January 8, 1937 – December 1, 2023
In loving memory ~
It is with profound sadness that we share the news that Howard, loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle, passed away on Friday, December 1st, following a courageous battle with cancer. Howard is predeceased by his parents, William (Bill) and Jennie and his sisters, Peggie (Vern) Lafortune and Eva (Harry) Lehto. He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Joan; daughter Janet Bennett in Calgary and her daughters Brittany (Steve), Megan, Kelsey and Madison; daughter Nancy (Raymond) Haugen in Comox; and daughter Peggie Roth (Bill) in Vermilion and their children Kayla Kern (Jordan), grandchildren Thea and Oliver, Christina Da Rosa (Dre) and grandson Hugo in Beaumont, Logan Roth (Shelby) and their children Jillian and Jaclyn in Viking. Sister Rena also survives him in Victoria, along with numerous nieces and nephews in BC and Alberta.
Howard was born and raised in Edmonton, where he met the love of his life, Joan, at the swimming pool. They married at a young age and enjoyed 63 beautiful years together. Howard’s career was entirely with Northwestern Utilities. He started as a meter reader in Edmonton and finished in Red Deer 35 years later as the Supervisor for Customer Service and Agencies. Along the way, he learned all the facets of the natural gas service industry with postings to Evansburg, Sylvan Lake, Ponoka, Wetaskiwin, Edmonton, and Red Deer. He retired in Red Deer in 1992, but with only 80 days between blizzards that summer, they soon packed up and headed for Penticton, BC, to enjoy the milder climate and extended summers. Howard and Joan made Penticton their home for 25 years; for the last 15 of those years, they spent summers in Penticton and winters in Yuma, AZ. In 2018, they decided to become pampered retirees by moving into the Berwick Retirement Community in Comox. For the past five years, they have enjoyed Berwick life, where there are always many choices of activities and camaraderie. Enough cannot be said of the fabulously caring staff. Throughout the COVID pandemic, they felt safe and well cared for. At the Berwick, Howard rediscovered his love of pool and could be found playing pool with a group of friends most mornings after breakfast.
We want to thank the many care providers at Comox Valley Hospital; the loving care provided to Dad was inspirational; he loved to tease and was happiest when he was teased right back. Thank you to Dr. Brais, Dr. Eddie, Dr. Kisman and Dr. Reggler for their exceptional care over the past two years. We celebrate a life well lived. Kindness, helping someone with a project and spending time with family were the most important things for Howard. He was adamant that he did not want a service; however, we invite you to raise a toast, wherever you are, to this wonderful man who will be greatly missed.
We kindly ask that in lieu of flowers donations to the Comox Valley Hospital or Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated.
Condolences may be offered at
www.telfordtoneffboyd.ca
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