QUEENSBURY- Howard B. “Twister” Twiss, 83, started his new journey, whistling, puttering and building his mansion for his family to follow, on Friday, Oct. 7, 2016, at the Glens Falls Hospital, with his loving family by his side.
Howard was born in Hartford, NY on April 10, 1933. He was the son of Howard Twiss and Agnes Bain Twiss.
He attended St. Mary’s Grammar School and graduated from Hudson Falls High School in 1951.
Howard married the love of his life, Olive F. Colvin on January 3, 1953 at St. Mary’s Church in Hudson Falls by Reverend Walsh. Their honeymoon, the first of numerous vacations, was in Albany, NY.
Construction was his first of many jobs. He worked on Stewarts Bridge Dam, the railroad, Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory and Ballston Spa School. Howard then spent many years working his way up to a foreman at Decora. He then
became partners with his brother Rick esablishing Twiss Brothers Auto Body. Howard established Midway Decorating Center where he spent ten years serving the community for their decorating needs before retiring.
Throughout the years Howard enjoyed time at his camp in Sacandaga boating, water skiing, fishing, hunting, snowmobiling and sharing many jokes and laughs with his family.
Many trips to the ocean with his wife led to his love of cruising with his family. On these cruises he took many adventures, climbing Dunn’s Rivers Falls, snorkeling and swimming with stingrays, cave tubing, yachting, riding the merry go round and sitting on the beach or the balcony with a pina colada.
Howard could be found on Thursdays every week with Olive at the Racino which was referred to as “fun day” and you could always be sure he would “break even”.
He wasn’t a man to sit idle. Howard would often start his day with his exercise routine before he could be heard whistling in the kitchen or his “pout room” which was a garage he built. That was just one of his many projects which he thoroughly enjoyed. He was very proud of his biggest project which was his home. Howard always had a project in mind to keep himself busy.
Howard was predeceased by his parents, Howard and Agnes Twiss, his siblings, Sally Blakeman, Richard Twiss and Helen Wood, his grandson, Jeffrey Bardin, and great-grandson Robert Sanford.
Howard was a special man that was loved and will be missed by all. He spent his life loving and providing for his soulmate Olive. When the tables were turned Olive rose to the occasion and became Howard’s “nurse” showing her commitment and staying right by his side in return. Their life is a true story of love.
Howard is survived by his wife Olive of 63 years. His children, Cynthia Bardin, Susan McComsey, Gary Twiss Sr. (Sharon), Howard Twiss Jr., Thomas Twiss Sr. (Valerie) and Karen Beshara (David). His grandchildren, John Bardin Jr., Laura Smith, Brooke Bardin, Carrie, Keith and Steven McComsey, Renee Stepanek, Gary Twiss Jr., Angela Twiss, Christopher Haworth, Matthew and Christopher Barrett, Benjamin, Crystal and Lisa Twiss, Theresa Cutter, Thomas Twiss Jr., and Alec, Zachary and Katiya Beshara and many great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.
A special thank you to Dr. Pillemer, Jean VanAuken and the staff of Tower 2 at Glens Falls Hospital.
Calling hours will be 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 11 at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated 11 a.m. on Wednesday , Oct 12 at St. Mary’s/Paul’s Church on the Park in Hudson Falls.
Everyone is welcome for a gathering at the home of Howard and Olive following the service.