Christopher Robin Howard, 51, Rapid City, died Monday, July 30, 2012 at St. Mary’s Hospital, Rochester, MN.He was born January 24, 1961 in Norfolk, VA to David and Kathryn Marie (Chacanaca) Howard. He grew up in California and moved with his family to Rapid City when he was 16 years old. He attended St. Martin’s High School graduating in 1979.Chris worked at the Homestake Mine until entering the US Army. He later entered the US Navy and was honorably discharged on December 29, 1987.He married Mayette Alfonso on May 18, 1985 in Rapid City.Following his discharge, he worked for many years for Hills Materials and also joined the National Guard of which he served 19 years.Chris was a member of the ELKS Lodge for many years and coached the sports in which his children participated as they were growing up.Chris was a very resilient man fighting and keeping his sense of humor until the very end. He was a wonderful husband and awesome dad always putting others before himself. He was a hard worker and loved spending time in the outdoors.Chris has now reunited with his mother whom he missed very much.He is survived by his wife, Mayette, daughter, Alexis, son, Emilio Howard all of Rapid City; sons, Joe Howard, Sturgis, Mark Howard, Black Hawk, Chris Howard, Great Falls, MT; 4 grandchildren; his father, David Adam Howard, SR., Rapid City; brothers, David Adam Howard, Jr., CA, John Howard, AZ, and Ruth Hewitt, CA.He was preceded in death by his mother, Kathryn on November 26, 2007 and a brother Joseph Leo Howard.