Dying Trucker Hugs Wife Of 44 Years As He Heads Out For His Final Ride In 62-Year-Old Studebaker
November 09, 2017
Howard Savage, 69, knew his time was short. And he had one final wish. He completed his "Bucket List" and took one last ride in his 1955 Studebaker pickup truck before going to Hospice.
Savage had been battling terminal esophageal cancer for some time. His heart and lungs soon were unable to keep up. He knew that his time with friends and family was threatened.
RELATED: Veteran Trucker Fighting Colon Cancer Goes Viral Singing Song to His Kids
In his final days, talking was very difficult for Howard. But that wasn't stopping him. He proudly communicated through a computer program and made sure to share what was most important to him.
credit: Jake Bacon, Ariozna Daily SunAt the top of his list of those he wanted to thank were the medical teams.
“These people here at the hospital have been absolutely wonderful and especially the nurses on the floor. Alex Beadles and Michael Hren have taken such good care of me,” Savage said, referring to a pair of nurses on different shifts. “My oncology doctor Dr. Mathern has been amazing.”
Savage has never been one to shy away from a task. His family proudly shared that he was a Vietnam veteran, Coppermine warehouse supervisor, and long-haul truck driver. Also notable, Howard was an accomplished mechanic and carpenter, as well as a computer refurbisher. It seemed there weren't many things that Howard couldn't do!
Preparing for something like moving to hospice, however, is hard for any family. When Howard and his wife, Elaine made the decision there was no doubt that he had unfinished business to attend.
RELATED: 10 Scriptures about Heaven That Will Answer Your Deepest Questions
Howard bravely faced his death with an upbeat attitude.
“I will get to die a peaceful death," he said. "I’m not scared.”
Still, there was one last thing he wanted to do.
Howard expressed his desire to have one last ride through Flagstaff in his lovingly-restored Studebaker. When it came time for Howard to be discharged from the hospital to move into hospice care, his long-time friend Bob Pauley was ready. Just outside the hospital doors was Howard's beloved truck.
credit: Jake Bacon, Ariozna Daily SunIt was only fitting that his closest friend would be his driver. Howard worked for almost 22 years painstakingly restoring the 1955 Studebaker. Often, Bob was at his side.
“Oh, he’s replaced the engine several times, the transmission, the rear end. It seems like we were always working on the truck to make it just right,” Pauley said.
But the truck wasn't just any hobby. Howard was a frequent competitor at the Speedworld Motorplex in Phoenix and often clocked in at speeds well over 100mph.
One Last Ride In Studebaker
Howard's nurse, Michael Hren was there to help the Studebaker ride go smoothly. He first loaded an oxygen tank into the truck and then helped Howard get into the passenger seat. Howard smiled as friends and family gathered around the truck to wish him well on his ride.
credit: Jake Bacon, Ariozna Daily SunWhen the Studebaker engine started up, Howard was all smiles. As he and Bob rolled through the town, Howard was truly in his element. With his arm propped outside of the window and the wind flowing through his hair, it was obvious this was the final ride he hoped to have.
credit: Jake Bacon, Ariozna Daily SunHoward was known for his sense of humor and outlook on life. When asked about how he is handling the prognosis, Howard has an answer at the ready.
“I’ve heard that being cremated is your last chance to get a really hot body,” Savage joked.
After his ride, Howard gave some love to his main squeeze, Elaine. The pair have been married for over 44 years. When Howard was first diagnosed, he had to wait two weeks before he could meet with an oncologist. He and Elaine decided that was just the time they needed for an impromptu trip. They jumped in the Studebaker for a 3,300-mile road trip to Chicago and back!
credit: Jake Bacon, Ariozna Daily SunFinal Resting Place
Though his Studebaker was his main hobby, Howard also loved fishing. Sadly, his wife, Elaine was not fond of the pastime. But that didn't stop Howard and he quickly found another fishing partner. Their next-door neighbor and good friend, Fiona Wilkie was eager to join Howard's fishing excursions.
An avid fisher herself, Fiona was glad to fill in for Elaine. Because of their fishing bond, upon his passing Savage left his fishing boat to Wilkie. He also made sure his family knew what to do with his "hot body". Howard asked that his ashes be scattered at his favorite fishing holes, Kaibab and Ashurst Lakes.
credit: Jake Bacon, Ariozna Daily Sun
Upon arriving at Forest House hospice, Howard and his closest friends and family posed for a photo with the Studebaker. It was a perfect ending to their celebration with Howard and his "last ride".
As Howard prepared for the inevitable, he had one last wish. He invited a small group of friends to his room for a final game of poker. With so many great memories, Howard left his family and friends two days later. (Howard Savage's Obituary)
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Joey’s Last Request Is Changing Everything For One Man
Per his instructions, there was no public service.
"Howard considered the completion of his bucket list and saying personal goodbyes a true celebration of life."
h/t: AZDailySun
Today's Devotional
A Prayer for Comfort and Hope in Times of Grief - Your Daily Prayer - November 14
If you are hurting today, if you are grieving, sit with Jesus. Remember the sacrifice He made for you. Read Psalm 23 and allow the truth of who God is to penetrate your weary soul.
Today's Devotional
A Prayer for Comfort and Hope in Times of Grief - Your Daily Prayer - November 14
If you are hurting today, if you are grieving, sit with Jesus. Remember the sacrifice He made for you. Read Psalm 23 and allow the truth of who God is to penetrate your weary soul.
Past Stories
- Daughter of WWII Soldier Finally Learns What Happened To Him, 80 Years Later
- Sisters Scream With Joy Watching Their 4-Year-Old Sister Take Her First Steps
- Her Mom Put a Message in a Bottle As a Child, 26 Years Later Her Classmate Found It
- This Missouri School Was Renamed After Their Much Loved and Dedicated Custodian
- Michael Strahan's Daughter is Now Cancer Free and Has Taught Him All About Perseverance
- These Two Newlyweds Found Love in Their Late 90s, After Meeting At Their Retirement Home
- Sisters Who Were Adopted By Separate Families Nearly 40 Years Ago Reunite After DNA Tests
- Oldest Living Person in the US Passes Away at 115, After a Long and Faithful Life
- At Just 20 and 22 Years Old, These Two Sisters From Minnesota Saved Their Family Farm
- After Over 450 Days in a Shelter, Boone and Rellie Find Their Forever Home, Together
- Sweet Kitten Named Coraline Loses Both Her Eyes, but Inspires Many with Her Spirit
- Donny Osmond Sees the 'End of the Tunnel' Coming After Performing for Over 6 Decades
- An Iguana Hitches a Ride on a Garbage Truck in Tennessee, Now Trying to Find Its Owner
- 6-Year-Old Starts 'Poop Scooping' Business to Help Animals and Adopt One of His Own
- Bride's Dad Drops During Father-Daughter Dance, but Things Lined up Perfectly to Save His Life
- Young North Carolina Father Risked His Life To Save a Couple and Dog From a Sinking Truck
- UPS Driver Jumps into Action As He Spots Elderly Woman on the Ground & Says It Was All God
- Rescuer Braces for the Worst After Spotting Kitten on the Side of the Road, Then Sees a Paw Move
- AJ Griffin Gives Up High-Paying Career with NBA to Follow God
- These Former Conjoined Twins Finally Go Home After Their First Birthday
- Teenager From Iowa Uses His Flying Skills to Help Hurricane Helene Victims
- Son Saves For 9 Months and Surprises Mom By Paying Off Her Mortgage
- Woman's Home is Surrounded By 100 Raccoons, and They Aren't Leaving Anytime Soon
- Dog Saves Her Owner's Life By Sitting in the Middle of the Road
- Widower Shares the Last Thing His Wife Told Their Son Before She Passed Away From Cancer
- A Nurse Saved Her Life 35 Years Ago, Now, She is Surprising Her With a Visit
- These Twin Sisters Have An Important Message To Share On Their 102nd Birthday
- This Brave 5-Year-Old Saved Her Mother's Life By Calling 911
- 79-Year-Old Broke Her Ankle After Scattering Her Mom's Ashes, Then Strangers Save the Day
- Dad Travels Through Mud and Debris to Walk His Daughter Down the Aisle
- Owner's Trip to the Vet with Unwell Dog Results in the Craziest X-Ray
- After Getting Lost in Yellowstone, This Precious Cat Made His Way Back Home To California
- Mom's Funny Response To Daughter's Dirty Sock On The Floor Goes Viral & Ends Up Doing Good
- A Kidnapped Boy Is Found After 70 Years and Reunited With His Family
- This Puppy Was Found With a Note That Read 'Help Me,' Now He's Looking For a New Home
- Excited Mom Couldn't Wait to See Son's Back to School Pictures, but Funny Results Make Her LOL
- When This Police Officer Pulled Her Over, He Changed Her Life Forever
- She Just Met Her Vietnam Veteran Father After 50 Years, Now He is Walking Her Down the Aisle
- Fearless Father Waits on Porch to Catch the Stranger Peeking in His Daughter's Window
- This 5th Grade Teacher Eats Lunch In the Cafeteria Every Day
- Amy Grant Has a New Perspective After Losing Her 'Superpower' in Bike Accident
- 'God Did It' Says 18-Year-Old After Waking Up From a Coma Following a Crash
- These Four Sisters Share a Birthday, Which is Quite the Miracle
- Dad Harmony Sings a Beautiful A Cappella Rendition of ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love'
- Couple's Outstanding Boogie Woogie Dance Performance
- Siblings’ Cover of Dolly Parton’s Classic ‘I Will Always Love You’ Is Incredible
- Pastor and Wife Were Killed in a Car Accident, But Their Kids Have a Message of Hope
- Outstanding 'Amazing Grace' Cover Music Video by Celtic Woman
- Carrie Underwood Helps With Leading Worship at Tennessee Church
- 8-Year-Old Kid's To-Do List Goes Viral As a Wholesome Reminder for Us All
Top Music Videos
Passion Music Passion's Soul-Stirring 'Agnus Dei' Live Performance
The Statler Brothers 'Til the Storm Passes By' The Statler Brothers Live Performance
Anne Wilson The Manger’ Anne Wilson And Josh Turner Christmas Hymn
CCM Magazine Josh Baldwin | 'Thank You Jesus' (acoustic)
Kari Jobe Kari Jobe - Firm Foundation (He Won't) / Great Are You Lord
Blogs
At GodTube, you’ll find daily inspirational videos to lift your spirits and encourage you in your walk with God. Popular videos include worship music from your favorite Christian artists, cute videos with adorable kids and animals, hilarious videos from Christian comedians, user-uploaded videos, and clean viral videos to brighten your day.