Kraig Reynold Howe

Surrounded by love and held gently in the arms of his devoted wife, Kraig passed away peacefully at home following a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Though his family and friends are heartbroken beyond belief, they find comfort in knowing his suffering has ended and that he is finally at peace. His strength, warmth, and unwavering love leave an imprint that will be cherished forever.

Kraig grew up in Enid, Oklahoma, and earned a bachelor’s degree in forestry from Oklahoma State University before starting his 35-year career with the Federal government. His career began in forestry management for the Forest Service in western Oregon and eventually developed into a role in land acquisition for multiple agencies, including the Bureau of Land Management, the Bureau of Reclamation, and the National Park Service. The common thread throughout his tenured career was his passion for preserving and protecting public lands for future generations.

Each new job brought a sense of adventure for him and his family. He met the love of his life, Janet, in Rawlins, WY and they were married on June 16, 1984. Their careers and lives carried them across several states including stays in Grand Island, NE, Santa Fe, NM, Boise, ID, and Naples, FL. Kraig retired from the Federal government on January 1, 2011, after which he and Janet soon returned to Boise to be closer to family and to embark on their next chapter in life.

Kraig found immense joy in the simple pleasures of life. He loved tending to a garden of fresh vegetables and flowering plants, including home-grown tomatoes that “money just can’t buy” and a variety of hops that he used to brew his beer which he loved to share and enjoy with friends. He was a proud and loyal Boise State football and basketball fan, rarely missing a game, and he found equal joy in the arts—sharing many cherished evenings attending plays and concerts with Janet. When he wasn’t tending to his hobbies, he was exploring the world with his beloved wife and family. He and Janet enjoyed traveling with their trailer across the United States, visiting the National Parks that he so passionately helped to preserve throughout his career. They also enjoyed exploring the world together visiting Canada, Mexico, Italy, Ireland, and Scotland.

Kraig is survived by his loving wife of 41 years Janet (née Corso), their son Taylor (Hannah Stevens), grandson Leo and granddaughter Avila who reside in Camarillo, CA, and by their daughter Klista Hameed (Naveed), granddaughter Bella and grandson Jaxen who reside in Kuna, ID. He is also survived by his mother Emma Louise Howe, his brother Kent and sister-in-law Kathi Wiederhold in Eugene, OR as well as numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father Donald Glenn Howe and his grandson, Milo Damien Hameed.

Kraig was always smiling, cherishing his family beyond words, and left knowing that he truly lived a wonderful life. He had no regrets. A friend said it best when he stated that, “Kraig was a true gentleman in every sense of the word or, perhaps, a gentle man might be even more appropriate.” That sums up Kraig’s life perfectly. He was loved by so many and will be missed more than words can express. He would not want us to be sad. His mantra was “don’t worry, be happy.” We will do our very best to live up to that as we move forward.

A celebration of life will be held on April 11, 2026, in Boise with a venue and time to be determined. If you wish to make a donation to your favorite charity or plant a tree in his memory, that would be perfect.