Howard Skram

Howard Jacob Skram, 60, of Casa Grande died on Aug. 28, 2012, after a battle with cancer.
Raised in South Dakota, Mr. Skram graduated high school in 1969. He then obtained a bachelor's degree in music education at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Wash., and a master's degree at Arizona State University in 1981 and achieved the designations MC, LPC and LMF.
He worked at Horizon Human Services' Crisis Department since 1995. He was a close friend of the Telles family, John, Donna, Alicia and John II, and customarily spent holidays with them along with a weekly ritual of meeting for coffee and breakfast. He was also known for numerous evenings and all-nighters playing poker and carrying on long, philosophical conversations. Without exception, his choice for deal was always Texas hold 'em, typically calling every bet, rarely raising and seldom, if ever, putting high stakes on the line. His life reflected this approach. He played the cards handed to him with poise, dignity, respect for others and a deep sense of appreciation and care for those whom he played with.
He held dear knowledge and culture rooted in his study and exposure to martial arts, oriental philosophy, Indian culture and a rich heritage of study in the behavioral science and human understanding. He kept his feelings, biases, struggles and personal heartaches to himself but worked diligently to help others through theirs. His legacy lives on through those he counseled, taught and mentored.
He is survived by a son, Jorgen Skram of New Mexico.
The funeral will be at 6 p.m. Monday at J. Warren Funeral Services, Cole & Maud The Gardens Chapel.