Howard Kay Anderson

Howard Kay Anderson, 72, passed away on February 14, 2026.

Howard Anderson was born June 20th, 1953 in Pocatello, Idaho to Edwin and Freda Anderson. He was the third of four children. During his Elementary years, the family moved to Santa Barbara, California where he spent most of his childhood and eventually graduated from Dos Pueblos High School in 1971.

Growing up, Howard loved staying active. He played basketball, rode his bike everywhere and found his happiest moments running along the beach. He worked at Two Guys as a young man, where he discovered a lifelong love for cameras and photography. After high school, he served a two-year mission in Argentina for the LDS church an experience that shaped his faith and his perspective on the world.

When his family decided California had become too expensive they planned a move back to Idaho, Howard went ahead of them. While working at Wayne's Food Town grocery store, located right in front of his future wife's childhood home, he "randomly" bumped into Ralene. It may not have been an accident on her part as her sister had already warned her about the cute guy who worked there. Their early dates were simple, often just walks and watching TV together, but Howard didn't wait too long to propose. He knew he had to scoop up that hottie before someone else did.

Howard and Ralene were married August 24th, 1979. Their first child, Melissa, arrived the following year in September and about a year and a half later came Cindy. By 1984, they welcomed Brady and officially declared they had figured out how to make the perfect child.

In 1982, Howard began working for the U.S. postal service, a job he remained devoted to until his retirement in 2021. He believed in showing up working hard and doing right by people.

Outside of work, Howard loved the outdoors. Hiking, fishing, camping and hunting brought him peace and joy. He appreciated nature the way it was meant to be experienced and wasn't shy about his opinion that those "damn four-wheelers and snow machines shouldn't be allowed." He was musically talented and began playing piano at a young age. He learned to play the guitar a little later in life, but picked that up quickly too. His passion for both meant he started collecting more instruments than he could play at one time.

He was his children's biggest cheerleader, rarely missing a game, performance, or event unless it was truly unavoidable. As their family grew, that same support extended to his grandchildren, whose activities he attended with pride and enthusiasm.

In May 2025, Howard was diagnosed with bladder cancer. He faced treatment with determination, undergoing chemotherapy and radiation and surprising even the doctors with how well he responded. In late fall of 2025, the cancer had spread. He continued to fight with quiet strength until the very end. Though his passing came too quickly for those who loved him, his family takes comfort in knowing he is no longer suffering and is reunited with loved ones he has missed for many years. He went out on the same date as his dad, Valentine's Day, just 26 years apart. He wasn't big on the lovey dovey day and now none of us will ever enjoy it again either.

Howard was preceded in death by his parents Edwin and Edith, his sister Kathryn, and his brother Douglas. He is survived by his loving wife, Ralene; his sister Anita Reid (Ken),his children, Melissa (David Brake), Cindy (John Connelly), and Brady (Kayla); his grandchildren, Kylie (Hunter), Dawson Brake (Alayna),Ian, Makennah Makay (Dalton Rowley), Shaylee Brake (Jason Holton), Morgan, Aubrey, and Bailey; and his great-grandchild, Koehen.

He will be remembered for a steady presence, his loyalty to his family, his love of the outdoors, and his ability to mix a little humor into everyday life. He always said he wouldn't tease us if he didn't love us. He showed up for the people he loved, and that may be the greatest legacy anyone can leave.

A viewing will be held on from 11:30 am - 12:45 pm Saturday, February 21, 2026 at Wilks Colonial Chapel, 2005 S 4th Avenue, Pocatello, ID. A graveside service will follow at Mountain View Cemetery, 1520 S. 5th Avenue, Pocatello, ID.

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