February 21, 1927 - June 2, 2021
Howard passed away peacefully surrounded by family at the Melville Hospice.
Howard was predeceased by wife Joyce, brothers Stan and Ron, and sons Ross and Bruce.
He is survived by his wife Ellen, his four daughters, Nora (Bill), Karen, Ellen (Henry), Tracy (Bill) and son Brian, nieces and nephews and Ellen's children, Lynne, Kay, Tom (Stefano), and Kim (Eric), Sinclair.
Howard was a proud Papa to nine grandchildren, John, David (Kali), Warren (Lisa), Colin (Rachel), Graham, Robyn, Jeffrey, Elena and Giacomo and two great grandchildren, Jack and Lily. A third great grandchild, who will be named Kennett, will arrive this summer.
Howard was born in Rush Lake Saskatchewan, son of Frank and Mary Louise Kennett. The family soon moved to Fillmore and then Lemburg. When Howard's father retired, the family moved to Toronto for a year to live with his maternal grandmother, Janet Foreman. While there he attended Bloor Street Collegiate. The next move was to Vancouver where Howard went to UBC and graduated with a Bachelor of Education.
Howard met his first wife Joyce while she was studying nursing at Vancouver General Hospital. They married in Vancouver in December of 1952 and moved to White Rock. They raised their family while Howard taught and Joyce nursed. They were both very active in the White Rock community. Joyce passed away in 1994. Howard and Ellen (Sinclair) were then married and shared 26 loving years together.
In 1951 Howard began his 35 year career with the Surrey School District. He taught and was a Principal in many schools in the district. The last two years of his career were spent in the role of Principal of the "old" Semiahmoo in White Rock. As a true educator he was respected by students and colleagues alike.
Howard was very involved in the community: past president of the White Rock Junior Chamber of Commerce; Director of the White Rock Sea Festival Society; Director of the Peace Arch Curling Club; Director of the Peace Arch Concert Band; Member of the Foster Parents Association; Junior Hockey Coach and Junior Soccer Coach; Seniors Come Share Society for 31 years, 10 years as chairperson; a member of the First United Church for over 50 years; White Rock School Trustee on Board of Trustees SD 36 (Surrey) 1987-90; Member of the Board of Variance for the City of White Rock; and treasurer of the Peninsula Arts foundation.
Howard's children remember him as a kind, loving, generous father always ready to help when needed. They remember how he spent many hours patiently towing them as they learned to waterski at the family cabin on Shuswap Lake. Billy Goat Hill, the family cabin, gave and still gives so much pleasure to Howard's large family.
Howard was a good athlete. He played hockey, curled and was a competent slalom skier. Howie, as he was known to his friends, has been a Maple Leafs fan since he was a young lad, listening to the games on the radio, and was always hopeful they would win the Stanley Cup again - drat, he was so hopeful this year.
For over thirty years he enjoyed the Wednesday lunches at various Legions and pubs with retired friends. While enjoying a beer and lunch they solved the world's problems.
Howard and Ellen helped raise money for the Peace Arch Hospital Foundation. Therefore in lieu of flowers, donations to the Peace Arch Hospital Foundation, 15521 Russell Avenue, White Rock BC, V4B 5M2 would be appreciated. (www.pahfoundation.ca)
We are thankful for the excellent care given to Howard at the Melville Hospice. Also, we would like to thank Dr. Perold for his care and kindness over the years.
At Howard's request, there will be no service. His family will hold a private ceremony at the family cabin at Eagle Bay.