By John C. O'Connell
Richard Keidel was the master of ceremonies for the evening at Plattdeutsche Park restaurant, introducing the Valley Stream pastor's friends and dignitaries on hand for the occasion. Many spoke enthusiastically of the joyous mark Howard has made on their lives and the lives of so many others.
"We are torn. We are conflicted," Keidel said of the feelings expressed by many, knowing how much they will miss both the pastor and his wife, Barbara, but eager to wish them well as they retire this month to Connecticut.
Robert and Barbara Howard thanked everyone who came to the party and told them how much they'd miss the Grace congregation and the entire Valley Stream community.
"Barbara and I have spent our lives in this blessed Valley Stream," Pastor Howard said. "You will be the touchstone for the way things ought to be. ... If Norman Rockwell were painting today, he'd be painting Valley Stream,"
Howard said that all through his life, whenever he had an idea that he'd do one thing or the other, "God always had a better idea."
Except in two instances. When Howard said yes to then-district superintendent Dr. John Carrington asked him to come to Grace 28 years ago, and when he married Barbara. "In those two cases, God let me have it my way."
Expressing the deep feelings of all in the room and so many others who couldn't attend, Keidel said, "Someone will come to take his place. But they won't. They'll just take his job."
