September 14, 1945 – December 13, 2023
HOWARD LAWRENCE SCHATZ
9/14/1945 – 12/13/2023
Howard Lawrence Schatz passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 13th, 2023, at his home in Park City, Utah. He was a one-of-a-kind gentleman, a devoted friend and family member, a great storyteller, an incredible athlete, and a true Ironman who lit up every room he walked into.
Howard is survived by his two siblings: Doug Schatz (Barbara) of San Jose, CA, and Klina Allen (George Allen) of Aledo, TX; his four nieces Kate Schatz (Lauren Pariani), Krishelle Lorello (Brian), Tiffany Potts (James), and Aubrey Schatz; and six great-nieces and nephews, as well as a worldwide network of beloved friends.
Howard was born on September 14, 1945, in San Jose, California to Charlotte and Hans Schatz. He graduated from Willow Glen High School in 1963, and moved to Hawaii in pursuit of higher education and good surf. He graduated from San Jose State in 1968, with a BA in Physical Education.
He then began a 31 year career in the airline industry, working for Frontier, American, Qantas, and Air New Zealand, at SJC, HNL, DEN, ORD, SLC, LAX, MEL, SYD, and more. He traveled the world, made friends everywhere he went, and lived in Southern California, New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, and Honolulu, where he honed his passion as an outstanding endurance athlete.
Howard summited Mt Kilimanjaro, and completed over 50 marathons, triathlons, and cycling competitions over several decades, often finishing at the top of his age group. His crowning achievement was completing ELEVEN Ironman triathlons, medaling three times at the Ironman World Championship in Kona.
Howard eventually moved to Park City, Utah, trading the airport tarmac for the slopes of Deer Valley Ski Resort. From Ski Patrol to Mountain Host, he was a fixture on the slopes for two decades, never without a big smile.
Howard remained active, social, and happy to the very end, hiking and biking the trails of Park City, staying in touch with friends, and never missing his weekly coffee dates with the members of the “Breakfast Club.”
At Howard’s request, there will be no funeral. Instead, there will be celebrations in Park City, Honolulu, and Melbourne, Australia, to be announced at a later date. Those wishing to honor Howard can donate in his name to the Mountain Trails Foundation of Park City, and can raise a cold beer, get outdoors, and spread aloha to all. As his uncle, the popular 1940s bandleader Eddy Howard once sang: “Auf wiedersehn,” sweet Howard.