Howard Kaiser, affectionately known as "Papa Howie," passed away peacefully on Friday, May 3rd at the age of 89, surrounded by his family. Throughout his life, Howard maintained his kindness, grace, compassion, love of family and friends, and humor. He often expressed gratitude for his long life, full of wonderful and varied experiences.

Howard was born in Savage Montana in 1934 to Judith and Walter Kaiser. His childhood summer days were spent with friends going to the pool, riding bikes and exploring. Growing up Howard was very active in scouting. He achieved Scouting's highest honor, the Eagle Scout Rank. As an adult, Howard also volunteered as a scouting leader.

Howard graduated from Colville High School in 1952. He met the love of his life Eileen and together they had 4 children. This August, they would have been married for 68 years. After High School, Howard and 5 of his friends joined the Navy. After his military service, Howard was a millwright for the local sawmills but in 1974, he became a business owner when he purchased what would become Kaiser's Welding and Manufacturing. He retired in 2004. The business served the community for many years. Howard loved his community and was willing to put in the effort to give back. His extra time was devoted to his duties as a volunteer firefighter for the Kettle Falls Fire Department. After 38 years, he retired from the fire department. He followed that up by serving as the District 6 Fire Commissioner for 24 years.

Howard was an avid certified scuba diver. He was one of the charter members of the Stevens County Search and Rescue Unit and volunteered with them for years. Howard's love of scuba and adventure led to amazing diving trips to Cozumel and Grand Cayman.

Howard's lifelong passion of avionics led him to volunteer for the Civil Air Patrol. After attaining his private pilot license, he fulfilled his lifelong goal of owning a private airplane and spent many hours flying the skies. He loved exploring new places from the air in his Cessna. His love of traveling took Howard and Eileen to many places. Along with Alaska and Hawaii, they loved the Oshkosh fly-in convention in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Another highlight was the river cruise in Europe where they visited many European countries.

At home, Howard loved to ride his motorcycle, snowmobile and 4 wheeler. Spending summer days at the river with family, huckleberry picking and fishing and fall/winter days hunting and roasting hot dogs around a bon fire with his family made up some of his favorite activities. Through unwavering commitment to his family, friends, and community, Howard made a lasting impact on the lives of those fortunate enough to know him.

Howard is proceeded in death by his parents, his daughter Kelly Palumbo, his brothers. Herman Kaiser and Stanley Kaiser and his sisters Eleanor Faircloth and Alice Johnson.

He is survived by his wife Eileen Kaiser, his sons Wes Kaiser and Karl Kaiser and his daughter Shannon Kaiser as well as his sisters Doris Davis (who passed away May 6th) and Darlene Adams, 10 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

Help us honor the incredible legacy Howard leaves behind.

A celebration of life ceremony will take place:

Saturday, May 18th @1:00 PM

Kettle Falls Gun Club

1269 WA 25

Kettle Falls, WA 99141

Dinner will follow immediately after the ceremony.