Keene- Howard F. "Howie" Aiken, 52, of Washington Street died early Thursday morning, January 26, 2012 at Cheshire Medical Center following a brief illness. Howie was born in Keene on December 22, 1959 the son of Gilbert and Elvira (Haley) Aiken. He was raised and educated in Hinsdale attending Hinsdale public school including Hinsdale High School. He had been employed at the former Hinsdale Raceway and also worked at several restaurants in Keene. Howie also volunteered at the Monadnock Humane Society. Of his pastimes and interests, he enjoyed socializing with his friends, especially his best friend Andy Chapman of Keene, at his favorite meeting place, Burger King. Survivors include, three sisters, Mary Whittle and husband Norman, Sr., and Bonnie Aiken all of Hinsdale, Holly Franklin and husband Stanley of Brattleboro, and several nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. He was predeceased by his parents, one brother, Walter Aiken and a sister Brenda Aiken. A memorial service will be conducted Thursday at 11:00 A.M. at the Atamaniuk Funeral Home on Terrace Street in Brattleboro with Mrs. Nancy Wood, chaplain at Cheshire Medical Center officiating. Burial will take place in Oaklawn Cemetery in North Hinsdale in the springtime when the cemetery reopens. Memorial contributions in Howie's name may be made to the Monadnock Humane Society, P.O. Box 678, West Swanzey, N.H. 03469.