Irvin Kent Howe
Irvin Kent Howe (January 11, 1945-January 25, 2024) was born to Ellen Alberdina Galloway Howe and Lawrence James Howe in Ontario, Oregon. He spent his first years in Ontario with his parents and older sister, Vivian Nadene Howe. Later on, his younger sister, Rita Howe, joined the family. When Irvin was four years old, he contracted polio, so he was taken to Boise, Idaho, and put into an iron lung. He also spent time at Shriner’s Hospital in Portland, Oregon, undergoing surgery to repair his leg. As a child, he mainly lived in Ontario and Madras, Oregon, as well as Eltopia and Blythe, Washington.
He graduated from Othello High School in 1963, attended an electronics school in Salt Lake City, and then completed a mechanic certificate at Big Bend Community College. He married Camille Christensen in the Logan Utah Temple on July 10, 1967. They had four children, Kimberly Michelle, Tamara Ann, Deborah Leanne, and Devin Scott.
He worked for Tilly Equipment in Wenatchee for a year, for Clerf Equipment in George for 6 years, and for Hammond Farms for 34 years, as a mechanic and shop foreman. He loved his work and the many friends he made around Quincy Valley and beyond. He was well known for being able to fix or build just about anything.
Irvin led a life of charity—helping many people repair their cars and trucks, fixing air conditioning units and tractors, and often driving many miles to assist those he didn’t even know. He liked to kid around and always had a smile and friendly word.
He was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and worked in the church in many capacities. He was elders quorum president, Young Men president, a bishopric member, and a member of the choir. He also worked in the stake Young Men presidency.
Irvin spent many years mentoring young men in the Boy Scouts of America, and he ultimately was given the Silver Beaver Award, a distinguished service award within the Boy Scouts. For many years, he was the Advancement Chairman for the Columbia Basin District, helping young men achieve the rank of Eagle Scout. Many boys in the community were mentored by him throughout the years. Some of his favorite outings that formed lasting bonds were the yearly horse pack trips that he helped organize and lead for Quincy’s Boy Scout Troop 48. The mountains, horses, boys, and the friendships made were among his most treasured memories.
Irvin also enjoyed driving down the Oregon Coast, exploring the backroads of eastern Washington, and touring Yellowstone. He loved the scenery and sharing those times with his grandkids.
He is survived by his wife, Camille Christensen Howe, and his children, Kimberly Howe Ashbaker, Tamara Howe Henderson, Deborah Howe Arbogast, and Devin Howe. He is also survived by his sister, Rita Howe Anderson; two sons-in-law and a daughter-in-law; eleven grandchildren (Braden, Ian, Dallin, Ty, Mira, Shelby, Aaron, Dustin, Leanne, Emily, and Brooke); and many nieces and nephews.
A funeral will be held at 10 a.m. on February 3, 2024 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Quincy, Washington. Interment will be in the Quincy Valley Cemetery.
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