Thank You, Ray Howell - Northbay Community

Ray Howell’s impact on the Northbay community cannot be measured simply by the repairs he made or the roles he held, but more by the care he showed each day. For more than two decades, Ray treated Northbay as more than just a neighborhood - it was his home and his responsibility. His steady presence, willingness to serve, and genuine concern for his neighbors helped shape the spirit of “neighbors helping neighbors” that we still feel today.

Thank you, Ray. You showed us what it looks like to notice what needs doing - and then quietly do it. No questions. No "Thank you" expected.
Ray Howell just got it DONE.

A legacy of everyday care 1992 – 2018 (and beyond)

Ray and Rubie Howell moved into Northbay on April 15, 1992. From the beginning, Ray leaned in - learning names, showing up, and helping where help was needed. Even after retiring in 2018, his heart for the neighborhood never retired.

Welcomed new neighbors Kept things running Fixed what was broken Answered the call Protected the community’s future

Longtime resident & familiar face

Made Northbay home starting in 1992 - and treated it like it mattered.
Walked the neighborhood regularly, noticing the little things others missed.
Stopped to fix broken or malfunctioning items simply because he cared.

Welcoming neighbors & keeping records right

Knocked on doors to introduce himself and welcome new residents.
Helped maintain and update resident rosters and ownership records.
Tracked changes carefully so the community’s information stayed accurate.

Board involvement & wise stewardship

Regularly attended Board meetings and stayed engaged.
Was elected to the Board of Directors around 2002.
Emphasized the importance of reserve funding for long-term community health.

“Boots on the ground” support

Became the go-to person for repairs and maintenance after Board service.
Helped with irrigation, lighting, clubhouse upkeep, pool repairs, painting, and more.
For bigger repairs, gathered estimates and brought options to the Board.
When he could safely do the work himself, he saved the community significant money.

The “Northbay Hotline”

Had a dedicated phone line installed in his home for neighborhood support.
Neighbors could call when something needed attention or help was needed.
Ray personally responded - showing uncommon availability and dedication.

Clubhouse & pool support

Primary point of contact for clubhouse rentals.
Supervised pool attendants to help ensure the pool area was properly maintained and operated to community standards.

Mailbox Replacement Project Leader 521 homes

When the Board approved a new mailbox style and gave residents time to come into compliance, Ray took the lead and made a complex project feel doable - one neighbor at a time.

Maintained lists, answered questions, and served as the go-to liaison for residents.
Researched alternatives when costs felt too high and negotiated better pricing by buying in batches.
Managed delivery, inventory, sales, and record-keeping to keep progress moving.
Helped with installation or guided residents to the right help.
Kept parts on hand so mailbox doors could be repaired without buying a whole new box.

Holiday decorations & the details that matter Careful + consistent

Organized the takedown of Christmas decorations.
Ensured items were properly stored near the clubhouse for future years.
Handled the unglamorous work that keeps traditions possible.

Help us fill this with gratitude

We’d love to include brief notes, memories, or a photo - anything that captures what Ray has meant to you and your family. If you have a story about a time Ray helped you (big or small), please share it. Note: Please log in to the northbaymadison.com website to message us.

Share a Memory Send a Note to the Family

Tip: Keep it to 2–6 sentences if possible. Short stories are perfect.

With thanks, respect, and love

Ray, we are grateful for the way you showed up - day after day. You helped keep our neighborhood functioning, welcoming, and cared for. You reminded us that community isn’t a slogan - it’s a practice. Northbay is better because you were here.