Daniel W. (Gunner) Howitson, 78, of Elk Rapids, passed away peacefully with family at his side on Monday, August 21, 2303.

Dan retired in 2017 from Giffin International.  His last project with the firm was in Okinawa putting in a paint system for fighter planes.  He enjoyed this project tremendously.

He was born in Detroit, Michigan, on May 31, 1945, to Donald and Mary Elizabeth (Fick) Howitson.  Dan enjoyed working on Tall Ships with the Maritime Heritage Alliance and was just learning woodturning.  Dan was most happy when he could be outside (putzing) with yard work.

He is survived by: his wife, Margo; three children, Shawn (Jenni) Howitson, Abby (Mike) Flack & Amy Hagen; sister, Linda J. Howitson; niece, Nicole Frying; six stepchildren, Troy (Shorie) Badeaux, Deidra Solar, Don El (Ashli) Trahan, Kevin Pace, Kirk Pace & Kyle Pace; nine grandchildren, Joshua Howitson, Christian Casteel,  Alex Elsasser, Tova Hagen, Baden Flack, Lyrical Badeaux, Bryan Badeaux, Tristan Badeaux, Jake Clark & Zoey Trahan; and many cousins, nieces & nephews.

Per Dan's wishes there will be no services.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Covell-Elk Rapids Chapel, is in charges of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com