25 Nov Madison Magazine Editor Dies of Lung Cancer
Veteran journalist Brian Howell, who elevated technology and business coverage at Madison Magazine, died Sunday after a long battle with lung cancer. He was 53.
Before becoming editor of Madison Magazine in 1997, Howell was features editor and, previously, national-foreign editor of the Wisconsin State Journal in Madison. His journalism career also included reporting and editing stints in Montana, Minnesota and South Dakota, where he grew up on a farm. Howell was the editor of the Minnesota Daily when he attended the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis.
Howell created the “Madison Business” section within Madison Magazine and, as a regular feature, “Tech Watch,” which rounded up news about Wisconsin’s emerging technology sectors. He also insisted on monthly reports that highlighted Madison-area tech businesses and innovators – with an emphasis on how their ideas, goods and services help people.
Howell also created the “Best of Madison Business” awards, which this year featured Berbee Information Networks, Stratatech and the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation.
In his final Editor’s Corner column, Howell wrote about his fight with lung cancer and the perception that research efforts for the disease aren’t funded aggressively due to the stigma associated with its all-too-frequent connection to smoking.
Howell, who lived in Monona, is survived by his wife, Pat, daughters Katie and Allison, and son Joseph.
WISC-TV Editorial Director Neil Heinen wrote a tribute to Howell that is posted at Channel3000.com where you can share your thoughts on Brian’s life and editorial contributions. E-mail condolence messages can also be sent to Howell’s family at bhowell@madisonmagazine.com
Services are scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Monona. Visitation is 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at Gunderson Funeral Home in Monona. Donations are being accepted for the Brian Howell Memorial Fund that has been established at the Madison News Credit Union, 1901 Fish Hatchery Road, Madison, WI. 53713