HALLOWELL and SIDNEY ? Howard W. Varney, of Hallowell and Sidney, died Feb. 1, 2003, at the Barron Center in Portland. Howard was born nearly 81 years ago, Feb. 7, 1922, the oldest of three children born to Harry and Maud (Forrester) Varney. Howard was a Mason, belonging to Kennebec Valley Lodge in Augusta, and was also a member of Kora Shrine, Commandry, Amaranth, Eastern Star and many other organizations. His membership in each of these groups kept him busy for more evenings than anyone could count. He made many, many friends through these organizations, each of whom he always appreciated, especially as they cared for him both directly and indirectly in recent years. Howard was also a longtime member of Old South Church in Hallowell, where he grew up and loved to sing in the choir. His choir work also meant that he spent a good deal of his time at home singing and whistling, filling the house with songs of the church when he wasn't listening to Benny Goodman. He was very proud of the record that he made with the Old South Choir and would play it for anyone who asked. A veteran of World War II, Howard served in Europe as a staff sergeant in the Army. On a recent trip to California, he remarked on having served the Army at Angel Island as well. He made friends during his Army years, many of whom remained close throughout his life. A graduate of Hallowell High School and Gates Business College, he worked until the mid-1980s as the accountant for Salter Construction Corporation, formerly Stewart & Williams. He is survived by his daughter, Carol Varney of Portland, and a sister, Vivian (Varney) Gove of Hampden. His wife, Denise Varney, and his sister, Geraldine McNaughton, passed on in 1994 and 2000, respectively. Visiting hours will be held 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 5, with a Masonic service at 7 p.m. and an Eastern Star service at 7:30 p.m., at Knowlton & Hewins Funeral Home, 68 Second St., Hallowell, where a funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 6. Because Howard often spoke with pride about his sled dogs and the other animals in his keep over the years, in lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Animal Refuge League of Portland, (c/o Howard Varney Fund), 449 Stroudwater St., Westbrook 04092; 854-9771.