Howard Joynes

Howard A. Joynes, 94, of Grand Marais died peacefully at the Cook County Care Center July 13, 2012.

Howard was born February 20, 1918 to Tom and Aleda Joynes in Frankfort, MI. He grew up in Grand Marais, MN and graduated from Cook County High School in 1936. He attended the University of Minnesota, earning a degree in business administration. While attending college he met his wife, Rosemary Bumgardner. Together, Howard and Rosemary established Joynes' Federated Store in 1941. The store later became Joynes' Department Store and Ben Franklin. For the past 71 years, Howard has been active in the operation of his business.

In addition to being a successful businessman, Howard was an active member of the Cook County community. He was a dedicated Boy Scout earning the rank of Eagle Scout; he also received the prestigious Silver Beaver Award, given to only a few scouts worldwide. He belonged to the Masonic Lodge 322, and was a proud member of the Grand Marais Lions Club. Howard volunteered his time at the Cook County Historical Society, the Grand Marais Fire Department, and the BWCA Conservation Alliance. He was a past president and director of the Grand Marais Chamber of Commerce. He was an active member of the First Congregational Church, UCC in Grand Marais.

Howard's hobbies included gardening and he had a passion for skiing. He was a pioneer in the development of the Sawtooth Mountain Ski Area. He was also involved in the Central Division Junior Alpine Skiing program as a coach and judge. Howard looked forward to his annual Colorado ski trips with friends well into his eighties.

Howard was preceded in death by his wife Rosemary, son Richard, and brothers Floyd and Glenn.

He is survived by his daughter-in-law Margaret "Skip" Joynes of Grand Marais, grandson Jim of Duluth, granddaughter Julie (Rodney) Carlson of Grand Marais, great-grandchildren Ryan and Madi Joynes of Duluth, Aaron and Nate Carlson of Grand Marais, brother Norman (Alta) of Austin, MN, and sisters Irma Toftey and Donna Willet of Grand Marais.

Visitation will be from 10 AM until the 11AM service on Wednesday July 18, 2012 at First Congregational Church UCC, Grand Marais.

Burial at Acacia Park Cemetery, Mendota Heights, MN Thursday, July 19, 2012.

Memorials preferred to the First Congregational Church, Cook County Care Center, and Boy Scouts of America Troop 167 in Grand Marais.