Howard "Howie" John Francis

Howard “Howie” John Francis, 85, passed away peacefully on October 1, 2025, surrounded by love. He was born on December 26, 1939, in Newark, New Jersey. Howie made Colorado his home for most of his life; a place where he built not just a career, but a lifetime of memories, friendships, and laughter.

Howie lived life with a spark that drew people in. His infectious, larger-than-life personality filled every room he entered, and his laughter had a way of putting everyone at ease. He rarely met a stranger and treated everyone like an old friend. He had a big heart and an unwavering willingness to lend a hand. He was the kind of man you could always count on.

A natural problem-solver and a hard worker, Howie began his career setting up tower cranes that helped build cities across the world. He later installed and maintained commercial industrial elevators and managed the Denver regional office before taking a leap of faith and purchasing the company. For 26 years, he proudly owned and operated Rack N Pinion Service, Inc., leading with the same integrity, intelligence, and determination that defined his life.

Outside of work, Howie’s curiosity and creativity shone through. He had loved working on cars, drag racing, and looking up at the night sky through his telescope that he had proudly purchased from the U.S. Navy. He had a fascination with how things worked; whether it was an engine, a business, or the universe itself.

Above all else, Howie was a family man. He shared 64 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Susan, and together they built a beautiful family and life filled with love, laughter, and strength. He was the proud father of Tom, Kathy, Kristen, Bill, and Ken, and was preceded in death by his son, Steven. He will forever be remembered by his many grandchildren; Tasha, Lexi, Josh M., Johnathan, Summer, Danielle, Tommy, Jason, Josh W., Nathan, Kourtney, Amanda, Devon, Megan, Nate, Nicholas, and Eli — and great-grandchildren; Victoria, Brody, Zachary, Mason, Aiden, Samuel, Landon, Wynter, Nixon, Oliver, Rosie, Jason, Bennett, and close friend Angie and daughter Perry: All of whom brought him endless pride and joy.

Howie’s strength, humor, and love for life left a mark on everyone who knew him. His presence will be deeply missed, but his spirit will continue to live on in the stories, laughter, and love he shared with those lucky enough to know him.