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News Release

Media Contact:

Christina Chavira
Communications Specialist
530.332.5589 office; 530.588.4411 cell
christina.chavira@enloe.org

Dr. John R. Howard Jr.’s memorial service set for May 14

Longtime Chico physician will be missed by many

CHICO, Calif., May 11, 2010 – Enloe Medical Center was saddened by the sudden loss of our colleague and friend, John R. Howard, Jr., MD, on May 4. Dr. Howard’s family will hold a memorial service for Dr. Howard at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 14 at the Harlan Adams Theatre Performing Arts Center on the California State University, Chico campus with a reception following in the courtyard at 3:30 p.m. The family welcomes friends, co-workers and patients to share in celebrating his life.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Enloe Foundation for nursing education or to the Torres Shelter. Mail donations to the Enloe Foundation, 249 W. Sixth Avenue, Chico, California 95926 or to The Torres Community Shelter, 101 Silver Dollar Way, Chico, CA 95928.

“The thing that made Dr. Howard an exceptional person was his heart and his profound respect for people of all walks of life," said Mike Wiltermood, Enloe's president and chief executive officer.

Dr. Howard is survived by his wife of 42 years, Leslie Taylor Howard, and their daughters Leah Langheim, Rebecca Golino and Mariah Hammons.

Dr. Howard, 65, practiced medicine in Chico and was a member of Enloe’s Medical Staff since 1983. He had a private hematology and oncology practice in the Enloe Regional Cancer Center, and saw patients at Enloe Medical Center. Dr. Howard played a key role within the Enloe Regional Cancer Center. He served as Chief of Staff at Enloe from 2007 through 2008 and served as a Board of Trustee member during that time. Additionally , Dr. Howard served as the assistant medical director of BloodSource in Chico since October 1986.

In 2009, Dr. Howard received the Enloe Spirit of Planetree Physician Award. He was nominated by many Enloe Medical Center caregivers for his nurturing qualities, kindness, expertise and approachable, friendly manner. One nomination touted: "He is a role model for us all: professional, compassionate, calm in a crisis, humorous when necessary and always willing to help out."

Dr. Howard had his board certifications in Hematology, Medical Oncology and Internal Medicine. He received his medical degree from the University of Southern California School of Medicine in Los Angeles and did a residency and fellowship at Oregon Health Sciences University in Portland.

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Enloe Medical Center is a local, nonprofit health care organization. For more information, please call 530/332-7300 or visit us online at http://www.enloe.org.   Enloe Medical Center is located at 1531 Esplanade Chico, Calif.  95926.