It is with profound sadness that the Grand Blanc community mourns the loss of Pat Howard, one of the victims of the tragic mass shooting at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on September 28, 2025. Known for his generosity, warmth, and unwavering devotion to family, Howard’s life was abruptly taken in an act of violence that has left friends, relatives, and neighbors grappling with grief.
Tragic Incident Overview
The tragedy unfolded on Sunday morning when 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford of Burton, Michigan, drove his pickup truck into the front entrance of the church during services and opened fire on congregants with an assault rifle. The violent act claimed multiple lives, including Pat Howard, and left the Grand Blanc Township community in shock.
Authorities quickly responded to the scene, securing the area and providing medical aid to the injured. The investigation into Sanford’s actions is ongoing, and law enforcement continues to urge the public to come forward with any information related to the attack.
Remembering Pat Howard
Pat Howard has been identified as the third victim of this senseless act of violence. Family members remember him as a devoted husband, loving uncle, and loyal friend, whose life was defined by kindness, curiosity, and strong family bonds.
In a heartfelt tribute, Howard’s relatives wrote:
“Uncle Pat was so many things. He was smart, kind, funny, serious, and endlessly curious. He loved his family deeply. To spend your life surrounded by the love and laughter of Aunt Kitty and all the Howard kids—that’s a life well spent.”
Those who knew Pat recall his generosity, his readiness to help others, and his ability to bring joy and laughter into every room he entered. His life reflected a dedication to family, faith, and community, and his loss is felt deeply by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Community Response
The Grand Blanc community has rallied to support the Howard family during this unimaginable time. Friends, neighbors, and fellow congregants have offered prayers, condolences, and practical support to the family as they navigate the aftermath of this tragedy. Social media and local networks have also seen an outpouring of love, with many sharing stories of Pat’s kindness, humor, and unwavering devotion to those around him.
Local leaders have emphasized the need for unity and compassion, calling on the community to honor the victims by coming together and supporting one another. Vigils and memorial services are being organized to remember all those lost in the shooting and to provide a space for collective mourning and healing.
Legacy of a Life Well Lived
Pat Howard’s passing is a heartbreaking reminder of the fragility of life and the impact one individual can have on the lives of many. Though his life was cut tragically short, his legacy of love, kindness, and devotion will continue through the family he cherished, the friends he supported, and the countless people whose lives he touched.
In remembering Pat Howard, the community reflects on the values he embodied: generosity, curiosity, humor, and the unwavering importance of family. His life serves as a testament to the positive difference one person can make, and his memory will remain a source of comfort and inspiration for those who loved him.