On March 7, 2011 A cowboy got his wings. Randall Paul Howell, Pops, Grandpa Pops, or Rand, passed away from lung cancer at the age of 64 on March 7, 2011 at 4:46am at Hospice of the Hills, Rapid City, SD.
Randall Paul Howell was born February 16, 1947 to David L. Howell and Alice G. (Nikolas) Howell in Rapid City, SD. He attended country school in Ordway, SD, attended Monroe Junior High School, Central High School, and Northern State College all in Aberdeen, SD.
Randall began his journalism career as a reporter for the Knickerbocker News in Albany, New York. He wrote, edited and managed many newspapers across the country. His career took him all over the country, but his home was really in his heart. In 1996, Randall was the managing editor for Indian Country Today, the largest independently owned American Indian newspaper at that time. More recently, he was the managing editor for the Alaskan Newspapers in Anchorage, Alaska, which included 6 weeklies and a bi-monthly magazine serving Alaska Natives. He moved to Hill City, South Dakota in March 2010 and began work as a reporter for the Native Sun News in Rapid City. He was described by his boss as a feisty journalist. He was well respected by his colleagues for his ability to get to the bottom of any story.
Randalls spiritual beliefs aligned strongly with the spiritual beliefs of Native Americans, embracing it entirely. A cowboy at heart, Randall enjoyed a variety of passions including writing, reading, fishing, the outdoors, and his children.
Although it may appear cancer won the four-year battle, others who loved and knew Randall well would strongly disagree. Randall was a fighter and when he set his mind to something, he went for it with all of his mind, body and soul and 100% of his heart.
Randall Paul Howell is survived by four daughters; Shyla Rae Howell, Dakotah Sunne Howell, Cassidy Patricia Durkin and Danielle Julae Durkin-Oldencamp; four grandchildren; Ryker Dayne Kingsley, Parker James Durkin, Ethan Thomas Glynn, and Collin Reed Durkin; parents: David and Alice Howell of Sioux Falls, SD; two sisters Linda Howell, Dacono, Colorado and Wendy Howell, Sioux Falls, SD; four brothers: Jim Howell, Aberdeen, SD, Dan Howell, Sioux Falls, SD, Bill Howell Casper, Wyoming, and Ed Howell, Garner, Iowa. Twelve nieces, six nephews, five great nieces, eight great nephews.
Randall was preceded in death by two brothers: Terry Howell, Minneapolis, MN and Brian Howell, Madison, WI; and his son: Mark Rhodes, Anaheim, California.
A celebration of life is being planned for immediate family; however, we can all celebrate Randall by remembering him every day, keeping him in our hearts and bringing him with us wherever we go.
A memorial has been established at Hospice of the Hills (224 Elk Street, Rapid City, SD 57701) in honor of Randall Paul Howell.