Howard J. Almond

Howard J. Almond, 76, returned to our Heavenly Father on Saturday, November 8, 2014.  It couldn't have been a more beautiful day, doing what he loved best, fishing, and at one of his favorite places.  We were always wondering what fishing hole he was at and what lures or bait he was using.  He was known in Preston as one of the best fisherman of these parts.  He had a long list of family and friends he could call upon and was rarely alone in his adventures of catching the next big one.

His greatest loves were the outdoors, where he found peace in his heart, fresh air, and the beauty that was given to him by another love, his Father in Heaven.  He truly loved the gospel and the peace it brought to him.  But his greatest love of all was his children, always thinking of them and wondering how to make things all better.  Every one of his children were perfect in his eyes and was always in his thoughts and prayers.

Howard was born on March 18, 1938 in Pocatello, Idaho to Oscar Merlin and Nina Loila Johnson Almond, but spent most of his life in Preston, Idaho.  His parents raised 12 children and taught them the importance of hard work in the raspberry fields, snipping beans and trapping the waters around Preston. But they always made time to go fishing as a family which provided food and the long lasting memories of the family being together.  He was known as Mick in his early years which must of come from his leather jacket, and many people still call him by that name. 

He married Laura Rasmussen from Mink Creek and soon after started a family that consisted of seven children, four girls and three boys.  He taught them all hard work, the love of the outdoors, kindness and love to life.  Howard owned and ran the Keith Jorgensen Magnavox in Preston for years.  He was a salesman and loved to meet and talk to people and he loved to play the organs and always made everyone smile with his music and snappy tunes.  He also taught martial arts in Preston and many remember him for that.  His kindness was one of his greatest assets.  Whomever he would come in  contact with would truly feel loved and welcome. 

In his later years he married Deone Wright and enjoyed going on cruises, fishing trips and vacations with her and his siblings.  His brothers and sisters were always there for he and Deone, and they spent a lot of time enjoying each other's company.  The reunions were always a great time.  We are so sad that our father, brother, uncle and grandpa is on to other places to meet his family that has preceded him in death.  What a reunion it will be with his son Todd, his daughter Spring, his brother Donald, his sister Yavonne, his parents, and his sweetheart Deone.  He will truly be missed by his family, friends, all his fishing buddies and all who knew and loved him.

Howard is survived by five of seven children: Heather (Tom) Rough, April (Todd) Rich, Maighan (Scott) Wagstaff, Brock (Janet) Almond, and Jade (Amber) Almond, six grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren.  He is also survived by seven brothers Reese, Max, Ray, Sam, Dale, Bob, and Brent and two sisters Coleen Greaves, and Tammy Stevenson.  He was preceded in death by his parents, a son Todd Almond, a daughter Spring Almond, his wife Deone, a brother Donald and  sister Yvonne Hodges. 

Funeral services will be held on Monday, November 17, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. in the Winder Ward LDS Chapel 4400 North 1600 West, in Preston with Bishop Alan Atkinson conducting.  A viewing will be held on Sunday from 6-8 p.m. at Webb Funeral Home, 1005 South 800 East in Preston and Monday from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the church.  Interment will be in the Preston Cemetery.  Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.webbmortuary.com