Howard Bronson, 76

On June 21, 2023, Howard Duane Bronson passed away peacefully in his Spirit Valley, Idaho, home. He was born in Boise, Idaho, on Feb. 3, 1947, to Howard Ashton and Ruby Rebecca Bronson. As a young boy Duane’s greatest aspiration was to be a cowboy. He was able to fulfill this dream beginning at age nine when he spent his first of many summers ranching with the Morcom family near Jordan Valley, Ore.

He moved to Moab, Utah at the age of 15. He received all-state honors as a tackle earning the nickname "Magilla Gorilla" and graduated from Grand County High School in 1965.

In 1967, he married Ellen Woodruff in Moab, Utah, and went on to serve in the United States Army at Fort Hood from 1966 to 1968. Upon release from the army, he moved to the Big Hole ranch along the Owyhee River and continued to work the land he loved.

In 1973, he moved to Spirit Lake, Idaho, and began a successful drilling business that allowed him to purchase land and continue his dream of ranching until 2022. The only thing that made Duane happier than farming/ranching was being with his family, particularly his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Ellen Bronson; his children Clinton (Michelle) Bronson, Clayton (Hollie) Bronson and Kelly Bronson; sisters Marcia (Rusty) Davidson and Debbie (Bruce) Knudson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Ruby Bronson; two brothers, Larry and Michael Bronson; sister Janice Smith; and grandson Ashton Kade Bronson.

One of Duane’s greatest legacies is the teasing sense of humor he passed down to his beloved grandchildren, Patrick, Colton, Emily, Katie, Ruby, Sophie and Ryllie.

There will be a gathering of friends Sunday, June 25, 2023, at 2 p.m. at the Blanchard Grange 549 Rusho Lane, Blanchard, ID 83804.

Sherman-Campbell Funeral Home in Newport, Wash., is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends are welcome to visit their website at www.shermancampbell.com.