Howard Brearey, 86
Daily Inter-Lake | UPDATED 1 hour, 57 minutes AGO
Howard Louis Brearey, 86, moved to Heaven in the early hours of July 5, 2026. He was born in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, to Harry L. Brearey and Harriet White Brearey on Oct. 27, 1939; Howard joined his sister, Edith Brearey.
After high school, Howard joined the U.S. Air Force, then spent the next 23 years living all around the world. Some of his more notable assignments were spent in Texas, Florida, Morocco, Spokane, Washington; Alaska, Canada, Germany, Vietnam, Ohio, Guam, Italy, New York and Korea with several short-term duty stations mixed in as well. The first half of his military career was spent as a fireman, with the second half spent in munitions.
Howard was married to the love of his life, Sharron Kirkland, in 1960 and was married for 62 years before Sharron passed away in February 2023. Sharron, his parents, his sister and numerous friends were all waiting to welcome him at Heaven's door.
He is survived by his five children, Carolyn (Dan) Bentley, Debbie Brearey, Laurie (Craig) Haven, Tami (Scott) Cummings and Michael (Stephanie) Brearey. He and Sharron were blessed with 12 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers-in-law, Danny Kirkland (Kay) and Dennis (Colleen) Kirkland and several nieces and nephews.
In 1979, Howard retired from the Air Force and settled in Spokane, where he took advantage of his GI Bill benefits at Spokane Community College.
His new career as "Happy Howard" at various convenience stores took them to Kalispell. He and Sharron fell in love with the area and they remained there until they each passed away. They were active in Kalispell First Church of the Nazarene for over 40 years.
There will be a reception in Howard's honor at 2 p.m. on Aug. 8, at Kalispell First Church of the Nazarene, 1295 Whitefish Stage Road, Kalispell, MT 59901.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a Veterans charity, Feeding the Flathead or the charity of your choice.
Friends are encouraged to visit the website buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolences for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.