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Craig Howard Obituary

Craig "Coach" Thomas Howard

January 29, 1952 - January 20, 2017

Craig Thomas Howard passed away peacefully at his home the morning of January 20, 2017. He was born January 29, 1952 in Grants Pass, Oregon to Thomas Glenden Howard and Emily Hannah Hamlin.

Craig was the head football coach at Southern Oregon University since 2011. Coach Howard dedicated his life to building men of character, strength, and honor at numerous schools across the nation including Roseburg High School, Oregon Institute of Technology, Baylor University, Rice University, Oregon State university, Portland State University, Jesuit High School, Livingstone University, Bishop Kenny High School, and Allen D. Nease High School.

Craig's passion was coaching young men in the game of football, but more important, in life. He emphasized faith and family first; academics next; and then, football. "One of the greatest treasures of life is the opportunity to wear the whistle and to work with the young people of America - which is my life's mission. And to teach them to recognize their personal potential, to develop it, and to give it to a cause greater than themselves in an unselfish way and thereby learn one of life's greatest lessons, which is to share all that we have, all that we are, with EVERYONE who needs us."

Coach's time, not spent dedicated to a profession he loved, and expressed joy in getting to do, was devoted to his ever-expanding family. Craig leaves behind the love of his life and best friend, Valerie, his loyal and loving wife of 30 years. Also, five incredible children, Emily and fiancé, Kyle; Bo and wife, Tiffany; Jordan; Amy and husband, Cody; and Ryan and wife, Jennifer. In addition, Coach has 11, soon to be a dozen, precious grandchildren whom he truly loved and adored; Savannah, Kade, Karson, Cameron, Logan, Levi, Rockland, Kota-bug, Clayton, Lucas, and Rhett. Number 12 is Abigail Anne, due in April. Lastly, his life-long friend and devoted sister, Lyn Syring; her husband, Jim; and their son, James; and brother, Brian; his wife Kathy; and their son, Brett and wife, Brianne.

A memorial service will be held at 5:00 p.m. Monday February 6, 2017 at Southern Oregon University Football Stadium. Mark Andersen of Ashland Christian Fellowship and Al Egg, Portland State University Chaplain will officiate. Memorial contributions may be made at www.gofundme.com/coach-craig-howard. Arrangements are in care of Litwiller-Simonsen Funeral Home. Online condolences for the family may be made at at www.legacy.com.








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