Jacob & Jess H.

I was fortunate enough to be in an amazing group of friends in Seattle which included Jacob and Daniel. Those years, particularly 2018-2019, are filled with great memories. My mind flashes back to several with Jacob: elaborate dinner parties with printed menus, playing board games and pinball at the arcade bar, receiving donut drop offs before Howdy was fully conceived, walks along the water in West Seattle, a 4th of July camping trip in Oregon, and many nights hanging out around a backyard bonfire talking about life, love, and nothing. 

This photo is from a 90s themed party that Jacob and Daniel hosted in West Seattle. One thing Jacob was extraordinary at was throwing a party. Not just because he was extremely creative and detail oriented, excellent at decorating and providing on-theme food and drinks, but because he exuded warmth to everyone who walked through the door. He thrived in spaces where he could bring together people he loved, introduce people to one another, and revel in the community he had built around him. Jacob would greet you with whatever you needed: a smile, a laugh, a joke, a hug, a drink. In Jacob’s presence, you felt known and accepted. Jacob loved your people, he loved your dogs, and he loved you. 

That we are all grieving the loss of Jacob — whether his closest friends and family, acquaintances, patrons of Howdy, or the Seattle/Tacoma communities at large — is a testament to who Jacob was and how he lived his life. Kind, warm, funny, gracious, generous, thoughtful, bright. He will be sorely missed, but fondly and forever remembered. Sending all of my love to Daniel and Jacob’s family. 

— Jess