Brian Wilber Howell

Pocatello-Brian Howell, age 42 passed away Thursday, April 28, 2011 after a courageous 4 year battle with brain cancer.

Brian Wilber Howell, the only son, was born to Dee and Connie Howell in Montrose, Colorado May 18, 1968. Brian had two siblings. Sandy Howell Hunter his older sister, who tragically passed away just two years ago, and his younger sister Shelli Howell Jones who is currently living in Pocatello.

The family moved from Colorado to Chubbuck, ID when Brian was a toddler. He was raised in Chubbuck where he graduated from Highland High School in 1986. As a young boy he was involved in Boy Scouts, baseball and football. As he grew older he became involved with horses. Through his adolescence he helped train and jockey the family race horses. He spent a lot of time with his mom and dad at the racetrack. Even at that young age he made an impression on other trainers.

After graduating from high school Brian spent a short time as a volunteer Chubbuck Firefighter before joining the Air Force as a security specialist. While in the Air Force his first station was in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Then he spent two years at Ramstein, Germany and finally finished his time at Minot, North Dakota

After leaving the Air Force Brian returned home and to the Chubbuck Fire Department. He also worked part time at Vickers local western store. There he met the love of his life and future wife of 17 years Nora Whitnah. Brian and Nora have 4 children. Devin age 24, Skyler age 19, Cheyanne age 16 and Colten age 10. He was a devoted father and shared a unique relationship with each of his children. They were his life and best friends.

Brian became a firefighter for Pocatello in late 1993 and was a beloved and respected firefighter and EMT until the cancer took him. He also worked with his in-laws on the Whitnah ranch in American Falls any day that he was not at the station. Brian was a very active and highly respected member of the Pocatello Frontier Rodeo Board for many years, including being Chairman for the Dodge National Circuit Finals Rodeo recently. He was passionate about everything he was involved in.

Brian's favorite times were those spent with his family and friends in the outdoors, whether it was playing on the co-ed softball team with his fellow firefighters and younger sister, camping with his family, team penning with his in laws and daughter, or hunting with his sons and friends. He also enjoyed snowmobiling and vacationing with his wife anywhere she could soak up some sun. Brian also loved to entertain. He enjoyed cooking and any excuse to get together for good food and cold beer.

Brian had a fun sense of humor and everyone who met him was charmed by his sweet demeanor. All who knew him loved him. And those who were lucky enough to call him friend will never forget him. He touched many lives and will genuinely be missed by all.

Brian was preceded in death by his grandparents, father Dee Howell in 1998, his sister Sandy Hunter in 2009 and his nephew Michael Hunter in 1998.

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