Communications Department. He beat me to the punch and called me my second day in Denver just to report in. He wanted me to know that he would be on budget even if it took "eating cold cheese sandwiches" in his hotel room while he was visiting offices and attending the National League of Cities conference. He did not ask for more budget but I told him that I would reallocate some dollars so that he could at least have "grilled cheese" in the hotel restaurants. We had a good laugh and the next time he was in Denver he stopped by to personally thank me and report in on how he used the "extra budget." I will think of him often and smile. |
| -Meg Ibison |
| I met Jim in 1972 when I was brought into the Corvallis office for a job interview. I was introduced to Jim in the hall and he spent a few minutes with me talking about my professors at OSU and some about my family. Several months later I was hired into the Bellevue office and Jim came up for a orientation for several of us new hires. I was surprised that he remembered me and some details of our conversation. Several years later after his little yellow book came out he showed up at my office one day and handed me a signed copy. It has been displayed on my bookcase ever since. Although I never go to work with Jim we crossed paths many times, usually in another office somewhere in the country and he always had a warm smile and something encouraging to say. He is an icon that will truly be missed and I am grateful for the company that he and the founders started that so many of us have made careers following in his large foot steps. |
| -Mike Doleac |
| Jim Howland was a giant in our profession. It was a privilege and a pleasure to have known and worked with and for Jim since 1957 when I joined CH2M. I am blessed to also be able to call him my friend, as he was to many. He was always able to find the time to talk with you about what you were doing within and outside our firm. His engineering and management accomplishments are many. I also remember Jim's outreach to our Corvallis community. Corvallis is a much better place because of Jim. There are a couple of special activities that Jim carried out that I remember. Jim led a Horner Museum tour that my wife Valerie and I took to see many of the picturesque bridges along Oregon Coast Highway US 101. Jim, of course also pointed out the engineering challenges and solutions of these bridges. Jim was also an accomplished artist. Silkscreening was Jum's specialty. My wife and I will always enjoy Jim's silkscreens of Mary's Peak (near Corvallis), and his "Valley Fog", something those of us in the Willammette Valley around Corvallis experience every winter. Jim's legacy to all he worked with, to all he knew, to our profession, to the arts, and to our commumity will always be remembered. He will be missed. |
| -Dick Nichols, Principal Elect. Engr. (retired) |
| My first exposure to Jim Howland was in 1984 in Deerfied Beach, Florida. He was giving lunch-time presentations to different CH2M HILL offices and passing out signed copies of his recently-published, Little Yellow Book. I was astounded that this humble, personable, and entertaining man had been one of our firm's founders and its President during its most formative years. I held onto the Little Yellow Book and continued to refer to its wisdom. CH2M HILL continued to grow and flourish, time flew by, and I didn't see him again until September 2001 in Charlotte, NC. This time it was under different circumstances-- our country had just suffered terrorist attacks on the east coast. Jim & Meisy had been on the road once again, presenting one of his annual awards for urban planning to the nearby City of Salisbury, NC. They had an unplanned layover of about a week in Charlotte while all planes across the US were grounded in the aftermath of 9/11/2001. My wife and I were fortunate enough to spend an evening with Jim & his wife over a quiet dinner and fascinating conversation that ranged from his early working days, to personalities we both knew (and laughed about some), to the lives of our ancestors and our children, to his service in the Pacific Theatre in WWII. When I asked him how he felt about the latest attacks and their impacts on our lives and our country's future, he said, "We've overcome a lot worse and we'll come out of this one stronger and wiser as well." That remark meant a lot to me because I knew it came from a firm conviction borne out of his own life experience. I'm just glad to be one of the thousands whose lives he personally touched for the better. Thanks Jim, for a life well lived and a shining example you've set for the rest of us! |
| -Bob Forbes, CH2M HILL, Charlotte, NC |
| Please be aware that the memorial service at the First Prebysterian Church in Corvallis to be held at 1:30pm on Tuesday, September 9 is open to all who wish to attend. |
| -Joyce E. Howland |
| For me, Jim was the epitome of an engineer and a human being. He was a leader by example and the finest role model I have ever met. We will sorely miss him. Ted Constantine |
| - |
| I had the opportunity to meet Jim shortly after I came to work at CH2M HILL in 2001, and I'm so glad I did. It was the same feeling I got after seeing Ray Charles play live--grateful to have been in the presence of a living legend. Not a day goes by that we don't use Jim's wisdom to make decisions in this company. Whenever I'm faced with a tough decision, like so many others in the company I ask myself "What would Jim Howland do?". Our fundamental values have withstood the test of time and have underpinned our business success. We know that whatever changes come, Jim's basic message of respect and humility will serve us well into the future. Thanks Jim. |
| -Elisa Speranza |
| Today is my 31st Anniversary at CH2M HILL. As I was reading the congratulatory message from CH2M COR Greetings an email popped up from Ralph Peterson on Remembering Jim. My thoughts immediately went to the first time I met Jim. I had recently joined the WDC Office of CH2M HILL. One day we were told that Jim Howland, one of the founding fathers of the company, was in town and that he would be presenting a brown bag. About an hour before the brown bag someone tapped on my door. As I turned around I saw a gentleman with a very warm smile, extending his hand and introducing himself: "Hi, I am Jim Howland". He spent the next 15 minutes talking to me not only about my work but mostly about my family and my then infant daughter. I never expected that such a busy person would spend time with a junior engineer talking about his family. But that was Jim, a truly humble person who was genuinely interested in others. He will be sorely missed. God bless him |
| -Syed Mahmood |
| When I joined the firm I was fortunate to have the opportunity to hear Mr. Howland speak at a meeting of Project Managers. This along with the yellow book became the catalyst of my perspective of what CH2M HILL was as a company, and the role I could play as a part of firm with "character". As a Project Manager, the core values communicated by Mr. Howland have been essential to delivering honorable service both to our external and internal customers. I am hopeful that Mr. Howland and his family have some sense of the significant role he played in inspiring a generation of CH2M HILL employees. While his message will live on, he will be missed. I pray God will bless the Howland Family during this season. |
| -Jon Green |
| Jim has been an inspiration to countless CH2M employees. As a prospective and new employee I was comforted by the fact that that Jim, a founding father, would still meet with all new CVO employees. I recall Jim personally presenting his famous autographed Little Yellow Book to me. We spent 45 minutes sharing endless stories about my hometown Honolulu, Hawaii. Jim was like a grandfather; easy to talk to, comforting, and inspiring. I only wish that all of our 25,000+ employees could have met Jim in person. Jim's presence will be sorely missed. |
| -Alan Chang/CVO |
| Thank you and God Bless! |
| -Jim Macklin/QAT |
| Even though I did not get a chance to really know Jim, just reading about what he has done in his life and has accomplished for our company as co-founder of CH2M HILL,I can say I am in awe and truly inspired of all his work. I hope CH2M HILL will continue to thrive in the way that Jim would have wanted us to, and to continue to live his founding dream! We will all miss you Jim! |
| -Elizabeth Lawson-Hatim |
| A truly exemplary figure to all of us as young professionals. May soul rest in piece. |
| -Tedros Risat/SCO |
| When I was with a client one time they asked me if I knew Jim Howland, and I was proud to say yes. They told me he was "one of the nicest people I have ever met in my life" and I agreed. We all can be proud of Jim. He was a very pleasent, kind, thoughtful, and just all around good person. It is special to know someone who is both a nice person and a good person because those attributes don't always come together. Honesty, intergaty,treating people with respect and doing what's right is how Jim shaped a culture that has become the people of CH2M HILL. Our clients and our competitors recognize that in our frim and we all know Jim was at the roots of that culture. Nike has "just do it" and we have "just do the right thing" because that's what Jim would do. What's the best way to measure success in life? Is it helping to build a company from a couple of drafting tables in the attick of a store in downtown Corvallis Oregon to a multi-billion dollar global company? Or how about being known as "one of the nicest people I have ever met"? Or being known for your integraty, honesty, compassion, generousity, and being a humble person in the shoes of of someone like Jim Howland? Jim was all that and more and if you tried to tell him that (I did once) he was humble enough to turn the conversation back to how you were doing. The best tribute we can give is to honor the culture that Jim built and live by just doing the right thing. Let the legacy continue. |
| - |
| I first met Mr. Howland right after I started with CH in April of 1992 when he came to the Sacramento office to teach a few nights of the CH2M U. course...an introduction of CH2M HILL to us young pups. I was impressed right from the start with his warm, very welcoming personality, and even more impressed when I found out he had driven himself, with his wife as passenger, down from Corvallis in his own car. He was visiting all the California offices as he went and was not expecting any fanfare. Not what I expected from a "Founding Father". What sealed, in my mind, the thought of what a great person he was, was a few months later he came back to SAC and had an all staff meeting (there were about 67 people in SAC at that time) and after the meeting broke up he was chatting with several of us informally while, finally, eating his lunch of a sandwiche and a bag of chips. He suddenly became quite animated and told us he needed to share with us something his grandson had showed him on how to open a bag of chips. He carefully shook the bag so all the chips were in one end of the bag, laid it flat on the table and then, surprising us all, slammed his palm against the bag popping it like a balloon and sending chips flying for several feet. Mass laughter broke out and I realized what a fabulous Grandpa he must be! A good man who will be missed terribly. |
| -Sara B. Miller |
| During new employee orientations, I was always proud to show the Seeds of our Success video, as I am proud when I give people the Little Yellow Book. These will always be a testament to Jim Howland, whom I never met, but who I am proud to say was a founder of this company. Honesty and integrity - without these, you have nothing... |
| -Tamara Lord |
| I first met Jim Howland in 1977, when my wife and I were visting the USA and staying with a friend in Corvallis. Walking along Western Boulevard one day, from 13th Street to Horner Museum on the OSU campus, I was intrigued by the sign "CH2M HILL - Engineers, Planners, and Surveyors". Always on the lookout for opportunities, I decided to drop into the office and see if there were also any architects working there. When I asked the receptionists if I could speak with one of the principals about the firm and its work, she went into an adjacent office and returned with Jim Howland. Jim greeted us both warmly, made sure that my wife had a seat, magazine, and some coffee, and invited me into his room to talk. He showed great interest in our visit, my work experiences, and our plans to move to the USA at some time in the future. Although I am sure that he was a very busy man, with many tasks to attend to, Jim never hinted at any of this; he made me feel that he had all the time in the world.....a true gentleman. I never forgot that visit. My wife and I moved to the USA a year later and settled in Corvallis. I initially worked for a small engineering firm and planning firm, but made periodic visits to CH2M HILL to enquire about job openings. In 1984, I was offered a position as an architect and have been with the firm ever since....all because of a chance meeting with Jim Howland, who was kind enough to gave me some of his valuable time. |
| -John Cave |
| While I only met Jim Howland briefly once, I'm glad that I did. I happened to be working in CVO. Jim came into the office and I assume because I was a face he did not recognize, he came right up to me and introduced himself. He put me immediately at ease because I could tell right away he was genuinely interested in meeting me. He asked me if I had a copy of the Little Yellow Book. I said I did, but not an autographed copy. And he said he could take care of that immediately, which he did. My autographed copy is on my bulletin board where it reminds me every day of what we at CH2M HILL believe in. If Jim's legacy consisted of only that book, it would still be immeasurably valuable to us. I was saddened to hear of Jim's passing, but more determined than ever to strive to live up to the standards he and the other founders have set for us. |
| -Mark Bennett/SDO |
| Re-commit to the concepts of the Little Yellow Book. The founding ideas remain as valid, if not more so today, as they were when we began in 1946. |
| -William Greenhalgh |
| I had the privelege of sharing a breakfast with Jim in Long Beach some years ago. It was very early, he joined me of his own accord and it was like an easy visit with an old friend. I know from that brief experience that Jim Howland was a kind and gentle man, and I know from his thoughts in the Little Yellow Book and the legacy he leaves us in this fine company that he was a true leader and visionary. I'm very sad today to hear of his passing. And I'll always treasure the memory of that brief encounter with a man who touched the lives of so many. |
| -Kirby Chaney |
| I did not knew him, however, through his little yellow book you can know him. |
| -Marcos Armas |
| I have had the privilege to know Jim sense 1977 when I was hired by CH2M Hill to work in the purchasing and accounting dept. A few weeks after I started work (at the Western Blvd Office) I turned the corner on "Walnut Row" and literally ran into Jim. I said I'm sorry Mr. Howland, that’s when he told me his name was Jim and that's what he wanted to be called. He stated you call me Jim and I will call you Shirley. It really made me feel that I was a part of the organization of CH2M Hill. Jim was a great help to me in Records Management when trying to identify people and places in photos and also gave me some insight on CH2M Hills History that I needed to document. He would bring documents over to the Record Center on Wake Robin in Corvallis and would stay for an hour or so going over documents and photos with me. He knew everything. I learned so very much from him about the company. I often think how the new employees (last 10 years or so) may not have had the chance to know him. I’ve always felt very blessed and privileged to have known and worked with Jim. Jim will be missed greatly but as Ralph stated never forgotten. My the comfort of the Lord be with his family & friends at this time. |
| -Shirley Drake/CVO |
| Jim showed us all that service to others, and to the principles you believe in, make life and work worthwhile. He visited our office in Sacramento several times. He meant so much to the staff here from his slide show recounting of the early days; his engagement one-on-one with staff while signing their Little Yellow Books is recalled even today. He gave a personal dimension and history to our company. The Little Yellow Book remains relevant, and visible. CH2M HILL is what it is today, in no small measure, because of what Jim inspired. |
| -Jim Hartley/SAC |
| I want to share this to all Mr. Howland's love ones and friends: With each passing day We lose a love one Someone so special And dear to our hearts We carry their memories for each passing day forward Never Forgotten - Always Remembered For the inspiration and kindness Of a gentle soul that will cherish forever. My sincere condolences My thoughts and prayers are with all of you in the remembrance of Mr. Jim Howland. |
| -Lisa Moody/PDX |