Ray Normandin

Original article here.

I am sure that anyone who has ever been to a Memorial service would rather be elsewhere. The thought of having to say a final goodbye to someone we love and care for is the last thing we want to be doing. Anyone who knew Howard Jackson, could not help being touched in some way, no matter how small. Be it his angelic smile, his warm handshake, his soft and unassuming voice or even the person he transformed into when entering a mat or ring. No doubt he was a world champion fighter, “The California Flash”, but that was business. The rest was Howard the Father, son, brother, teacher, and the friend. I have often heard the measure of a person’s life is the legacy they leave behind, in other words what did people truly think of them and how were their lives touched by that person.

When my friends and I arrived at the church, I saw a glimpse of what the day would be like. The parking lot was already nearly full and scores of people where heading in. The foyer to the chapel was filled with dozens of people waiting to sign the attendance book. As I waited my turn, I looked around at the sullen faces of those around me, I could see the sadness and sense of loss they felt. People hugging each other and sharing their condolences. I looked around to see if i saw any friends, I saw some and even more I did not know. The martial arts world was sure there to honor one of it’s greatest sons. Don “The Dragon” Wilson, Cynthia Rothrock, Steve Sanders Muhammad, John Natividad, Ted Tabura, Benny “The Jet” Urquidez and so many more and of course Bob Wall and Chuck Norris, who were more than friends, they were family. No matter, we were all there for the same reason, we lost someone who meant so much and each of us knew him in a different capacity, yet it seemed we all felt the deep pain of Howard’s absence. The feeling that Howard was in a better place and for those of us who believe, God had called to his side our dear friend.

Once inside everyone was hanging around and catching up with one another, the one positive thing that comes from a circumstance like a memorial service is it brings friends and family together that may have not seen each other for a while. I even made a few new friends, and if you knew Howard that would make him smile. He liked meeting new people, and then would introduce his friends to each other, that day was like that.

Once the service began, Pastor Donnie Williams began the service. Pastor Williams was in his own right a martial arts legend who fulfilled his calling and now is a servant of God. He is a tremendous speaker and his sincerity was overwhelming and touching as he spoke about his friend Howard Jackson. After the opening prayer and song, he announced the speakers, including Howard Jackson Jr., Howard’s eldest son and Jeremy Jackson, Howard’s youngest son who read a beautiful homage he wrote for his dad, titled “Ode to a Champion”. I don’t believe there was a dry eye amongst us. After the scheduled speakers, Bob Wall read an emotional obituary. The room was overwhelmingly quiet. Then Bob Wall presented the Jim Harrison Great Fighter and Gentleman award to Howard’s three children and Howard’s beautiful daughter Amber accepted it for her dad. Amber’s mother, Howard’s former wife Anna was there to support Amber say a tearful goodbye to Howard.

Bob then asked Chuck Norris to say a few words. Mr. Norris and his lovely wife Gena spoke of their relationship with Howard. I feel that some of the most touching words were spoken by Gena Norris, she embodied the feelings felt throughout the room and spoke of the tears she shed for Howard throughout his fight with leukemia. I felt the true spirit of God speaking through her heart.

Afterwards anyone who wanted to speak of Howard was invited to come up to the front and say a few words, I believe nearly 40 people spoke, those who knew him briefly, those who knew him for decades, students and even those who had faced Howard in a ring only a time constraint prevented more. The first person to speak was Howard’s only surviving sibling, his beloved sister Cloris and she was accompanied by a few family members, it was a sorrowful moment for all of us, her pain was beyond words.

The respect and humbleness that was shown for Howard by all who spoke was a testament to how Howard lived his life, he was just simply a nice guy. It really is an arduous task to describe all the words and feelings displayed during the time of sharing. I can say that it went from intense crying to an honorable bow to a Master. The stories were as eclectic as Howard’s many friends and associates. They ranged from those who met Howard just in recent times and those who knew Howard since his days as one hard core fighter. The common thread; however was that no matter what, Howard treated everyone with respect, he always wanted to know about you. He did not speak of himself unless someone expressed an interest, even then he was uncommonly humble about it. There were two things that was mentioned often, is the gratitude felt by everyone was for Sharon Welker, Howard’s fiancée and true Love, for her tireless pursuit to make Howard’s life as joyful and comfortable as humanly possible. She was with Howard for about five years and nearly the whole time Howard was in the midst of his battle with Leukemia. Sharon was Howard’s rock, as well as best friend and life Love.

I had the pleasure to meet Sharon on a few occasions, once outside the hospital before his latest round came about, and a few other times when I went to see Howard at City of Hope. She was so very kind to us during our visit, and at the same time made sure we followed all the directions for a safe and healthy visit for Howard. My last visit with Howard was especially touching, because we had fun, we joked, laughed a little and hugged a lot. My friends, Ted Tabura and Eric Lee were talking with Howard about the old days, long before I knew him. Sharon helped make that visit a day we will cherish and remember forever. The respect we all feel for Sharon is so enormous it is hard to explain. Without sounding trite, I feel Sharon was Howard’s angel and I know I don’t stand alone in that thought.

The one thing Pastor Williams spoke about was How much Howard loved the Lord and how this day should be not only to mourn the loss of our friend, but to celebrate his amazing life. Although Howard was only 54, he lived a fulfilling life and always strived to be the best he can be. One of the highlights was when a young man came up to sing and his voice was a wonderful bass and he sang “I will always love you” a song made famous by Whitney Houston. It was unbelievable, the voice on this man was pristine and so clear. I felt shivers run up my back and again the flowingly of tears echoed through the chapel. There was a video that was put together by David Krapes, Bob & Lillian Wall and Howard’s family that was full of loving thoughts from friends and family, it was played for all of us. It was filled with loving thoughts of Howard and many of his friends and family shared their thoughts and memories. There were some old photos, which were some no one has seen before it was quit touching. There were a few difficult parts, at least for me, when Howard was on the screen talking and for a brief moment I forgot he was not actually with us.

All in All, the service was very moving and as I later told Pastor Williams he did the family and Howard Proud. The final prayer was very touching, yet seemed to wrap the service up. I found it hard to leave the chapel and move on. It just seemed surreal for me. I wasn’t really ready to say So Long to my friend, but eventually I left the chapel, as did all of us.

We then gathered for food and socializing across in a church hall. It was nice because it made the mood lighter and the hardest part of the day behind us. Many of us felt Howard’s presence and we believed that he was happy where he was. I am sure that he will be singing, dancing and perhaps building a ring and teaching the angels how he became a champion, all in great fun.

Howard is respected and will be truly missed, but will remain in our fond memories. The most important part is to keep Howard’s legacy alive and all of us who knew him will find that an effortless task. God Speed and So Long… With Love and great respect.