Mack Arthur Howard Obituary (1939

Mack Arthur Howard, born on August 3, 1939, in Red Lodge, Montana, to Arthur and Charlotte Howard (Wonacott), and passed away in the loving arms of his wife on June 20, 2024, in Silverdale, Washington. He was 84 years old. Mack grew up in a loving, though financially struggling family, along with his two siblings. Despite their hardships, Mack's childhood was filled with laughter and entertaining stories that he loved to share. The Howard family moved frequently in search of work before settling in Anaconda, Montana, where Mack graduated from Anaconda High School. After high school, Mack enlisted in the military, initially joining the Marines before transferring to the Navy. He served bravely in Vietnam, running Diesel boats along the rivers to support Navy SEAL operations. His experiences in Vietnam deeply humbled him and shaped the man he became. During his time in the Navy, Mack's mother, Charlotte, found work at the state's mental hospital in Warm Springs, Montana, where she befriended Bari and Donald Painter. It was through this connection that Mack met their daughter, Donna Painter. The two began dating and decided to marry. They wed on April 30, 1971, in Anaconda. Mack soon returned to his naval duties in San Diego, while Donna finished high school. After her graduation, they settled into a small home in Poulsbo, Washington. From 1972 to 1978, the couple welcomed three children: Crystal Lee, Zane Steven, and Mack Arthur Jr. Mack retired from the military in 1977 and pursued a career as a Heavy Diesel mechanic, working for Pan Am, Bill Lamphere Construction, Vern's Topsoil, and Cleaver Construction. He was dedicated and took great pride in his craft. Beyond his professional life, Mack had a passion for music, playing the guitar, ukulele, harmonica, and piano. He also sang bass in a local barbershop quartet, despite his stage fright and fear of public speaking. A devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mack was deeply involved in tracing his genealogy and loved sharing his findings with others. Mack was known for his infectious sense of humor and hearty laugh. Even after strokes impaired his ability to speak, he cherished laughter and good stories. He often spent his days gazing out the window or resting in his favorite chair. Mack's suffering has ended, and he has now been reunited with family, friends, and his beloved brother Jack. Mack is survived by his wife of 52 years, Donna; his children, Crystal, Zane, and Mack Jr.; and his grandchildren Max, Chad, Coby, Ariana, Caeley, Mackenzie, Brinlee, Kendall, Zane Jr., and Jack. He also leaves behind great-grandchildren Raynlee, Mason, and an expected addition in December. A funeral service will be held on July 9, 2024, at 10 a.m. in the Relief Society Room at the Central Valley Chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (14910 Central Valley Rd, Silverdale). Following the service, a funeral procession will proceed to the Stone Chapel (22272 Foss Rd NE, Poulsbo), with lunch and refreshments served at the church afterward. All are welcome to continue the celebration of Mack's life at his and Donna's home. Mack Arthur Howard will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him. Arrangements entrusted to The Stone Chapel Poulsbo Mortuary in Poulsbo, Washington.