Howard Morris Call (August 15, 1939 – March 20, 2026) passed away peacefully at the age of 86 at St. Anne’s Hospital in Burien, Washington.
Born in Electric City, Washington, Howard grew up with a love for learning, sports, and community that defined his life. He attended Napa Community College, Seattle Pacific University, and Western Washington University, laying the foundation for a distinguished career in education.
A dedicated educator, Howard taught elementary, middle, and high school students, retiring from Highline High
School after many impactful years. He was a passionate coach of track, basketball, and football, mentoring generations of young athletes. Howard joined the Highline High School Alumni Foundation and served as President from 2004 until 2015. Under his leadership, the Alumni Foundation significantly increased fundraising to help create additional scholarships for Highline High School seniors. Howard and friends initiated the Highline Alumni golf tournament which now generates proceeds exceeding $12,000 per year. During his long service to Highline and the greater Burien community, Howard was also instrumental in establishing the Highline High School Athletic Hall of Fame and Alumnus of the Year programs.
In 2024, Howard was inducted into the Highline High School Athletic Hall of Fame for his achievements as an athlete, coach, and contributor of meritorious service.
After retiring from teaching, Howard remained active in the golf community as a starter and marshal at Washington National Golf Course. An avid athlete and sports fan throughout his life, he was a perennial season ticket holder for Seattle Pacific University (SPU) and University of Washington (UW) athletics. He played softball, racquetball, and golf well into his 80’s, always a competitor.
Howard was a collector of cars of various makes and models. He proudly displayed them at car shows and enjoyed driving them in the Normandy Park and Burien 4th of July Parades. Howard was an enthusiastic world traveler who visited every continent collecting stories and new friends along the way. Above all, he was a philanthropist deeply committed to education. He sponsored higher education for numerous young people during his lifetime and established funds to continue supporting students after his passing.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Jacqueline “Jackie” Jean (Bartlett) Call, in 2019. He is survived by his wife, Janice Smith Call; sisters Beverly Higgins and Bernita Keefer; and many beloved family members, friends, students, and colleagues whose lives he touched.
Howard will be remembered for his warmth, generosity, lifelong dedication to teaching and coaching, and zest for life. His legacy lives on through the countless students, athletes, and young people he inspired and supported.
He will be deeply missed.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Riverview Community Church in Kent, Washington.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages contributions in
Howard’s memory to the Highline High School Alumni Foundation or to Riverview Community Church. Both organizations were very important to Howard.
