Early Life and Arrival in Bly
Howard W. Nixon, known to many as Billy, was born March 9, 1936, in Hill City, Minnesota. His family moved briefly to Iowa and then to Wisconsin before settling in Bly when he was six. He grew up in Bly and graduated from Bly High School in 1955.
Family and Work
In 1956, Howard met Dorothy “Punky” Jerry in Minnesota, and they married later that year. They made their home in Bly, where Howard began a long career with Weyerhaeuser running various kinds of equipment. He worked for the company for 37 years and later served on the board for the Bly Water District.
Community Life and Interests
Howard loved hunting and fishing and especially enjoyed annual salmon runs to the coast with his family. He enjoyed horse races, trips to Minnesota, and, after retirement, collecting bear traps and antiques. He was a steady presence at his children’s sporting events and delighted in time spent with grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Known for his straight talk, he was also a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
In his last years, he was cared for closely by family, including his great-grandson Quentin, who checked in often and helped with his care.
Family
Howard’s family includes his wife Dorothy, his son Howard W. Nixon Jr. (and spouse Tami), his daughter Terri, his sisters Leeanna Hadley and Marlene Nork, and a large extended family of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.