to Jeff’s wife and family. I would like to send my sincere condolences and prayers for Jeff’s passing. We were friends and bandmates back in the 1980s. He was truly one of the most unique guys that I ever met and had the opportunity to perform with. My heart is saddened by his loss and I will keep Him in my prayers.

Linda had asked us to post our recollections, memories, how we knew Jeff, etc. over here. It’s modified from the FB post, but here it goes. To Linda, Casey, Cory, Jeff’s mom, dad, and his other family and close friends—you continue to be much in my thoughts.

I am still not wrapping my head around never again being able to throw the bass in the car (ok, place gently) and head off for a lesson with Jeff.

Several years ago, I wanted to learn bass better. Searching for a local instructor, Jeff’s name popped up. Having gone down a wormhole into the progressive rock music universe decades ago, Jeff's work was pretty-much lost on me--probably a good thing or I’d have been too intimidated to show up for the first lesson! But I did, and over the past several years Jeff became my instructor, mentor, friend, and at times therapist. He was so patient and positive.

Jeff played tuba in high school and learned to read music really well (not all musicians can), and he could tab and score stuff using actual notes, as well as positions on the fretboard.

His first question had been, “What do you want to work on?” That was key. It wasn’t about what HE wanted to work on, nor did he haul out How to Play Bass 101 (though he did write out some scales for me to practice!). My answer: “'Tubular Bells,' and some Riverside.” Not his normal fare but he was down with it just the same, and one day thanked me for introducing him to Riverside, indicating that Linda was also liking them.

During the pandemic, while some of the world was baking sourdough bread, being musically productive (e.g., Jeff) or learning some other new skill, I unproductively went a long time without playing bass. When lessons resumed, I vacillated about auditioning for the Late Night Live band on the postponed Cruise to the Edge (prog rock cruise), now sailing in May. Jeff was so positive and encouraging, helping me prepare. He got a kick out of the audition video and with a big smile said, "Look at that--you are even moving around!" (I had a propensity for sitting perfectly still in lessons, not even tapping my foot.) In the very last lesson at the very end of January, Jeff imparted some great advice and techniques for “Comfortably Numb,” which I’ll be playing (the other two we worked on didn’t go live due to lack of a keyboardist, but hopefully someday).

He was always so excited when he saw various lightbulbs go off in my head when I got a new technique! “You need to do this or you’ll lose the timing!" "YES! YES! Ah ha! I see that lightbulb going off! THAT’s what you need to do!!!” Or “No, no, your position is all wrong! Yes—that’s it!!!"

As I continue to prepare for LNL, I feel lost without Jeff to help me through the home stretch of honing and practicing. I am constantly saying to myself, “Now what would Jeff be telling me?” This is precisely what I was doing in the moments of his death that terrible Saturday--I was practicing….finally getting a piece that had been particularly difficult for me.

Based on our various conversations between bass notes over the years, it was very apparent that Jeff loved his family above everything else—even playing bass. Everyone should be so blessed with a relationship like Jeff’s and Linda’s—with each other, and also with their family.

Rest well, my friend and teacher.

My husband and I only met Jeff once; it was at the farm in Alton, New Hampshire where Once An Outlaw played on one of their first weekends up here. He was so kind, and so nice; by the end of the night, it was like we had known each other for many years. Jeff loved it all: music, and the people he met along the way, and at the very top was his family. We are so sorry, and send our prayers for strength in these difficult days.

Jeff, I remember the day you got your first electric guitar. I think it was your 12 birthday as I think about it. You made played loud horrible noise that rocked your house. However you were very happy and had that great big smile your famous for. I miss you greatly, Rock on. Rob Goehner

Linda & family - No words can be said that will lessen your pain, so I am sending you love <3

How do I know Jeff and how he impacted my life. I know Jeff through my husband Mike. A few years ago, Mike decided that he wanted to learn to play the real guitar, as he had mastered the art of air guitar. So for Christmas he was gonna find an instructor and at the age of 48, Mike began lessons with Jeff. Once a week for an hour he would go and learn a few chords. Even through COVID they found their way to meet up and play. Eventually as their relationship grew, shifting from instructor/student to friends. Jeff would also let Mike record him as he showed Mike the chords, and explain every finger movement as he went. I can still here his voice “A minor” “open fret” “drop it”. (Linda, if you would ever like to see/hear these videos, please contact us; Mike messaged you via Messenger when we heard the news). Jeff was an amazing instructor, but he was also someone who guided you. In one these recordings, Jeff talks about how eventually he goes from being a guitar instructor to a psychiatrist and he ends with “who’s gonna help me man”, to which Mike replies “I will”. Not only did Mike get lessons, but if Jeff needed help with something, Mike would do what he could. He helped pull out Jeff’s dad’s car once when it got stuck; even had made arrangements to take him to his doctors appointment, when his conflicted with one of Linda’s. There are two pivotal moments/memories that truly stick with me that make me cry and also feel immense happiness when I think about them. First one: It’s been said that Jeff would tell it like it is; in February of 2021, Jeff told Mike that he can teach him to play but he can’t teach him “timing”. That sparked a fire in Mike like I have never seen. All the sudden his playing truly began to have the same energy as the actual songs he would play. Mike wanted to prove to Jeff that he could do this. That spring Mike relentlessly worked on every song, but the one he mastered and I could constantly hear lofting throughout the house was Pink Floyd’s, Wish You Were Here. Looking back, I would have never have dreamed that that song and memory would take on a whole new meaning. Second one: January 21, 2022 - Mike just got home from his lesson with Jeff and he was so excited to play his video that he recorded. It was of him and Jeff playing together to Run Away From It All, by Blackberry Smoke. Mike was able to keep it and hold his own pretty well with Jeff. He was so happy. Little did we know that would be the last time he jammed with his friend. Jeff, you are missed and loved by many and we wish you were here <3 Anna Addario

Sorry for the families loss. Terry and Larry Lockwood

He was the nicest guy I ever met. He never judged others.

I remember we had moved away from Binghamton and were back in North Carolina when they invented the internet. And I was searching for Jeff Howell and found some folk singer in Florida. And I would try again later and then, boom, one day I found JeffHowell.org. I got the contact info and finally got Jeff on the phone. I mentioned the site and he said "Linda does the web site."

And I said "Linda?"

And he said "Oh, you don't know about Linda!" and he got all excited and proud and happy and I could just hear the smile through the telephone.

Reconnecting with Jeff after about 10 years (let's say '84 to '94) is one of the greatest treasures of my life.

Jeff was always so nice to me in high school. My thoughts are with your family RIP my friend. You are gone but will never be forgotten.

Oh Jeff, you were just supporting me and grieving my loss. I hope you and Don are laying down an awesome groove that only bass players and drummers who really know each other can do. Don was happy to help with gear endorsement opportunities back in the McNeil Music days, and I enjoyed every gig you invited him to play with The Cats and Jack the Toad and Boogie Du Jour. You were a true professional and an amazing performer. But even better...a friend. Thank you for giving Don the opportunity to do what he loved with a group of musicians he enjoyed playing during such a strange time in history. Keep smiling. Your inspiration endures. And your pain is over. Peace and Love~ Donna Scott (Pharaoh)

My sincere and warmest condolences to all of Jeff’s family. I only knew Jeff from seeing him play and lots of music friends that I have the good fortune to know. A super talent and a nice guy who made you feel like he’d known you his whole life because he gave his full attention just to say hello to you. I’ve loved reading everyone’s stories and seeing pictures and videos. A talent and a man that will be missed for sure. Thank you Jeff, for sharing your talent with all of us and taking us along on the journey.

My condolences to Linda and all of Jeff’s family. Jeff’s an amazing person,friend,musician,teacher and all around great guy “he’d give you the shirt off his back”.

I met Jeff a few years back, it all started as he was my guitar teacher and a great one he was. I know it wasn’t easy to teach a 50 yr old how to play guitar, but he had the patients of a saint. He was a straight shooter and told it like it was, he had no problem telling me when I had no timing at all “lol”. Throughout the years of Jeff teaching me “ now able to play 8 songs” we built a bond that was much greater than just a teacher/student

relationship. I will always cherish all the time I had with him, going to see him at his gigs and listening to all of the stories that he would tell me about the good old days and just hanging out with him. Jeff, thank you for all that you have taught me and having the pleasure of you being my friend. You will always be missed but never forgotten. I know your up in heaven rocking out on your bass and playing with the best “you are one of the best”. Until we meet again my brother, may you Rest In Peace and be pain free. Keep Rock’n

When you get to know someone who is so talented as Jeff and I have been a bass player myself since 1975, it totally blew me away! He was one of the absolute best and yet Jeff didn’t put himself on a pedestal. He was so humble and a perfect gentleman and friend. I just pray that the family can go forward with such a loss. I and so many are devastated in the Cortland area I can’t imagine his poor family. My heart aches for the whole family. May God comfort you and bless you! Jeff is playing bass in the heavens with the angles.

We are so very sorry about this immense loss to all of Jeff's family and loved ones. Jeff was an incredibly sweet guy and amazingly talented. We always looked forward to hanging out with him at family gatherings. We feel incredibly heartbroken.

Our condolences to Jeff Howell and family . Jeff was our favorite and most frequent guest on The Plowzone Radio Show . Jeff was always quick to tell a great story and to always be humble . We will miss him . Rock on forever , Jeff Howell

I have known Jeff since I was a teen, he was in great local bands back then. I'll never forget the day he told me he was leaving town for a big-time band try out, He got the job. The rest is history. He has always been a great loving guy! I always enjoyed hanging out with him, he will be missed by many....RIP♫♪♫

So very sorry for your loss. It is unbelievably sad to lose someone so kind and talented far too soon. My thoughts and prayers remain with all of you. --Terry

Jeff was a very humble man and he and I became friends due to me being a fan of his music.. Jeff was always happy to discuss his career with me and told many memorable stories about his time on the road.. He will be missed..

"Those we love don't go away. They walk besides us everyday. Unseen, unheard, but always near. Still loved, still missed, and forever dear."

Linda - Jeff will always be at your side - watching over you. Your memories together will give you great joy during the difficult times ahead.

Kas

Dear Linda and Family,

I cannot begin to convey how devastated I am learning of Jeff’s passing. Few people have affected my life so positively as Jeff did. From the lessons he taught me on the Bass guitar to the worldly wisdom he shared on the music industry, all have stuck with me my entire life. I so admired his determination that I wanted to be like him. I was always honored when he asked me to come to a show. He spent many hours at our house, and rightfully so, I considered him my brother. It is said that if you can go through life and make just one true friend, then you have done a fantastic job. We all know that Jeff far exceeded that expectation. May your family’s fond memories help to heal your broken hearts. And May God hold him in the palm of His Hands.

Sincerely,

David and Dawn Howe

Keswick, VA

I'm so sorry to hear of Jeff's passing (actually a bit shocked, as I had been praying for him, & then was under the impression that he was doing better). I send my sincere condolences to his wife, family, & all affected. I knew Jeff from all three bands mentioned in the Obit, but I would say that I personally knew him Best from when he was in Foghat. In addition to being an Immensely talented artist, more importantly, he Showed that he was a True CHRISTian through his Actions of being Welcoming & Gratious toward fans! Therefore, without a doubt, he is now with God in heaven. May keeping this, as well as all the Awesome memories in mind, bring all at least some comfort. ✝️

So sad prayers to th family

Rest in Peace my friend, I will miss our chats and laughter. You are in my thoughts. Dan R

Jeff and I have been on many stages together. Jeff as a very talented musician and me as a stage manger or doing lighting. It was always fun hangin' with Jeff. My condolences to his family and friends...

Thank You for all of the Great Music. From the days of ACTS thru the present. I Thank You for your kindness for playing at our Woof stock for The Broome County Humane Society. That was so very kind.To Your Wife and Family, I am so sorry. I wish You all Comfort.

Rest Well.

Sincere Sympathy Linda - to you, your children and your grandchildren. Jeff was a good man. Once he knew we were both on that chronic Lyme path, every time I saw the two of you (not often) he always asked how I was doing. Thankfully, his pain and suffering is over - I pray that you and your family find peace in the memories.