Craig Louis Howard, age 64, passed away June 9, 2013 at home surrounded by family and included a special celebration of his last birthday just two days prior. Recently diagnosed with a fast moving cancer, his battle was short.
He was the middle child of Raymond H. and Helen L Howard. Born in Helena on July 7, 1949 (7, 7, 49), a date that he was proud to proclaim.
Craig was always finding new adventures in which he excelled. His lifetime adventures included graduating from Helena High School in 1967, joining the US Marine Corp in 1968, becoming a Sigma Chi, skiing every resort west of the Mississippi before graduating from Montana State University/Bozeman in 1976 with a master’s degree in Botany. He began working at Montana State Department of Lands completing Environmental Impact Statements. He continued in the Coal Division until he left to work for Loop Communications. He became the sole owner of Loop Communications installing telephone systems across the state.
He was an excellent hunter and fisherman throughout his lifetime. Craig was also an excellent softball player and avid golfer. After retirement he enjoyed refurbishing cars, including a Bobcat blue Datsun 280 Z, as well as debating with friends.
What brought the most joy in Craig’s life besides family was his time as a soccer coach. He began coaching Helena YMCA and during the early years of Helena Arsenal City League. He coached both boys and girls U-14 through U-19. He received an award as coach of the year while coaching the Montana champion Helena Arsenal U-19 boys. The last eleven years of coaching were for the Capital High Lady Bruins Varsity Soccer. He often fondly remembered the many amazing accomplishments both on and of the field of the team players.
Craig is survived by his wife and high school sweetheart, Jean Pool Howard of 42 years; his son, Lance Chadwick (Lisa) Howard of Boise, ID; daughter, Gretchen Louise (Zach) Howard Ruscigno of Lititz, PA; and two grandsons, Cobin James Howard and Michael Raymond Ruscigno; Craig’s brother, Raymond Howard of Grants Pass, OR; his sister, Suzanne (Ryan) Howard Sandvig of Spokane, WA; and several nieces and nephews.
A memorial service celebrating Craig’s life will be at 11:00 a.m. Monday, July 15, 2013 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A reception will follow the memorial service in the social hall at the funeral home. Burial will take place at Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison following the reception. Memorials in Craig’s name are suggested to the Capital High school Girls’ soccer team, 100 Valley Drive, Helena, MT 59601.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday July 15, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, MT 59602
Reception
Following the memorial service.
Monday July 15, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, MT 59602
Burial
Following the Reception
Monday July 15, 2013
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Fort Harrison, MT
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday July 15, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, MT 59602
Reception
Following the memorial service.
Monday July 15, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, MT 59602
Burial
Following the Reception
Monday July 15, 2013
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Fort Harrison, MT
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Lori Kohl Herndon says
When I needed help to go home and see my folks, who were very old, and sick, Craig lent me money to do that. That was around 2000. I paid him back, but I will never forget it. My husbands business had gone, and we had nothing. He was kind and cared about me and my husband. I consider him a true friend. My husband died in 2005, and he was here for support through it all along with Ken’s brother. When I folded and cried with all the bizzare events that occurred he was here. He was a very kind and caring person as I recall. I don’t know what took him, I have not seen him in years due to the separation of the people I knew back then and the people I am with now. I am so sorry. I grieve the loss. Yesterday, I felt a disturbance in the universe; as Ken always said when someone passed. I bought a paper today for no reason, and a few minutes ago I opened it up and saw the ob; I cried. I am so sorry for your loss. He did so much for me as a friend and as a friend to Ken. I grieve for him too.
Mike Brook says
Jean, I’m so very sorry to hear about Craigs passing. Craig was like a brother to me for so many years.
Shauna Longmire says
Jean and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I hadn’t seen Craig in a few months, so this came as such a shock to me. The first time I met Craig somehow he had bummed me on the head and all I could think of to say was “my poor wittle cwanium”!! That became our joke! I will miss him so much!! I used to love to argue with him just to get him fired up!! Scooter will now have his buddy back and I am sure was waiting for Craig when he reached Heaven!
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Craig is resting in peace now, I hope you will find peace and comfort knowing that he is watching down to look over you all.
Deb House Walter says
Jean – my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. My deepest sympathy.
Karen Hardy McMillan says
Jean, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
G Scott Lockwood says
Jean, Lance and Gretchen
Seems like I have known Craig my whole life. It is sad to realize I will no longer count him among my soccer buddies. Speaking of which our club owes h a huge thanks for many years well done. You are all in our prayers.
Sue Settle Luptovic says
Jean – I am so very sorry for your great loss. Craig will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. My deepest sympathy.
Joyce Malcolm, RosemaryKent & Anne Knerr says
Dear Jean, Lance,Gretchen, Ray and Suzanne,
As Craig’s cousins, we would like to extend our heart felt condolences and prayers for you all. We were saddened to hear from Greg Thurlow of Craig’s recent passing. We have fond memories of the summers we spent together at Grammy and Pop’s “ranch” over the years as we were growing up.
It meant so much to our family that Craig came to our father’s memorial service in January of 2007. We wish we could be with you all today, however with the time constraint we were not able to arrange the trip to Helena. Be assured that our thoughts and prayers and love are with you all today.
May God bless you and keep you.
Joyce, Rosemary & Anne
Barb Johnson O'Connell says
IT IS ALWAYS, ALL WAYS . . . TOO SOON!
CARRYING YOU IN MY THOUGHTS JEAN.
WARMLY, BARB
Jerry Clark says
I am Sorry for your loss. as a descendant of Win Avery Adams. I am working on our family history. I will keep his memory going.
Jerry Clark
Rochelle Russell says
Jean, I am so sorry for your loss. I only recently was made aware of Craig’s passing. You and your family have deepest sympathies.