Alan Dale Howes, age 61, passed away unexpectedly on April 22, 2016, at his home in Arlee, Montana. Alan was born October 23, 1954, in Salzburg, Austria, to Nolan and Daisy Howes.
He is survived by his mother, Daisy Howes, siblings Lynda Berger (Craig), Scott Howes (Erika), Cheryl Joyner (Brent), Janet Henze (Ron), Mark Howes, Eric Howes (Debra), Lisa Liddle (Nathan) and Lori Howes.
His father, Nolan Howes, and a brother-in-law, Craig Berger, preceded him in death. Funeral services are pending.
I moved away from Ely about thirty-five years ago, but there hasn’t been a single day that has passed that I don’t think about growing up there and the many friends I physically left behind, but have kept close to my heart. I wasn’t born there, but it has always been my home and I have clung to those dear friends as cherished family members. Alan was a brother that I met in my freshman year at White Pine High. We became friends the day we met. When I picture him, I can still see the ever-present smile and hear the sarcastic humor that the two of us had in common. I remember him being a hot rod junkie and how, when we’d be out dragging main, we would trade cars with each other and then beat the hell out of them before we gave them back! I was lucky enough to see him a few years ago. My wife and I had flown up to Montana to buy a street rod and drove it back through Arlee on the way home to see if I could find my old friend. When he came to the door with a big grin, the almost thirty years it had been since we’d seen each other melted away. He showed us around his place and we talked about old times. Most memorable of all was his approval of our purchase—but I wasn’t about to let him take it for a spin! Alan was a unique constellation and I was blessed to have been able to share the universe with him. Rest in Peace, my good friend.
Chris Harris
Class of ‘72