Howard F. Metcalf

Howard F. Metcalf, passed out of pain, December 23, 2013 at his home in Solterra Senior Living in Lakeside, Navajo County, Arizona. Howard was born in Colfax, Whitman County, Washington, October 26, 1923 to Cyrena Mae Baldwin and Carl F. Metcalf. Howard was the third of six children. As a child he moved to Libby, Montana, and then to the family ranch at Thompson Lakes in 1939. He graduated from Libby Public Schools and served in the United States Army from 1945-1947 as a mechanic and ambulance driver for the 7th Medical Battalion in Korea. Upon discharge he worked on farms and ranches and hunted and fished all over the Northwest. In 1949 he worked as a heavy equipment operator during the construction of the United States Air Force LF Loran Station (Low Frequency Long Range Navigation) at Skull Cliff, Alaska, 23 miles southwest of Pt. Barrow. When he returned from Alaska he worked as a mechanic in Kalispell, Montana, and married Gertrude (Trudy) Mabel Holt in 1954. Howard and Trudy moved to the family ranch at Thompson Lakes in 1960 where they raised cattle and hay until 2008. Howard continued to work in Kalispell as a mechanic until 1968 when he was hired by the U.S. Forest Service at Raven Ranger Station. Howard continued with the USFS in fire control and sales administration until his retirement in 1985. Howard and Trudy had two children, son Charles (Tina) Metcalf (Libby, Montana) and daughter, Muriel Metcalf (Lakeside, Arizona). Howard is survived by his wife, Trudy and his two children. His parents and two elder brothers, Ace (Barb) Metcalf and Clifford (Isabel) Metcalf preceded him in death. He is also survived by sisters, Ethel Pier (Columbia Falls, Montana), Shirley Ensley (Colfax, Washington) and Lamyra Kay Price (Missoula, Montana), sister-in-laws, Barb Metcalf (Yakima, Washington) and Isabel Metcalf (Libby, Montana) and numerous nieces and nephews. Anyone who knew Howard soon realized that he loved to travel, hunt, fish, play cribbage and tell stories. He especially enjoyed sharing the photo albums of his life which are filled with pictures of big game, big fish, beautiful scenery, and joyful gatherings of friends, family and food. In his final year and a half at Solterra, he quickly became known as a "character" in stiped overalls who was always walking, loved to make people laugh and talked to everyone. His hugs and humor will be missed by many. Cremation arrangements were made by Owens Livingston Mortuary of Show Low handled the arrangements. For those who have special memories and would like to send private condolences or sign our online guest book, we invite you to visit our website at www.owenslivingstonmortuary. Howard's life will be remembered January 12, 2014 at 3:30PM at the Solterra Senior Living Chapel and by loved ones in Montana during the summer (arrangements TBA). In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude's Children Hospital in remembrance of Howard's love for kids.