With a wave he brightened days in Oakhurst. Community repays the favor with a honk

Sitting on his walker in his usual spot in front of the Oakhurst California Highway Patrol office Friday morning, 94-year-old World War II veteran Bill Howie got a warm sendoff from his hometown.

It was only fitting. Howie has waved to thousands of motorists, brightening up their days, since 2014.

His run as the unofficial greeter is coming to an end because he’s moving to his daughter’s home in Clovis.

An estimated 150 vehicles drove in a parade Friday morning past Howie, honking horns and waving signs bidding him farewell.

Of course, they got in return a friendly wave.

Howie said he was moved by all the attention, and said even the astronauts “don’t get all this!”

His caregiver, Sharon Morris, said, “He comes out here every morning. And he’s waving, wanting to tell everyone in Oakhurst good morning. He loves people. He’s 98% blind, so he can’t see people waving back to him, so he counts honks.”

Morris said Howie’s group of friends kept count Friday, with the final tally at 307, beating his record of 168 by a long shot.

“I’m going to miss him terribly,” Morris said, “He’s like my dad, I just love him dearly.”

“He’s one heck of a gentleman,” said neighbor Vic Woodfill. “You can’t beat him to heaven…knowing someone like him,” he said emotionally, “he’s going to be greatly missed up here in this community. He played a big part of it.”

This story was originally published July 17, 2020 at 2:00 PM.