Mathew Leonard Howell, 66

It saddens our hearts to inform you of the passing of Mathew Leonard Howell, known to most as "Huckleberry" or "Huck." Yes, you heard that right ... the man, the myth, the legend finally met something stronger than him. A man among men, he ultimately lost his battle with cancer.

Mathew was born at Whitefish Hospital to Rosanne Howell and Arthur Howell. He was raised in Eureka alongside his loving brothers and sisters, William "Bill," David, Walter, Janet, and Mary. Over the years, he lived in Kalispell, Columbia Falls, and Thompson Falls, where he raised his children, Jeffery, Kyle, Kenneth, Kerrie, and Walter. He later made his final home in Hot Springs, where he developed a deep love for the town and its people. He also lived in many other places across the United States during his many adventures and travels.

He enjoyed huckleberry and mushroom picking with family and friends, always out picking with anyone and everyone. He loved everything and anything related to the woods. One of his greatest pleasures was finding arrowheads, of which he discovered thousands throughout his life. Mathew was a gifted storyteller who could captivate you from beginning to end.

He wore many hats throughout his life. He was a framer and a roofer, owning his own business, Valley Roofing in Thompson Falls, where he worked alongside his sons Jeffery and Kenneth. He was also a bounty hunter and held many other roles. If you needed something done, he was there to help.

Mathew was a son, a brother, a father, a grandfather, and an uncle. 

He was preceded in death by his father, Arthur Howell; his brothers, Walter and David Howell and his son, Jeffery Howell. 

He is survived by his mother, Rosanne; his brother, William "Bill" and his sisters, Janet Howell and Mary Howell Graehl. He is also survived by his children, Kyle (and his wife Coty), Kenneth, Kerrie and Walter and his grandchildren, Kyndall, Aislynne, Gavin, Huxley, Jacob, Harmony, Hunter, Cadence and Kalib.

A service will be held at 11 a.m. on April 24, at the Lady of Mercy Church in Eureka.

There will also be a celebration of life at noon on April 27, at the Montana Bar in Hot Springs.

Main food will be provided by the family, please bring a dish to share if you would like. To send online condolences please visit www.columbiamortuary.com. 

Columbia Mortuary is caring for the family.