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- The Palm Beach Post (FL)
July 18, 2004
Howard Ferrin, a community activist and sign manufacturer whose company's markers are scattered around Palm Beach County, died Friday. He was 79.
Mr. Ferrin, a West Palm Beach native and graduate of Palm Beach High School, took over his family's business, Ferrin Sign Co., in the mid-1960s. The business, which was on Old Okeechobee Road, manufactured signs for many area banks and crafted the original sign at Howley's Restaurant in West Palm Beach.
Mr. Ferrin's business was well-known for its own sign. He used the marker as a billboard to deliver positive "life messages" to drivers passing by. The phrases were changed often.
Mr. Ferrin's love for the area motivated him to become involved in many civic and public organizations. He was a charter member of the West Palm Beach Optimist Club. In the '70s, he served on the Palm Beach County Development Board and was a member of West Palm Beach's sign code revision committee.
"He was always positive," said his daughter, Alyson Davidson, of Palm Beach Gardens. "Even on his answering machine he was positive. He loved Palm Beach County."
But his real love, his family said, was the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in West Palm Beach, where he served as an altar boy as a child. Mr. Ferrin continued to work at the church until two weeks before his death.
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The Palm Beach Post (FL)
July 20, 2004
Deceased Name: HOWARD E. FERRIN 79, of Palm Springs, FL, began his new life on Friday, July 16, 2004. A West Palm Beach native, Howard was born at home on September 17, 1924 and graduated from Palm Beach High School in 1943. Howard played trombone in the school band and was a Wildcat cheerleader. He served as class vice-president both his junior and senior years and was a member of Tau Delta Tau and Key Club. Howard enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1943 and served as gunner on a B-29 until his honorable discharge in 1946. He subsequently obtained his pilot's license. After serving his country, he proudly went to work in the family business, Ferrin Sign Co., started by his father "Ike" in July 1919. He remained at the sign company throughout his adult life providing the community with "Quality First, Since 1919".
Howard believed in giving back to his community and served as a charter member of the Optimist Club of WPB and Junto of the Palm Beaches. He gave his time to the Economic Council, St. Andrew's and St. James' Residences and Business, Inc. He also provided leadership to national sign-trade associations. As an infant, Howard was baptized in Holy Trinity Episcopal Church where he remained an active member and loved his volunteer work.
He is survived by daughter, Alyson Davidson (Roy) and son, Howard C. Ferrin (Miriam); grandchildren: Josh, Tanya, Jay, Blake, Tara and Erin, and great-grandson, Tyler. He was predeceased by sisters: Kay and Jean; and twin brother, Bill. Other close loved ones and friends will cherish his memory.
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1924 - 2004 (79 years)
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