Howard (Howie) Taylor Barstow died Oct. 10 after a long illness. He was 73.

He was born in Newton on Sept. 24, 1948 to the late Dorothy A. and Merton C. Barstow Jr. Before moving to the Vineyard as a year-round resident, he spent summers here with his family, living in Oak Bluffs, first in the Camp Ground and then in Ocean Park.

In 1985, Howie moved with his partner, the late Laura Bacchiocchi, to Trescott, Me. They enjoyed a simple lifestyle, living in a rustic cabin near the Canadian border. In 2016, he moved to Charlestown, R.I. to be closer to family.

He is survived by his sisters, Nancy Penn of Charlestown, R.I. and Carol Barstow of Wakefield, R.I.; a brother, Charles Barstow of Putney, Ga.; and two nieces, three nephews and one grand-nephew.

As was his wish, no services were held. Howie continued his legacy of generosity and compassion by donating his body to the Anatomical Gift Program of the medical school at Brown University, where he received his bachelor’s degree in 1970. Donations can be made to a charity of choice.