Howard Bruner

Howard D. Bruner, of Fort Collins, died on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2006. He was born July 2, 1917, in Broadwater, Neb. to Virgil and Anna Kepler Bruner. He grew to manhood in Broadwater, excelling in sports and academics throughout his early years. After completing a bachelor of science degree from the University of Nebraska, he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1942. While assigned to the Chinese Combat Command, Howard trained Chinese troops for the Japanese resistance and helped build the Burma Road. After marrying Jean Stava Bruner in 1950, Howard completed his doctorate degree in philosophy and administration from the University of Nebraska. Following his doctoral studies, Howard served as principal, superintendent and athletic coach for public schools in Hershey and Mullen, Neb. While there, he coordinated the Carnegie Project for Community Education and supervised student teachers. Howard later joined the faculty at Colorado State University, where he became a professor in the Education Department. There he pioneered teaching strategies and initiated environmental education programs that culminated in the advent of the Northern Colorado Nature Center. This led to his rock painting hobby and a lifelong belief in humor and "the little kid inside of us." He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, where he taught Sunday School. Howard belonged to Kiwanis and American Legion, was past president of Phi Delta Kappa, volunteered for VIPS Poudre schools, was active in Boy Scouts, and did motivational speeches and workshops around the United States. He also received the Leftwhich Award from Colorado BOCES in 2005, the Harris T. Guard Award for outstanding teaching, and the Colorado Legislature Award for leadership in education. Howard loved traveling with Jean to Hawaii 10 times. Fishing, hunting and sports were his passions. Surviving are his wife, Jean; son, Dallas, of Greeley; daughter, Sandra Bruner White, of Fort Collins; six grandchildren, Dallas, Adrian, Sydney, Carson, Nathan and Cameron; and great-grandchild, Holden. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother and is survived by his sisters, Kathryn Warren and Bethine Ninegar. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at the First United Methodist Church, 1005 Stover St., with military honors featuring an all-veteran Honor Guard. Howard will be buried in Maxwell, Neb, in Fort McPherson National Cemetery. Friends may contribute to the Food Bank for Larimer County, Hospice or Catholic Charities.