Our husband, father, Papa, brother, and uncle Arthur Howell passed away on Saturday, August 23, 2025 after a full and wonderful life. He was 85 years old.
Art was born in Potlatch, Idaho. His family included his parents, Hugh and Doris Lucille and two older sisters. Art had fond memories of his early childhood playing and riding bikes with cousins who lived close by. His family later moved to Coeur d’Alene where he spent his junior high and high school years. He enjoyed playing football and other sports but his football career ended after his first concussion. After high school Art attended North Idaho Junior College and soon married Bonnie Tate in 1963. Bonnie remained the love of his life for the next 62 years.
In 1964 Art transferred to the University of Montana where he received his degree in Forestry. Following graduation from college his first assignment was with the US Forest Service in Clark Fork, Idaho. Art and Bonnie lived in Hope, Idaho which is right on Lake Pend Oreille. His later assignments with the Forest Service included Powell Ranger Station, Trout Creek Ranger Station and the Helena National Forest. After 32 years with the US Forest Service he retired and spent the next 16 years as a contractor with the Environmental Protection Agency. While there he worked with the Native American communities in Montana as a water systems consultant. He fully retired in 2014.
Both before and after retirement, Art was involved in his community in many ways: he taught Hunter Safety programs, trained to be an EMT, volunteered with the Family Promise program, served on various committees at St Paul’s United Methodist Church and traveled on mission trips across the globe. He also played tennis and was a member of the Last Chance Tennis Association where he volunteered to clean the indoor tennis courts for many years.
Throughout his life, Art loved being outdoors in God’s country hiking, biking, water and snow skiing, camping, traveling and spending time with family and friends. He remained a Montana Grizzlies fan and followed Griz basketball and football every year.
Art and Bonnie have two sons, Martin (Michelle) and Timothy (Peggy). Art loved being a father and was always very involved in their lives – playing basketball with them most evenings and attending their many soccer, tennis, cross country, track and musical events. Another highlight of his life was being “Papa” to grandchildren Morgan, Madison, and Mason.
Art was preceded in death by his mother Doris, father Hugh, sister Virginia, and infant daughter Cindy. He is survived by his wife Bonnie, sons Timothy and Martin, three grandchildren, sister Mary Ann Whitesitt, and several nieces and nephews.
A memorial celebration will be held on Saturday, September 6, 11:00am, at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church.
Memorial gifts may be sent to any of the following: St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 512 Logan Street, Helena, MT 59601; Lewis & Clark Humane Society, 2112 E. Custer Ave., Helena, MT 59602; Helena Food Share, P.O. Box 943, Helena, MT 59624; or Mercy Ships, P.O. Box 1930, Garden Valley, TX 75771.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday September 6, 2025
St. Paul's United Methodist Church
512 Logan St
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday September 6, 2025
St. Paul's United Methodist Church
512 Logan St
Helena, Montana 59601
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Deena Verworn says
Bonnie and family, so very sorry to hear of Arts passing. Praying you all are surrounded by beautiful memories and kept in the Saviors loving care.
Deena
Iintermountain Therapy Animals says
On behalf Intermountain Therapy Animals, we would like to express our deepest condolences to Art’s family.
Peace and Prayers be with you.
Bobb and Char Lawrence says
We have many great memories from Capital High Tennis when Tim was playing. What a great man Art was. He will be missed but remembered.
Jim Nolan says
Art was a warm, compassionate man. He was full of grace and comfort. He and Bonnie were the nicest couple imaginable. They cared so deeply for others. He will be sorely missed
Linda Kislig Roetker says
My Uncle Bud & Aunt Bonnie were such a sweet part of my childhood. Uncle Bud was so gentle, kind, funny & knowledgeable. Loved his stories of working for the Forest Service. My mamma (his sister) cherished her only brother. I am so happy that they will now be united together. Much love to Bonnie, Marty, Tim & families.