In 1939 he enlisted in the RCAF, first flying in Ferry Command, then being seconded to the RAF in England. He became one of the original members of the 407 Squadron as a navigator/gunner, where he was promoted to Flt/Lt. After flying 38 missions over enemy territory he was sent back to Canada and left the air force at the end of the war. In 1945 he married Marion Hick and together they had two children, son Ronald and daughter Donna. During this time he became a CPA and later a CMA.
The family lived first in Quebec, then Ontario. Howard travelled extensively for his work, and made many friends along the way. He was interested in nature, duck hunting, sports fishing, curling, gardening, people and anything else that crossed his path. Following his retirement he and Marion moved back to Pincher Creek, where they lived for 10 years before moving to Victoria. For awhile they continued to winter in Florida where for several years they owned a condo. After 57 happy years together, Marion died in 2002. In 2006 he married Peggy, whom he met at the bridge table. For the next eleven years they enjoyed life together, travelling, socializing and gardening. Howard spent many hours volunteering, most notably with Ducks Unlimited in Alberta and Goldstream Salmon Enhancement in Victoria. His health having been declining for some time, in 2018 Howard became a resident at Broadmead Care Centre, which is where he died.
Howard was one of those rare individuals who was liked by everyone who met him and dearly loved by those close to him. He was predeceased by his parents, son Ron, brother Stewart and sister Bessie Archibald. Surviving him are his devoted wife Peggy, daughter Donna and son-in-law Steve Allaire, cousin Jeannine Johnson, nieces and one nephew, a great-niece and a great-nephew. Special thanks to Gemma Hall for her dedicated care for Howard, to nurse Gail and care givers at Broadmead, and to Dr. Gunton. Due to the unprecedented circumstances that prevail, we will postpone a celebration of Howard’s life until it is safe to do so.
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