"My colleagues and I at American Airlines in Phoenix are so sad to hear that Howard passed. We adored him. He was so good to us. "
In lieu of flowers, consider a donation in Howard's memory to Good News Productions International or St. Mary's Food Bank. Please see the website links for donation at the bottom of this page.
Howard Wesley Nutt was born on March 20, 1946 in Gary, Indiana to Ziden and Fern Nutt. Ziden and Fern raised all of their children to be thoughtful people of faith - people who would leave a legacy of earnest support for those around them, whether in their personal or professional lives.
Originally setting out to enter the ministry, Howard received his bachelor's degree from Great Lakes Christian College before completing a Master of Arts degree in English and Philosophy at Fort Hays State University and doctoral work at the University of Michigan. He devoted his professional career to the establishment and development of the proposal writing and business development sectors, serving as a founding member of the Association of Proposal Management Professionals and ultimately establishing the Business Development Institute International. You can hear Howard reflect on his 45-year career with characteristic humility and detail here https://www.buzzsprout.com/906544/2891197-scribble-talk-episode-1-guest-howard-nutt-founding-member-apmp" .
Howard met Jane Vert at Great Lakes Christian College, and they married in 1970. Together, they moved from Michigan to Kansas to Arizona and raised one daughter, Lispeth.
Building and renovating homes was a marriage-long team enterprise for Howard and Jane. Howard was a talented woodworker and furniture maker, and, well into cancer treatments, he could be found loading lumber and alarmingly large appliances into his bright yellow truck.
Howard was the proud owner of a 1975 Triumph TR6, which he spent 43 years maintaining and (when possible) driving, and he was an equally proud and long-term owner of a horribly corny sense of humor.
Perhaps the thing that Howard was most proud of, however, was his lifelong support for and involvement in a number of faith-based and charitable causes. It was Howard's last wish that his passing serve as a positive opportunity to bring attention to a couple of these causes. Please honor this wish and, in lieu of flowers, consider a donation in Howard's memory to Good News Productions International https://gnpi.org/donate or St. Mary's Food Bank http://smfba.convio.net/site/Donation2?12321.donation=form1&df_id=12321&mfc_pref=T
Howard passed on to meet the Lord on Saturday, July 11, 2020. He is survived by his wife; his daughter, daughter-in-law, and granddaughter; two siblings, Helen and Ziden Jr.; and a loving extended family.
An in-person service will be arranged at a later date, to be scheduled when public safety allows.
"My colleagues and I at American Airlines in Phoenix are so sad to hear that Howard passed. We adored him. He was so good to us. "
"I used to work for US AIRWAYS and Howard was one of our favorites. He always was kind to us even if the planes were not on time. He never treated us rudely and even would bring coffee if he noticed us stuck at a gate too long dealing with an angry crowd. He was joyful and friendly and rare and I?m sad his light is no longer here. "
"Hello, my name is Alexis Estrada. I met Howard back in 2013. I was coming out of foster care and financial services from the state at age 21. Howard was apart of a church group called Opentable. This group helped me become an independent adult and I learned so many life skills. To this day, I call them family and I have kept them in my life ever since. Throughout the years Howard and Jane taught me so much! In the beginning, Howard helped me put together my first resume and cover letter and helped me achieve my first job. Amazing! Also we spent many hours on the road as I learned how to drive and conquer my fear of driving. I have many memories of parallel parking in the neighborhood and driving with the top down in the blue convertible. Howard and Jane also taught me how to cook homemade pizza. Yum! I remember many fun times of going to the movies and eating out where I got to know them on a deeper level. Howard is such a gentle soul. He is slow to anger, quick to listen, always helpful and such an amazing friend. He is very crafty and can build just about anything. I saw him create and enhance the current house he lived in. It is now a gorgeous home. He is supportive, nurturing, and a true counselor. When my mom passed away, Howard and Jane listened to me and helped me grieve. He was always there for me in good times and bad. I really appreciate and love him. He is such an important part of my life. He was like a father figure when my dad was not around. I miss him, but I know he is in heaven smiling and proud of me. In conclusion, one amazing memory I have of him was at my wedding. I looked out at all my guests and I saw Howard smiling and laughing with everyone and having a blast at the photo booth. I will never forget him and will always see him as a healthy young soul. Thank you for bringing up such an amazing person to this world. I love you Howard! "
"I am Jane\'s cousin- my mother was Jane\'s mother\'s sister. I didn\'t know Howard very well, but I always felt comfortable when spending time with him. He was so nice and thoughtful, but quiet and unassuming. He and Jane were the only ones to come to my Mom and Dad\'s funerals. Even though we didn\'t know each other that well, there were there for us, like the best family members always are. I remember when they came to Mom\'s funeral, he had cancer but you wouldn\'t have known it. He always had a smile for you or a kind word. I always appreciated his professional goals. Now there\'s a man who followed his heart. Howard and Jane visited us in Hawaii and were the best guests. We enjoyed touring Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and talking about our common life pursuit of home remodeling projects! Jane and Howard seemed perfect for each other!"
"Howard was my ?Baby Brother/ Little Brother? and I was his ?Sis?. He was a very sweet and happy little guy and grew up to be a wonderful man. I worked in a local department store while in high school when he was about 4 years old. I always brought him a surprise on payday. If, sometimes I forgot, he?d cry, so I would walk back to town to get him something. When Howard was about 7, he was ring bearer at my wedding. My new husband was in the Air Force and we moved out of state so I missed the next 4 years of his life. Howard graduated high school and went on to Great Lakes Bible College in Michigan. He sometimes came home on the weekends. On one of those visits to our house sitting in the recliner with his feet up, I teased him about wearing his Sunday shoes, to which he replied ? these are my only shoes.? There he sat in his Sunday best with a silver dollar sized hole with cardboard as an insole! Needless to say, he didn?t go back to college without a new pair of shoes, his Brother-in-law, Tom saw to that! I will always remember Tuesday, July 7, 2020, we spoke briefly on the phone. He was weak and in a lot of pain, as he fell asleep, I just listened to him breathe until Jane took the phone. I thanked her for taking such good care of him through all of this to the end. Howard was a kind, caring and compassionate person. We never ended a call without saying ? I love you, we?ll talk soon.? Howard suffered with so much pain for so long and now he he is in the arms of Jesus! ?Rest in Peace Little Brother? You will always be remembered and loved by many, but especially by ? Your Sis? Helen Carr"
"It has been a true blessing to know Howard. We have lived in the same neighborhood for many years. He was the kind neighbor that would sponsor a baby shower for a young couple welcoming their first baby into the world. He was the quiet neighbor that would clean the graffiti off of the entrance wall and never told anyone ( I saw him working on it). He was the friendly neighbor that always said hello on his morning or evening walks. He was so many things to all of us, yet he didn\'t seek attention for his kind gestures. He was also my chemo buddy inspiration. While he was going through all of his treatments, he had the time and generosity to remember when I was receiving treatment and always reached out to me and encouraged me. He and Jane bought me \"Happy socks\" to cheer me up while I was having treatment, always thinking of others. A truly kind generous man and that, for me, sums up Howard. What a blessing and privilege that he was in our lives. Karen Berrigan"
"I only met Howard a couple of times, both times involved family events. The first time was a family visit to Arizona. We had brought my Father and Mother out to see family and also Arizona. We met Howard and Jane at church and went to lunch after. The second time I traveled to Arizona for my Uncle\'s funeral. Howard and Jane hosted the dinner at their house. Howard always had time for family and was very attentive to his guests. He had a welcoming personality and made people feel comfortable. We had a trip scheduled in March that we had to cancel and we are sorry that we were not able to spend time with him. Two of my daughters attend GLCC which is the same school that Howard and Jane attended. The Administration at GLCC has spoken fondly about both Howard and Jane on several occasions. Alex, Stephanie, Jaelynn, Breanna & Mallory Vert"
"Howard was my father figure, my very first visit to APMP Bid Con 2015 at Boston was just to be with him. I was so looking forward to meet Howard at Nashville and stand alongside him at the BD Institute stand. He inspired me to document APMP history and I was so blessed to record his voice as my first Baachu Scribble Talk Podcast guest. You have always been my go to person not just for professional advice but personal life too. As long as I am alive, I will continue to do my little part to keep your legacy forward. Thankyou Howard for everything, you will be deeply missed. RIP Sir. Baskar Sundaram "
"Howard was our neighbor and we got to know Howard and Jane by meeting them on morning walks several years ago, We learned that they were fellow Christians and were active in charity work. His humbleness and joy in life welcomes all. We started to socialize occasionally and learned how gifted they were as a team in house building and decorating, successful and dedicated in their professions and musically talented as well. We are awed by his God given talents in creative design and craftsmanship. Our lives were blessed by knowing Howard and his memory will be with us always. We rejoice that he is now with our Lord and Savior. John and Regina King"
"Howard was a good friend and an outstanding professional. I was interviewing for my first management position in proposals in 1997. Howard was consulting at the company and they asked him to interview me and provide his recommendation. I got the job and we became friends every since, seeing each other at least once a year at professional conferences. He told me about the yellow pickup, the Triumph TR6, and his house in Phoenix, showing me pictures. I could sense that he was a special spirit. In reading these tributes, I see that he positively affected all who he came into contact with. He treated everyone like friend or family. I was able to see and talk to him again in Amsterdam this March. I wish his family much comfort in knowing what a great person Howard was to those fortuante enought to call him "Friend." May he rest in peace. "
"Howard was such a good friend and an admirable professional and gentleman, who I knew since 1997. He was instrumental in helping me to get my first mangement job in proposals and I was blessed to see him at professional conferences and events, nearly every year. Howard was very intelligent and professionally capable, yet equally humble and helpful. I could tell that he had a very special spirit about him. In reading his obituary and other tributes, I see now that he was the result of an excellent upbringing, with a depth of love and compassion for everyone. I was fortuante to see and talk to him in Amsterdam, this March. May his family be blessed with comfort as richly as his friendship blessed me. Steve Koger"
"I am Janie's cousin, but Howard always treated me and introduced me as his cousin. He was Family. He had a big heart, a lot of empathy, a welcoming spirit and a joke that helped me get through some hard times. Howard and Janie love to welcome people into their beautiful home that they do all of the work on themselves. Howard's face would light up when he showed me the latest project that he completed. Howard did excellent work and was a perfectionist. Besides his kind words, we would watch mystery movies that Howard loved to solve, and eat appetizers. I would bring over spicy things, meats and cheeses, and garlic breads. Things Howard loved that Janie wanted to limit. No matter what happened in Howard's life, he was always cheerful and excited about something. He was a good man, I will miss my cousin, Howard. Janie took excellent care of Howard when he was sick and made a point of trying to help him do the things he enjoyed while he could. Howard had achieved many goals such as his doctorate, being an international businessman, having a gorgeous house, having a marriage that would last almost 50 years but his daughter, Lispeth, was what he was most proud of. "
"I met Howard over 10 years ago when he contacted the Carnegie Mellon University Software Engineering Institute for an involvement with his Business Development Institute. It resulted in not just a professional relationship but a sincere friendship. I will truly miss him. Howard was a warm and engaging individual."
"Howard was a very kind and generous man. When my father died my sister and I were at a loss as to where to hold the get-together after the funeral. Howard and Janie stepped right up. They opened their beautiful house to everyone and served a fabulous meal. Howard will definitely be missed but his spirit, his essence, will live on in all those who knew him. "
"Howard was my uncle with only 12 years separating us. We had daughters born the same year only months apart. Even though states and many miles were between us I felt close through texting and sharing an occasional video. I would send a beautiful snow falling against the pine trees video to him saying hi and checking in and with his sense of humor, I would get back a picture of him on the deck in the sunshine, short sleeves with something cold to drink in his hand and a wave! A few flights to Phoenix for visits and he and Jane were always the most amazing hosts. Even our last visit when he was pretty sick, we shared Christmas movies together and some laughs. Our last conversation sharing what was going on briefly in our lives, but most importantly saying one last I love you. The world was a better place because of him and he is resting now in a place we can only imagine. Love to Jane and many condolences to Lispeth ?? "
"Howard Nutt was lovingly welcomed into this world by his sister Helen and me. We joyously carried "our baby brother" around, even in a bicycle basket at times. He graduated from college and married Jane Vert on August 15, 1970. They went for further education and excelled in education and business. Howard pioneered new horizons in business, and I had the opportunity, with my family, to pioneer in global missions. Our sister faithfully encouraged us both. Fulfillment was found in each other, for in business and missions, we all worked, ?as unto the Lord.? Howard and Jane helped enable us to establish Chidamoyo Mission and Hospital in Africa and Good News Productions, Int?l with nine research and production centers around the world. We did in each other what we couldn?t do by ourselves. We carried each other in prayer all his life, especially over the past few months as he fought the battle with cancer. It was a blessing and joy to be brothers, but also partners in the Gospel of Christ to the glory of God. Howard knew his final home was not here on earth, so he left a great legacy behind as he was welcomed by Jesus to his heavenly home. "
"We always loved to hear, in great detail, about the home remodeling projects. When Jane and Howard visited us in Pennington, NJ, they brought along a slide show (no, I am kidding) a big book (or maybe a laptop?) of plans and photos to show off the most recent project. Bonnie especially loved hearing all the details. (She does not do most of the hard remodeling work herself, but hires out.) We also appreciated very much how they drove all the way down from Phoenix to Tucson twice(!) to be with us when my parents died several years ago. Howard was a great guy, and we will miss him very much, Marshall and Bonnie Buck Columbia, MD "
"Howard was my friend for 40 years. We first met as students together at the U of Michigan in the English Department?s Doctor of Arts program. We puzzled over odd assignments and taught Freshman Composition in different sections?but commiserated over the many papers to grade and the little remuneration as grad assistants. Luckily Jane was able to financially hold down the fort as Howard transitioned to a new career. I think they lived in snowy Novi, Michigan then?I visited and envied his marriage to Jane while they served this grad friend from the East a dinner to remember. Then later when I was a professor at Arizona State, I talked him into coming out to ?sunny? Arizona and away from cold and dark Michigan to work as a proposal writer at Garrett AiResearch?he thrived!!!! He and Jane invited me to dinner a number of times at their house in Ahwatukee where they co-habitated with his Triumph on which he was incessantly tinkering. One of my everlasting delightful memories when visiting for dinner was getting recorded by Lispeth while reading a book to her, and she, in delighted response at age 5, doing some sort of arabesque dance. Howard and I reverse-mirror-imaged each other in that he began his adult life in ministry and then branched over into business consulting and proposal management, while I began in the technical and business communication professorship and business consulting and am now in ministry. When last we communicated we wondered at how we envied each other?I his accomplishments in building, woodworking, architecture, and business communication management, while he envied me as being able to transition from professor to Episcopal priest. It could be years separated from each other, and yet, each time we sat together and talked, recalling the spirit of each other, we felt as if we had never been away. And so it is, Howard, you get to explore God?s great glorious heaven before me. Does St. Peter keep a Triumph in the clouds for you to tinker with? Will St. Joseph share his woodworking tools with you? And what saints will you find to enjoy your silly jokes and humor half as much as all of us. I know you will watch over Jane, Lispeth and her family nearby in Boston, but what about me, old friend? Can you ask God to spare a bit of grace for me? "
"Dear Jane, Lisbeth and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Howard was my friend and mentor for nearly 20 years. He never did anything for personal gain, he just wanted to help others. His kindness, gentleness, humility and sense of fun were an example to us all. We will miss him very much."
"Having known Howard and worked with him for almost 30 years, I can say I've been blessed. He taught me so much about life, business, and problem solving. I hold Howard in high esteem as a friend and mentor. Bless you, brother. Brad Douglas, Shipley Associates"
"Dear Jane and Lisbeth, I have had the pleasure of knowing Howard since your wedding when I was your bridesmaid. Howard was always very kind to us and I loved when you visited us in Grand Rapids after we were married and you brought your tiny baby, Lisbeth. We have many memories of you and Howard over the years and he will be missed. Love, Elaine and Bryan Mincks"
"Howard has been a great friend as well as a colleague, for over 20 years. As a friend, we will miss him a lot. As a colleague, we will continue to pursue his vision for the adoption of the Business Development Capability Maturity Model as an industry-recognised international standard for best practices in business winning. We are so glad that we got to spend some time with him in Amsterdam, at the beginning of March. He was incredibly brave to travel at that time. He was determined to meet up with the people that he cared about and, I believe, was comforted by the care that was given back to him."
"My heartfelt condolences to you Jane, Lisbeth and family. I have several great memories of Howard, but my favorite was preparing to go to Tucson with you/Jane for an educational convention, and we had to get a rental car, and Howard went on and on sweetly about being married "for SO long" as I praised you both for your years together - and when you got out of the yellow truck (to get into the rental car) I watched you two kiss, and exchange goodbyes and I remember (at that time in MY life) being SOOOOO envious - of having a relationship with such warm, obvious devotion towards one another. You are to be praised for being married for 50 years! How blessed - "
"What a legacy of faith and service Howard leaves. Jane, I so admire you and Howard and am grateful he was a part of my life. I am praying God's peace and comfort for you and the extended family. Blessings."
"My sincerest condolences to you, Dr. Vert, and your family. May your warm memories of your life with Howard comfort you during this most difficult time. God bless you all. "
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to Jane and the family. We know his sister Helen and brother Ziden and knew his parents too. Howard was a very nice person and he will be missed by many. Wayne & Daisy Gabbert Anderson IN."
"Howard was an inspiration to me and so many within the APMP and business development world. His legacy will live on through the BD-CMM and the thought leadership he shared over the years. He will be missed. "
"We have always enjoyed spending time with Howard. We will miss his company. See the pictures below for our trip in July 2018. If you look close that is a butterfly on Howard's head. It was taken at the Butterfly Wonderland July 31, 2018. Howard is navigating our way to Sedona on July 30,2018. We all enjoyed the scenery and artwork in Sedona . It was a fun time. "
"Howard and I worked together in Washington dc and Florida and I adored his corny sense of humor:) I loved our conversations because I always learned something. He was such an intelligent person ! I will miss him and remember him always. My prayers are with you."