Our dear Papa passed from this life to his eternal home on Dec. 13, 2016, on a cold winter evening after a delightful day visiting with family and friends at LaCrosse Health and Rehab, where he had resided for the past six years. Papa was born Jan. 27, 1917, in Aberdeen, S.D., missing his 100th birthday by just one month and few days. At the age of 12, Papa, with his family, came west to Athol, Idaho, in November 1929, settling on the homestead on East Howard Road. Papa attended school and graduated from Athol High School in 1935.

At age 23, Papa met the love of his life, Grandma June, who was wearing bright red pants and galloping across the schoolyard on a big horse. It was not long after that, Papa and Grandma eloped to Wenatchee on his motorcycle. This union brought 69 years of wedded bliss until Grandma passed in August 2009. Our dad, Dick, was born on July 23, 1946. In 1972, our Dad married our Mom and with this union, grandchildren were added to the delight of Papa and Grandma.

In his younger years, Papa worked in the woods and was known in the logging community as an “expert log loader, as well as truck driver.” He further continued his employment as a bus driver for the Lakeland School District, retiring in 1977. During his time after retirement and to the delight of his grandchildren, many fishing and hunting trips were experienced. Mountain Dew and frosted animal crackers were usually on the lunchtime fare along with “Cup of Noodles.” Many happy memories of camping on the Oregon Coast, in Canada, Idaho and Montana will also remain with us.

Papa was known for his “good nature,” ready smile and his acceptance of everyone and strong faith in God. During his years of able driving, many friends and family were the recipients of Papa’s “taxi services” to town and the airport, earning him his nickname of “Hot Wheels Howard.” He especially enjoyed being Clay’s “parts runner” for which Clay was especially thankful. Ellery and his boys will miss Papa’s sage hunting advice. Most of all, we will all miss his fascinating stories and wonderful sense of humor and contagious laugh.

Papa is survived by his brother, Clarence Howard; brother-in-law George Davis; sister-in-law Vinnie Hutchinson; daughter-in-law Loreen Howard; grandchildren Nathan Howard, Ellery Howard and Clay (Hilary) Howard. His great-grandchildren, Keaton, Clark, Wyatt, Alexys and Linley also survive him; as well as his nieces and nephews. His sweetie, June W. Howard and only child, Richard Charles Howard, predecease him; as well as his sister, Dorothy M. Davis; sister-in-law Mary M. Howard and brother-in-law Richard Hutchinson.

Private graveside services will be held at Mountain View Cemetery in Athol, with a celebration of life at 4 p.m. Friday, Jan. 27, 2017, at the Athol Church of God. All are welcome to attend the celebration.

Visit Art’s memorial and sign his online guest book at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.