Longtime Siskiyou County resident, Charles Prescott Howard III, known to most as Chuck and known to many as “the Great Outdoorsman”, passed away on Saturday, September 19, 2020 at Fairchild Medical Center in Yreka with his family by his side.

Chuck was born on December 1, 1948 in Oakland to Charles Jr. and Ruth Howard. Chuck was a man of many talents and interests. He loved his guns, spent over 30 years as a licensed gunsmith, was the owner of Hole in the Wall Gun and Saddle Repair and was a lifetime member of the NRA. He loved playing music, including bass guitar, singing and playing harmonica. Over the years, he was a member of multiple

Rock-and-roll bands, and recorded an album with On The Rocks. He loved the outdoors, especially packing into the mountains on horseback, and for many years was the owner and trail guide for Wilderness Outfitters. Chuck built the family home in Scott Valley and was a “man of many projects” – always having numerous items on his to-do list. Chuck was also skilled in leatherwork, loved being a Ham Radio operator as a member of the Siskiyou County Amateur Radio Association, and had a sweet tooth that rivaled a child – he loved candy!

Chuck was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his spouse, Debrah Frost; his children: Brandy (Richard) Watton of Fort Jones, Cory (Andrew) Libby of Colorado Springs, Maxine (Kyle Matlock) of Vacaville, Jacob of Fort Jones, and Charles IV of Fort Jones; he is also survived by his siblings: Barney Howard of Walnut Creek, Anne Morton of Walnut Creek, and Franny Ochoa of Colorado; and by 4 grandchildren: Dakota, Emma, Abigail, and Guinevere.

A celebration of Chuck’s life will be held on Saturday, October 3rd starting at 1pm at Don Gutleben’s ranch located at 15432 Quartz Valley Road. Lunch will be provided, but if you’d like, please bring a dessert. Chuck’s favorites are brownies, lemon meringue pie or strawberry rhubarb pie. Please also bring your favorite Chuck Howard stories! The family will be collecting stories and plan to create a book. Anyone who plays music please also bring acoustic instruments to play in his honor.

Girdner Funeral Chapel is assisting the family, and online condolences may be made at www.girdnerfuneralchapel.com.