Celebration Of Life Set For Carmel Town Manager Who Passed Away Unexpectedly

It's been less than a week since the Howell family and the Town of Carmel suffered the devastating loss of husband, father, and Town Manager, Kevin Howell when he tragically fell through the ice on Etna Pond last Friday. 

Those who knew Howell know just what a hole his death leaves in this small, close-knit community of Carmel. A quick look at the town of Carmel's website, and you'll see just how many different hats Howell wore as Town Manager, but there was so much more that he went unrecognized for. Howell worked tirelessly, for 8 years, going above and beyond to help make his little corner of the world the best town it could be.

The driving force behind so many of the projects and events, like Carmel Days, Board Chair for the Town Of Carmel, Dan Frye, says it would be hard to replace a man like Kevin Howell with just one person.

And while the Town is now left with the daunting task of picking up the pieces and moving ahead, which Frye believes Howell would want them to do, the community of Carmel is rallying around the family Kevin Howell left behind; his wife Katie and his 4-year old son, Sawyer.

Frye says a Carmel resident has created a special Carmel Community Support-Howell Family Facebook page as a hub of information on how people can help his wife and son.

For example, anyone wishing to send condolence cards or gift cards to Howell's family can do so through the town office by mailing it to:  Howell Family c/o Town of Carmel PO Box 114 Carmel, ME 04419

Organizers have set up a meal train for the Howell family. If you'd like to provide a meal for them, you can click here to sign up.

A college fund has been set up for Howell's young son, Sawyer. Folks can donate to that by clicking here.

There is also information on the site about a special Celebration of Life that's scheduled for next month:

"We will be having Kevin's celebration of life on February 10th from 11 am - 3 pm at Golden Harvest Grange, 928 Main Rd, Carmel, ME 04419

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Simpson Memorial Library or Carmel Snowmobile Club in Kevin's honor.

Donations to the Snowmobile Club can be sent by mail to P.O. Box 141 Carmel ME 04419."

Supporting one another is something Mainers do best. And the folks in Carmel are no exception. Kevin Howell worked hard to bring this community together. It's not surprising they would come together again now, to take care of the legacy he's left behind.

A great example of "Maine, the way life should be" in this humble writer's opinion.

Our deepest condolences to the Howell family and the Town of Carmel.