February 22, 1936 – April 17, 2023
Howard C. Lysne, aka “The Great Lizard”, died on April 17, 2023, at the age of 87. He lived in Redmond, Ore. and Evergreen, Colo. The Great Lizard had lots of labels throughout his life consisting of Gramps, Machine Gun Lizard, Skipper, Old Blue Eyes. Howard was born in Crookston on February 22, 1936, throughout the Great Depression, to Conrad and Blanche Lysne. He has 3 kids (Desiree, Leanne and David), 5 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, one greatgreat- grandchild, 2 bros, 5 siblings. He wed Flo Bang of Crookston in 1955, mom of his 3 kids, who died in 2017. Howard finished from Cathedral High School in Crookston and after that went on to University of North Dakota. After graduation, he ended up being a Naval Aviator and served on both active and reserve task for thirty years consisting of the Vietnam War. As Commander of VP-60 (Sub Chasers) NAS Glenview, Ill., he led his squadron to make 2 successive “Battle E” awards, the very first attained by any Navy system at that time. One of his peers said, “no matter how you cut it, Howard was a unique leader who did things his own way and always seemed to come out smelling like a rose”. After his success at the helm of VP-60, he was promoted to Captain and went on to command 2 extra systems at NAS Glenview. In civilian life he was a pilot for United Airlines from 1968 to 1996 based out of Chicago and Denver. At United, Howard increased to the rank of Captain. He was a flight trainer and flew whatever from the 707 to the 747. Flying was his most significant enthusiasm. He said he got his start by leaping off the roofing system of his garage utilizing an umbrella. His 2nd enthusiasm was hockey, which he played from age 5 to age 80 and lost a couple of teeth while doing so. Howard had lots of other enthusiasms like hunting, weapon gathering, golf, stogies, reading, quick automobiles and ladies. He had lots of side hustles throughout his life like realty, marketing, dietary beverages, belonged owner in a boat marina, electronic devices business and was a replacement high school mathematics instructor. Howard had a character the size of Dallas and was master of the “tall tale”. Fish tales, hunting tales, flying experiences, Safari hunting in Africa, he might spin the very best yarn you ever heard. Everybody who understood him will miss his generosity, humor, grit and amusing character. Howard is made it through by his partner Carolyn, his 3 kids, his siblings Joanne and Suzanne, his sibling Myron, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, lots of caring nieces and nephews, and ever dedicated family and
buddies. Services will be kept in Colorado. Please go to inmemoriamservices.com for more information.
