Howard Tocher, 64 of Prineville, formerly of Rogue River, Oregon, peacefully passed away of Leukemia at OHSU in Portland, Oregon on Saturday, November 3, 2018 surrounded by his family. The funeral service will be held Friday, November 16, 2018 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Prineville. The Recitation of the Most Holy Rosary will begin at 11:30 a.m. with a Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00 p.m., and a reception will immediately follow at St. Joseph’s Parish Hall.
A graveside service will be held at Juniper Haven Cemetery in Prineville at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 17, 2018. Howie graduated from Rogue River High School in 1972 as a decorated athlete in football and wrestling. He was a state placing wrestler and an all-conference MVP for football.
In case he never mentioned it, he was also the proud recipient of the coveted award for “Best Dressed” in his senior class. In the small town of Rogue River, Howie developed his love of the outdoors. He enjoyed hunting and camping with his brothers and friends.
He loved water-skiing, fishing, and rafting. Those of us that knew him well, knew that the river ran through him. Howard has left a piece of himself in many places, like when he left his brother-in-law’s brand new drift boat at the bottom of the Rogue River at Blossom Bar.
It was also in his tiny hometown that he met, married, and made a life with his middle school sweetheart Garilynn. Howie built a beautiful home and raised his three children, Cheyenne, Chelsea, and Blaine, along the Rogue River. His love of the river was deeply imparted into the hearts of his own children when he taught them, and countless others, to water-ski, fish, and raft.
Many of Howard’s most cherished memories were of the gatherings and celebrations he hosted at this beautiful river lot for family, friends, various church groups, and community organizations. During his time in his hometown, he coached various sports teams for his children and nephews. Countless hours were spent coaching little league, high school softball, and wrestling.
Howie shared his love of wrestling with others by coaching the Rogue River High School wrestling team and founding the RR Mat Club for young wrestlers. As an accomplished builder and developer, Howie relocated his family in 1997. He pursued development opportunities in Albany, Prineville, and Madras where he even tried his hand at being a part time farmer.
During his time in these different places, he made lasting and invaluable friendships that he cherished. Howie and Garilynn were attracted to Prineville for its inviting and simplistic lifestyle. Howard immersed himself in various services and volunteer projects such as Prineville Knights of Columbus, Crooked River Round Up Board Member, church activities, and coaching youth programs.
Howie was passionately Pro-Life and he and his wife served on Rachel’s Vineyard Post-Abortion Healing and Pro Life Committee. Howie was a “give the shirt off his back” kind of guy, and made friends everywhere he went. He was passionate about his family, his church, and the Oregon State Beavers.
To say he was an avid Beaver fan is an understatement; His two favorite teams were the OSU Beavers and whoever was playing the Ducks. He will be loved and missed forever. Howard is survived by his wife, Garilynn Tocher; his three children, Cheyenne Edgerly (and her husband Brett Edgerly), Chelsea Kurtz (and her husband Aaron Kurtz), Blaine Tocher; his grandchildren, Ethan, Elle’, Emerson, Ensley, Elind, Englin, Keaton, Kinley; his sisters, Brenda Coniff, Charlene Hill; his brothers, Andy Tocher, George Tocher, Kenny Tocher.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth Tocher, Phyllis Tocher; his brothers, Larry Tocher, Leo Tocher. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the pregnancy Re Center of Prineville, Crook County Wrestling and Rogue River High School Wrestling programs.
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