Howard L. Brigham, 92, of Sterling, passed away Friday, January 5, 2018 in Sterling. Visitation will be  from 2pm to 6pm, Tuesday, January 9 at Chaney-Reager Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held at 10:30am, Wednesday, January 10 at First Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Michelle Witherspoon officiating. Burial will be at 12:00 noon, Thursday, January 11, Fort Logan National Cemetery, Staging Area A.

Howard was born in Denver on September 6, 1925 to Elza Roy and Helen L. Brigham.  He was the oldest of 8 children.  Howard attended Manual High School from September, 1939 to January, 1943, at which time he joined the US Navy at the young age of 17.  A World War II veteran, he served a four-year tour of duty overseas.  On June 1, 1947 in Denver, Howard married the love of his life, Jean Kesson. Together Howard and Jean shared 69 wonderful years together and raised three children.  In 1961 the family moved from Denver to Fort Collins, where he built a new home and lived until his retirement in December 1985.

Howard received his Bachelor's degree in elementary education in August, 1951 and his Master's degree in August, 1953 from the University of Denver. A life-long educator within both the Denver Public Schools and the Poudre School District, he served in a variety of roles throughout his career—classroom teacher, head teacher (teaching principal in a small country school), assistant principal, principal, and elementary school counselor.  Additionally, he taught children of migrant farmers in northern Colorado for many summers and taught English as a Second Language to immigrants in downtown Denver. He was very involved in various functions within the school districts, Colorado Department of Education, and professional education organizations.  Howard was devoted to teaching and helping children, and he never hesitated to assist anyone in need.  Following his retirement, Howard and Jean moved to Estes Park, fulfilling a dream of living in their favorite mountain town.  In 2000, they moved to Sterling.

Howard was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Sterling; he loved his family and God above all else. He was truly the greatest example of unconditional love and humble sacrifice.  He made everyone's life better, most certainly his family of whom he was extremely proud.  He brought honor to the role of husband, father, grandpa, brother, uncle, and friend.

Howard is survived by sons Jerry H. Brigham and wife Cathy of Broomfield, Randy L. Brigham and wife Terry of Estes Park, daughter Kay L. Rich and husband Gary of Sterling, eight grandchildren, and fifteen great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jean, his parents, five brothers, and two sisters.

Contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Camp Scholarship c/o Chaney-Reager Funeral Home, Box 1046, Sterling, CO 80751.