HOWARD "HOWIE" ROBBINS, passed away April 3, 2011, in San Diego, Calif.

Howie had a long career in music; starting at age 8 when he joined the Salvation Army Band. By age 16 he was a member of the Portland Junior Symphony. He received many awards for rudimental drumming and graduated from Hill Military Academy in 1936. By age 19 he was playing for the Portland Symphony.

From 1937 to 1940 Howie served in the Oregon National Guard 162nd Infantry Band. He soon was called to Hollywood where he had several musical parts in movies including "The Andy Hardy" movies, "Thank Your Lucky Stars," and "Henry Aldrich Swings It." He played in many bands including, The NBC Studio for the "Bob Hope Show," Red Nichols and the Five Pennies, and The Stan Kenton Orchestra.

In 1961 he formed the Spokane Percussion-Naut Patriots Drum and Bugle Corps starting with a group of seven youth which grew to span more than 30 years influencing and mentoring thousands of youth, teaching high standards and values that each corps member strived to achieve. The Corps traveled and performed in the U.S. and Europe. In 1974, the Percussion-Nauts presented the "Colors" at the Expo ‘74 World's Fair Ground Breaking Ceremony, with the Colonial Fife and Drum Corps performing more than 60 times during the fair; and subsequently performed for Presidents Nixon and Ford.

Howie received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Whitworth College with his major in music. He taught at the University of Idaho - Music School as their percussion instructor and taught more than 70 students a week at his own studio.

He retired in Coeur d'Alene, enjoyed his music, history of the American Revolution and the Civil War. He loved his Lord Jesus Christ, biking, sailing, giving private drum lessons, everything "American" and "Patriotic," his family and friends.

Howie is predeceased by his wife and daughter and is survived by his brother, Lee Robbins of Vancouver, Wash.; three nieces, Eileen Stewart, Pam Rice and Peggy Butler and their families.

He is survived by his "family" in Coeur d'Alene, Alana and Darryl Anderson, John and Vivian Finney, Michael DePasquale, Ken and Helen Graul, and Randy and Ruth Smith.

A "Celebration of Life Service" will be held in his honor at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 30, 2011, at Whitworth Community Presbyterian Church, 312 W. Hawthorne Road, Spokane, with a reception following.