RICHARD DONALD HOWARD

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RICHARD DONALD HOWARD July 9, 1930 - June 17, 2013 The Howard family is honoured to share the remarkable journey of an extraordinary man: a great visionary, leader and champion for the underdog. Rick always enjoyed the birds' daybreak serenade. On his final day it was a gorgeous sunny morning with the birds singing to usher Rick to his maker with wife Evelyn (nee McPherson) and daughters Kerryleegh and Lisa by his side... Blessed with two awesome sons-in-law, Doug Hildebrandt (Kerryleegh) and Harry Klaus and two granddaughters, Hillary and Chloe Rosentreter (Lisa), his four-legged grand-pups Jordie and Ruby, he will also be missed by his sister Anne Willis and family, brother-in-law James McPherson and family, sister-in-law Barbara McGregor and family. Dad always had a current or past event to share with all. To call him an "avid conversationalist" would be an understatement. Keeping his family up-to-date with the latest news from the Winnipeg Free Press was a daily ritual. He would send us clippings of whatever he felt or knew was important to our lives or our neighbourhoods. Among his wise words of wisdom he'd say "be sure the hat you wear doesn't have more character than you do." Well Dad, you wore your hats with class! Dad had many adventures that involved the environment and his community. He has helped many people and groups with their causes within his lifetime. To list a few of his passions he gave tirelessly to the Volunteer income tax program, Citizens on Patrol in Beausejour and Lac du Bonnet, Garrison Diversion Project, and received an official invitation for his involvement in The National Canadian Air Force Memorial, dedicated by the Duke of Gloucester at The National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, England on July 8, 2011. Born in Hamilton, Ontario, Rick moved with his family to Winnipeg in his teen years. After high school Rick worked to put himself through school. In 1952 he got his certificate in Business Administration from Alexander Hamilton Institute, graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Manitoba Faculty Of Law in 1956 and continued in 1957 in the Masters of Law Program. He served as a Flight Lieutenant in the Royal Canadian Air Force Reserve from 1948 until 1960. He received his 50-year pin from the Royal Canadian Legion Beausejour Branch #132 in 2011. Upon receiving his law degree he moved to Carman, MB to start his own law practice, married Evelyn in 1959 and began their family. Having a house full of females (including dogs), he was surrounded by his harem. In 1972 he completed 16 years of active business operations allied with a small law practice as well as consulting on property and business development and took his expertise into regional development settling the family in Seddon's Corner, MB. In his semi-retirement he performed guard duty for the R.C.M.P. and retired to Winnipeg in 2006. The HOWARD family would like to continue his legacy by declining flowers and encouraging you to donate in Rick's memory to RCL Beausejour Legion Branch #132 204-268-1549 or Assiniboine Park Conservancy 204-927-8080 "Journey to Churchill" for Hudson's new home. Thanks to Dr. Darcy Johnson, the paramedics, the Concordia Hospital staff and Libby and staff at Sobering's. A part of me, he took with him, but his love he left me to keep, So we will never really be parted. The bond between us is too deep. Love always Ev. We love you and are blessed with our memories, now you are in God's hands. Cremation has taken place and a private service held. SOBERING FUNERAL CHAPEL & CREMATORIUM, Beausejour 268-3510 or MB Toll Free 1-877-776-2220 www.soberingfuneralchapel.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 29, 2013