Throughout his life, Tom enjoyed spending time with those he loved. He served others selflessly. He loved his neighbors and was loved by them. He especially loved helping his family, no matter what was required of him. He always put others needs ahead of his own. He went about quietly doing good all his life. He was involved in Boy Scouts of America for many years and helped all his sons obtain their Eagle Scout award. He especially enjoyed participating in the Pinewood Derby with his sons and grandsons. He often helped other scouts with their cars when they needed him. He enjoyed working on bicycles throughout his life, frequently repairing bicycles for people he knew, or refurbishing them for others to enjoy.
There are not adequate words to express the love and joy he brought to the lives of those that knew him. He will be missed and always loved.
He survived by his wife Trudy M. Howe, his children and their spouses Andrew, Benjamin and Krista, Aaron and Sara, Jenna and Jesus Archuleta, Christopher and Ariela, his brothers and their spouses Roger and Sue, Donald and Sheri, brother-in-law Dick Sancousie, and sister-in-law Rosie Howe. He is also survived by fifteen grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents Milo and Delma, his sister Carolyn, his brother Jon, his daughters Crystal and Teri, and grandson Leo.
For those who would like to attend, a viewing and funeral services will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on Hayford Avenue on April 13,2021. The viewing will be from 9-11am and services will begin at 11am.
I know this is late, I just found out over a year, so hopefully it will catch up to Trudy. I enjoyed Tom’ friendship the year before I went on a Church mission to Indonesia. One of my treasured memories is riding with Tom in his silver Porsche to a Church region basketball tournament in Denver. May you be comforted in the times you still miss him. So glad you two found each other. I haven’t seen either of you since our days at the “Tute.” I did see Milo & Delma on occasion before they & my parents passed when I drove up from BYU and thought of you many times as I drove passed Rawlins.
Tom Howe was a wonderful man and a fantastic neighbor. Before he moved back to Laramie, we got to know more about him through his sons Aaron and Chris (who lived for a time in their house on Beaufort St. with their families). Tom and Trudy lived nearby in Cheyenne and would visit periodically. Kim and I gained great respect for their son's families and knew they had been raised well by their parents. We were sad to see each leave (but happy they were beginning their next phase of life). When Tom and Trudy moved back to their home for good, we were not disappointed. They were the neighbors that everyone dreams of having: always willing to lend a hand, friendly, concerned about the neighborhood, and so forth. I remember several occasions when Tom would stop by to see how we were doing or ask if we knew how another neighbor was doing because he hadn't seem them for a time and was concerned. His love for those around him was visible. I was amazed one summer when he decided to build a garage in his backyard. He wanted to build the garage his way and enjoyed doing the work himself. In that garage he built a bike repair shop and attached his father's bike sign (a spinning spoke) to the top. He also parked his Porsche in the garage--especially during the time he owned two (I believe against Trudy's best wishes). It became his supersized man cave. He was very fond of his work (and the countless hours he spent building it paid off well. It looked great). Fast forward a year or so and a group of church buddies announced that a bull needed to be butchered and they needed a place to do it. The usual garages that regularly service this purpose had no vacancy. Tom volunteered. I knew at the time that Tom didn't want to cover his garage in meat and blood. He couldn't quite disguise his anxiety in loaning the space--but he tried hard to disguise it. Still, he loaned his space and we made a mess (as butchering an animal will do). He may have grumbled about it this mess to Trudy or his family, but we never heard a words complaint. I doubt he even obtained much meat from the process. He didn't think of himself or his own comfort. He was that kind of person. During the funeral, Aaron mentioned how he enjoyed fixing other's bikes. We were some of the beneficiaries of that service. Each year he requested to tune up our bikes. Kim and I greatly appreciated the service. He did an amazing job. Aaron further mentioned that sometimes he would put his own money into the tune ups and not tell the individual. I believe I was one of those recipients (though I could never get Tom to admit it). When I moved to Laramie, I bought an old Motobecane for $15 at a yard sale. I rode it for ten years. At one point, the back axle fell apart on my way down 15th street before Reynolds. I couldn't fix this problem so I stopped riding the bike for a few months. Tom found out and insisted on looking at it. A few days later it was in good repair and I was told I owed nothing! I rode it for a few weeks and the rear axle broke again! Tom found out. He again looked at the bike. Fortunately, at that point he kindly suggested it was time for a new bike. He was right! A year after we moved from Larmie to the Memphis, our family got homesick and decided to drive through Laramie on our way home from San Diego (don't look at a map when you read that statement). Upon arrival, we setup camp in Vedauwoo and began scrounging for firewood. To our surprise, Tom and Trudy were in a motor home the next campsite over. We had come home. It might have been coincidence to them but it meant the world to our family. When I get to heaven, I hope to be greeted by family and friends. Sometimes I wonder who will be there when I arrive. Sometimes I wonder who will live by me. I hope I will have the pleasure to be a neighbor to Tom Howe and his family again.
Craig & Kim: I loved your condolences, well-written, witty, and amazingly detailed. I'm Tom's little brother, Don. I had a retirement send-off from my job in California on the day Tom passed away. News of Tom's death was quite a shock to me, so on that particular day, it was bitter-sweet. We weren't aware that Tom had cardiovascular disease, although it is multi-generational malady we have it in our family genes. I had a slight blockage in May of 2007, and began treatment w/ one stent placed in the right coronary artery, and I have had drug therapy for hypertension and high cholesterol ever since. Tom's heart attack occurred curiously a day after receiving his 2nd of 2 COVID vaccine shots (Tom and Trudy thought his discomfort may have been caused as a reaction to the vaccine). No autopsy was performed to see if the Moderna vaccine could have been a potential contributor to encourage such a massive (likely left coronary artery "widowmaker") event. Having observed both of our previous deceased siblings suffer in pain for months/years with cancer (Carolyn at age 46) and diabetes/kidney failure/shingles (Jon at age 67 & 8 months), Tom's quick bout with his heart attack came quickly, and within 6-7 hours of having various classic symptoms of heart attack: 1) chest pain, 2) nausea, 3) shortness of breath, and 4) disorientation/confusion - - eventually flat-lined in the ER, at age 67 & 6 months. I'm pleased that Tom was perceived as a kind, and helpful guy. He's always been a good brother, loyal husband, and loving father and grandfather. Definintely one of the "Good Guys" of life, to me. He and our just older brother Roger and I made a triumphant bike ride in 2012 from Laramie to Ft. Collins (75 miles); and, had high hopes of repeating it, but alas, it was a one-and-done experience that I will always cherish as a fond memory. "Bikes and brothers forever!" I have a pic of Tom in his bike helmet in my iPhone that reminds me of my brother who I spent endless hours playing football catch/throw, and shooting hoops in the driveway with on those occasional fair weather days in Laramie growing up as teenagers. Thanks, again for your kind words, as I sit at home and read the various posts on the website. The last couple of weeks have been thought-provoking and has caused me to reflect a lot about my growing up with Tom. All the best to you! Don Howe Sacramento, CA
I had not been in contact with Tom since we were at LHS in the choir program. He was a great guy--fun to be with and multi-talented. He will be missed. My condolences to his family.
I always enjoyed working with Tom. He was always pleasantly to visit with.
The Gene and Kay Pratt family sends their love and sympathy to the Howe family. We remember Tom being part of our lives from when we moved to Laramie in 1961. More recently Tom was Gene and Kay's home teacher/minister for the last few years they lived in Laramie. He was a good friend, diligently looking after their needs. We love him for that and pray for Trudy who also has endlessly served our parents.
Dear Trudy and all the children. I was blessed enough to have known Tom since grade school. He was always a good kid and a wonderful man. He started his family at a young age and moved out of town for work. When in Laramie he would stop in for a visit at work. I loved seeing him, catching up and hearing of the family he so loved and his hobbies. A few short weeks ago I visited Tom and Trudy and he was the same polite wonderful guy, offering to help me fix my bicycle. I am so shocked and saddened at his passing. I loved and appreciated him so much. I will miss him so much ,but I have the memories. I pray for all your comfort. TomRanz
Tom was a wonderful neighbor to us and our boys. He will be missed by all of us.
Condolences to the Howe family with the passing of Tom.. I grew up knowing Milo and Delma, Jon, Carolyn, Roger, Tom and Don and later Trudy at the L.D.S. Institute while attending the Univ. of Wyo. As we get older and move away lots of contact is lost but not memories. Sending peace and comfort at this time.
Condolences to Tom's family. Our children grew up with Tom and his siblings. May the "peace that passeth understanding" be with those left. Ray and Carol Field
Trudy and family, It was with great surprise that we learned of Tom's passing. As I reflected, many fond memories came to mind of our associations and experiences together with all of you. Janet and I share our condolences and love. We know that with your knowledge, understanding and faith in our Heavenly Father's plan, even though this parting is difficult, you will be comforted in the reality that you will be reunited again and be together for all of the eternities. We are ever grateful for the wonderful influence you have been in our lives and the lives of our family. With all of our love at this time of sorrow, Steve and Janet Olson
I’m still shocked by Toms death. I enjoyed working with him and Trudy at the temple for 2 years in baptistery. Pleasure to have known him and my heart is broken for his family. God bless you Trudy and may you feel peace .
My daughter Sara's father in law. I enjoyed conversations with Tom and Trudy over the years! Also seeing them at family events and celebrations. My husband, Gary passed away in 2018 and that August Tom accompanied family to help me pack up from Montana back to Utah. Words cannot express how grateful I was and I do understand the family's grief. Sending love to the Howe family especially Trudy and the children.
To Trudy and family, We were so sorry to hear of the untimely passing of Tom. He was a good man. May the good Lord comfort you during this time. Karen and Ed Gunsch
Shocked does not adequately describe how I felt when Trudy announced Tom's death on his facebook page. In Rawlins I served as the Howe's family bishop in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in the 1980s. Tom and Trudy were exception members of our ward and were always willing to do whatever was asked of them. I especially remember Tom's "low rider" bike that he rode for miles and miles. Within the last year we picked up our friendship again via facebook. I will miss him and his comments. Rest in Peace, Tom, and Trudy and family I am glad to know that you know this is a temporary parting and that you have lived, and are living, your earthly life in a manner that guarantees you will be together again forever. God Bless you all!
Our sincere condolences to the family and friends!
The last time I saw Tom was 1971. You of his family likely will not know me, but our family moved next door to the Howe's on Ashley Street in 1968 from Hanna. Tom and his family welcomed us immediately which was a huge relief to a hick kid coming from a school class of 17 to one of about 300. It is nice to know that his life of "serving others selflessly" continued throughout his journey. Good men sometime leave us too early, but Tom leaves a grand legacy to be carried forward. My condolences; You are a very special and fortunate family.
To Trudy and family, we are so very sorry to learn of Tom’s passing and send our love and sincere sympathy. May you be comforted during this difficult time.- The Karen Lawrence family (Karen, Kathy, Linda, Diane, Julie and Coleen)