Kenneth E. 'Grampee' Howlett, 72

Kenneth E. Howlett, 72, passed peacefully on July 7, 2017, in Helena, with his wife Janice by his side.

A member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai tribes, he was born on Aug. 24, 1943, in St. Ignatius to Eugene and Clara Howlett. He graduated in 1962 from Hot Springs High School.

Working was always something Ken enjoyed doing his entire life. He worked at the Polson saw mill, operated his own business, Standard Construction, and also taught heavy machinery at the Kicking Horse Job Corps where he helped many young men and women.

 Ken also loved to plow snow.

He was a member of the Polson Jaycees and Polson Elks Club, through which he helped put on many community events.

Ken, best known to many as “Grampee,” was a very special man. His true passion was always family. If it was a birth, a birthday party, a ball game, a graduation, Bloomsday, Hoopfest, Christmas or you just inviting him for a visit, he was always there and enjoyed every minute spent with family.

He treasured his two sons Kevin and Deri and all the grandchildren they gave him. He gave so much to his community, strangers, family and anyone who needed help and he never required anything in return but a smile or a thank you!

Ken’s humor and one-liners always left an impression on all. He left so many wonderful memories with his family, including so many laughs and stories for us all to share.

Grampee had his health issues but never once did you hear him complain about going to dialysis, to the doctor or being in the hospital. It was never about him! He just wanted to live and that he did until his last breath with his can of winter mint Skoal in his pocket.

He was preceded in death by his father, Eugene, and mother, Clara Howlett.

He is survived by his wife, Janice; son Kevin Howlett of Spokane; son Deri and Sandy Howlett of Spokane; stepson, Joe (Nui) Johnson of Kalispell; sister Gloria (Jack) Riech of Hot Springs, brother Glen (Sue) Howlett of Polson; sister Dianna Howlett of Polson; five grandchildren, Austin Howlett, Kyla Tripp, Taylor Howlett, Brooklyn Howlett and Demi Howlett; three great-grandchildren, Kinley Tripp, Porter Tripp and Finnegan Howlett; and nieces and nephews, Todd Reich, Lisa Mueller, Rocky Howlett, Angel Howlett, Alan Howlett and Ashley Howlett.

The family is especially grateful to his bride, Janice, for standing by his side and giving him so much to live for the past two years.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 16, at the St. Ignatius Catholic Cemetery.

Following the service come help “Ken Cut A Trail” at the Polson Elks Club at 1:30 p.m. We are asking attendees to bring their favorite potluck dish.

“Remember the soul, heal the spirit, until we meet again.”