William Howard “Howie” Olund Jr., beloved husband, father of three daughters and two stepchildren, and dear friend died peacefully on the evening of December 25th, 2017. Howie was 61 years old. For all those who knew Howie, he will forever be remembered for his passion for life and loved by all for his kindness, generosity and his tremendous smile.
Howie was born on March 19, 1956 in Chicago, Illinois to William Howard Olund Sr. and Theresa Marlene Janicki.  He attended Purdue University in Lafayette, Indiana.  There he joined the fraternity Phi Kappa Psi, where he made several lifelong friends who saw him as the “heart and soul” of his pledge class.  He was a graduate of St. Thomas University in Houston, Texas.
Howie had a robust and influential professional career that spanned nearly 30 years as a business owner. To those closest to this gentle and humble man, the depth of Howie’s impact to the information technology industry may not be known. Howie was nothing short of a pioneer in the very early days of commercial computerization of this country’s largest businesses. In 1988, he co-founded Solid Systems CAD Services (SSCS) with business partner, Gahlen Carpenter. The business grew from its humble origins in Houston to an internationally respected service provider, holding support offices around the world. SSCS is today regularly recognized in educational research publications by Gartner, guiding the operational strategies of IT business leaders worldwide. Undoubtedly, Howie’s devotion to his company will continue to have a positive effect on the lives of many people.
Howie was a devoted Chicago Bears fan, no matter win or lose.  He loved to travel and especially treasured family vacations.  In later years, his deep generosity led him to more philanthropic endeavors.  He was especially honored to mentor college students and received so much joy from volunteering to help feed the homeless.
Preceded in death by his parents, he is survived by his loving wife, Jill Suzanne Olund; his daughter, Candice Olund Byerley and son-in-law, Rocky Byerley; daughter, Maureen Olund Sandlin and son-in-law, Jonathan Sandlin; daughter, Kimberly Olund; stepson, Andrew Wexler; stepdaughter, Lindsey Wexler.  His grandchildren; Rocky William Byerley, Elizabeth Sandlin, Caroline Byerley and Violet Gonzales.  His brothers; Larry Olund, Gary Olund, Ronnie Olund and his sisters; Traci Morrone and Tara Krooswyk. Howie had many other relatives whom he loved and was loved by very much.
Friends and family are invited to remember Howie and celebrate a life well-lived on Friday, January 5, 2018, at ten o’clock in the morning at Holy Rosary located at 3617 Milam St, Houston, TX 77002.  Life celebration to immediately follow at the home residence of Howie and Jill Olund. 
The family would like to express their deepest gratitude and thanks to the Hepatology Team, ICU Transplant Unit, nurses, and staff at Memorial Hermann Hospital Medical Center.
For those desiring, donations in lieu of flowers may be directed to The American Liver Foundation in Howie’s name at liverfoundation.org.  

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