Marlon D. Howe II

Marlon D. Howe II, our beloved son, grandson, brother, nephew, cousin and friend, transitioned on December 12, 2006, at Rady Children’s Hospital, San Diego, CA, as a result of bone cancer (osteosarcoma). Marlon was born in Poway, CA, on November 4, 1985.

Marlon attended kindergarten through elementary school in the San Diego school district and junior high school in San Marcos, CA. He attended San Marcos High School his freshman year, then moved to Fallbrook, CA, where he spent his sophomore and junior years of high school. His senior year, Marlon attended Brewster Academy in Wolfeboro, NH.

Marlon was a gentle giant and by the time he was seventh grade he was 6’5” wearing a size 13 shoe. Marlon’s grandmother thought Marlon would best appreciate his rapid growth if he got into the game of basketball. Marlon began playing in a community league in San Marcos, where he was noticed for his size and his attitude. By eighth grade he was recruited to play for both San Marcos Middle School and North County traveling teams. Marlon began his high school basketball career at San Marcos High. He made varsity his freshman year; by then he was 6’7”.

Marlon was highly sought after by coaches around San Diego County because of his work ethic, personality, athletic ability and potential. He blossomed during off-season due to special training with Coach Ollie. Marlon was recruited and sponsored by Nike, Reebok and Adidas to play on traveling teams that took him around the country. During his sophomore year Marlon moved to Fallbrook, where he played his two seasons under Coach Mike West and Coach Russ Keith. By this time Marlon was already 6’8”; final destination 6’9” gentle giant. Marlon was recruited his senior year by Brewster Academy. Two months into the program at Brewster, Marlon became ill and had to return to California, where on October 26, 2004, he was diagnosed with osteosarcoma of the spine.

Marlon possessed exceptional people skills and a big heart. He reached out and touched anyone who seemed to need a helping hand. Marlon’s smile was like the moon on the darkest night. He shared this smile with everyone he came in contact with. He was sunshine on the rainy days to so many of us. He touched lives across the country and there was no price tag attached to his love.

Marlon, thank you for your contribution to our lives.

A celebration will be held December 29, 2006, at 11 a.m. at Fallbrook’s Christ The King Lutheran Church, 1620 South Stage Coach Lane.

Donations can be made in memory of Marlon D. Howe II to College Bound Scholarship Funds (a local committee will be coordinating this effort), Children’s Hospital or the San Diego Blood Bank.