Service Information
Service Location: Shalom Chapel Service
Shalom Memorial Funeral Home
1700 West Rand Road
Arlington Heights, IL 60004
Interment:
Shalom Memorial Park
1700 W. Rand Road
Arlington Heights
Shiva Information
Shiva Information
Morrison Family Home
2572 Cotswold Court
Northbrook, Illinois 60062
Following the service until 8 PM
Tuesday 2 PM until 8 PM
Shiva coordinator: Randi Berger – 773-742-2702
For shiva donations of cash please use
Venmo: @randi-shivaladies
or
Zelle: Shivaladies@gmail.com
For Venmo and Zelle write “Morrison” in the memo section
If bringing food to the shiva:
Please note there is a KIWI allergy.
Contributions
Anshe Tikvah
3320 Dundee Road
Northbrook, Illinois 60062
http://www.anshetikvah.org
To donate by credit card call:
Ros Wolfe at 847-917-7726
Obituary
To know Howard was to love him. His infectious smile, quick wit and genuine personality filled every room he entered, leading to lasting impressions and lifelong, loving friends. He embraced the joys and wonders of nature, technology and culture and never shied away from new adventures and experiences. He was extremely devoted to his loving wife and soulmate Pauline and a strong role model and proud father to his six children. Howard was also incredibly disciplined and maintained an exhausting routine and regimen of exercise and strength training that kept him healthy, fit and medication free throughout his life.
Howard was a lifelong inventor, innovator, and problem solver. At an early age he needed transportation, so he built a motorcycle from salvaged parts. He sold yarn dolls on the street and when demand rose, he created a machine to make six at a time. When TV commercials annoyed him, he made a remote-controlled mute button long before such a thing existed.
This innovative problem-solving ability led him to a phenomenal career as a prolific toy designer and inventor, creating dozens of successful and iconic products that have touched the lives of millions. His visionary gift turned gyroscopes into race cars and stuffed animals into talking companions. He created the iconic Simon, the light and sound memory game which sparked the electronic toy market. He designed the Mickey Mouse telephone, which launched a worldwide novelty phone craze. He added electronic mechanisms to stuffed animals that have become an industry standard. Howard’s significant achievements led him to be inducted into the Toy Industry Association Hall of Fame in 1998 and received a Toy and Game Inventor Excellence Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013.
In 2006 a motorcycle accident nearly ended Howard’s life, but he fought back and recovered against incredible odds. Despite his injury, his sweet and endearing personality persisted, enjoying his favorite activities and family and friends until his final days.
Chapel service will be held Monday, Jan 27, 2025, 2:30 PM at Shalom Memorial Funeral Home, 1700 W. Rand Road, Arlington Heights. Interment following at Shalom Memorial Park. For information, including a link to view the service online, shiva, and to leave condolences, www.shalommemorial.org or (847) 255-3520. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Anshe Tikvah, www.anshetikvah.org..
Guest Book & Memories
Share your memories and photographs below.
January 28th, 2025
I am the granddaughter of Uncle Howie’s brother – and he always made me feel just as special and loved as his own grandchildren. My grandfather loved him so dearly and I love hearing stories of them growing up together. The fun never stopped with them from when they were kids to grandfathers. The laughter and joy he brought to our family gatherings will always be cherished in my heart and a part of who I am. I remember Howie and Pauline’s Chanukah parties were beyond special, playing with the cousins and being part of such a large loving family. Pauline’s love and dedication is an example for us all to strive for. We love you Pauline and all the family. Wishing you comfort. Much love from Erin and Zvi
~Esther (Erin)
~Great niece, Israel
January 27th, 2025
We will so miss our dear sweet uncle Howie, whose face was so much like our Dad’s. Howie was the next best thing to Dad. Now they are both gone, so close in time. Hope they are once again able to do hand stands, ski and other crazy antics together. Our hearts go out to all of you, and we are thinking of you in these difficult times. May Uncle Howie’s memory be for a blessing, just as he was a blessing during his corporeal lifetime.
~Terri Wickstrand and Lisa Velazquez
~nieces, Sacramento
January 27th, 2025
We will forever carry the memories of wonderful times spent with Howie and Pauline in our hearts. Thank you for your smiles, generosity and friendship. Our shared love of family, friends and the Colorado Rockies is your legacy to all of us that had the privilege of knowing and loving you. You will be forever missed.
And YES you left this world a better place.
~Ken and Diana Kanners
~Friends, Lakewood Ranch, Florida
January 27th, 2025
Howard was such a presence in my dad, Jeffrey, and whole family’s life. I will always remember his uplifting spirit, smile and laugh. Sending the our condolences. My his memory be a blessing. All our love, Joey, & Blake Breslow
~joey Breslow
~Friend, Chicago, IL
January 27th, 2025
Howie was truly one of a kind. Smart, loving, creative, kind hearted, and the list goes on and on. He touched so many lives. I will miss him. He’s probably gathered a group already in Heaven playing Simon.
~Mary Ann
~Good friend, Burr Ridge, IL
January 26th, 2025
I am so sorry for your loss. Spending one evening together I knew he was a loving sweet man. May your many years of wonderful memories ease the sadness of your loss.
~Fran Minow Green
~Friend, Northbrook
January 26th, 2025
We will sure miss our dear friend Howie. We loved our hikes at Sylvan lake, ski days and most of all game nights. Steve and Howie were both “gym rats” and loved talking about lifting weights.Howie was an inspiration to all who were lucky enough to know him and love him. His creativity was immense only matched by his masterful ability to tell a story. Howie’s memory will always be with us.
Sending love to the whole family. May his memory be a blessing.
Love, Cheri and Steve
~Cheri and Steve Lasky
~Friends, Edwards Colorado
January 25th, 2025
what a loss.! Hope u have great memories. And great pictures It’s what we get left. After these years .Your family has had too many losses lately.
~Wilma tunick
~Froend, Il
January 25th, 2025
Howard morrison
~Wilma tunick
~Friend, Il
January 24th, 2025
Skokie house was always the best and as I mentioned to Debbi, I think I was one of the first kids to get to play on inch worm! I always felt welcomed and loved by Howie and you! (Even when we were sleeping under the dining room table!!!. May his memory be for a blessing.
Love you Pauline.
~Nanci Fine
~Friend, Mendota Heights, MN
January 24th, 2025
Pauline & family-
I have such wonderful memories of Howie- his smile, his joy for life and his delight in a great conversation. Oh, how both my parents loved him so and treasured their friendship and travel memories!
Much peace and love,
Susan
~Susan (Reese) Pittman
~Friend, Louisville, KY
January 23rd, 2025
Dear Pauline,
So sorry to hear about Howie. He was always a delight.
Sending condolences and love,
Bill Mason
~William Mason
Guest Book and Memories
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