Richard Howell, 68

Richard Steven Howell, 68, passed away Friday, Dec. 29, 2023, in Sandpoint, Idaho, with his two daughters at his side.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. 

Richard was born in Pocatello, Idaho, on May 17, 1955, and raised by parents, James and Ivy Howell. At the age of 14, through great diligence, he received the Boy Scout Eagle award, the highest rank a scout can achieve. 

He graduated from Highland High School in Pocatello in 1973, where he excelled at drafting. After high school, he made his way north working on the railroad. He settled in Sandpoint, working winters at Schweitzer Mountain Resort, teaching skiing and running the NASTAR race course, and summers in construction. 

Richard married Margy Arndt in Sandpoint in 1982, and they raised two daughters, Ashley and Tess, in their home on Lavina Street. They divorced in 1990 but remained close friends until the end.

Richard’s career was varied: he worked as a cook at the Garden Restaurant, as the production assistant and purchasing manager for Sun Ice, as the production manager at Thorne Research, and as a foreman for Albright and Thurston Construction. In 2001 he purchased and operated Elliott Environmental Hydroseeding, work that he continued until his death. 

He was deeply at home in Idaho and connected to the natural world through camping, fishing, and hunting. His care for local ecosystems led him to become an active member of Trout Unlimited, and he served as the president of the Panhandle chapter. He was a beautiful skier and racer, and he passed his love of skiing and the outdoors on to his children and grandchildren. 

Richard will be remembered for his work ethic, and his great attention to the fine details of his various trades and hobbies. He is cherished for his kind heart, thoughtful and fun-loving nature, and endless sense of humor. Richard made jokes into his final moments. 

He is survived by his daughters, Tess Howell (Tanner Welch) of Sandpoint and Ashley (John) Merrill of Fairfax, Calif.; grandchildren, Clara and Felix Merrill; his mother, Ivy Howell of Salt Lake, Utah; and sisters Vickie (Devin) Neider and Peggy Daniels, both of Salt Lake.

He was preceded in death by his father, Jim Howell; and brother Russell Howell.

Lakeview Funeral Home in Sandpoint is handling the arrangements. Please visit Richard’s online memorial page at www.lakeviewfuneral.com and sign his guest book. 

In lieu of flowers, consider making a donation to Trout Unlimited.