Six years later, Howser joined forces with KCET, a public television station, to produce a program known as "Videolog" showcasing the stories of all types of people.
The Tennessee native quietly retired in late November after 25 years in which he became a household name in his adopted state as host of "California's Gold" and other televised travelogues on KCET.
Less than 20 minutes after KCET posted news of Howser's death on its Facebook page, more than 150 fans had posted responses mourning his loss and remembering his impact on California and their lives.