HOWARD THIBAULT

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HOWARD THIBAULT

After a short illness, it is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Howard Phillip Thibault on March 25, 2023, at the St. Boniface Hospital in Winnipeg.
Howard is survived by daughter Andrea Thibault (Todd); grandson Noel; sister Janice Paulovich; sisters-in-law, Margaret Mehrer (Melvin) and Wendy Abramson (Randy); numerous nieces and nephews and extended family in both Canada and Scotland. He was predeceased by his wife and soul mate of 45 years Valerie; his brother-in-law John; and his parents André and Phyllis Thibault.
Howard was born in Manning, Alberta in 1948 and raised on the family farm in Deadwood. Howard spoke fondly of his childhood and remembered his home as a place filled with love and kindness. In 1965, he moved to Calgary where he completed his final year of high school and subsequently attended university. In 1970, he graduated from the University of Calgary with a Bachelor degree in Physical Education.
In 1968, Howard met the love of his life, Valerie Johnstone. They were married two and a half years later, after Howard joined the Royal Canadian Air Force. Together, they embarked on an adventure that afforded them the opportunity to live all over Canada, from Nova Scotia to Vancouver Island. They were a wonderful team and enjoyed building warm friendships across the country that would last a lifetime.
Howard became a father to Andrea in 1977 and embraced that role with much enthusiasm. When Andrea was first born, Howard did it all from diaper changes to late night bottle feedings. As Andrea got older, Howard enjoyed helping her with schoolwork and emphasized the importance of education and continuous learning. He encouraged Andrea throughout her life with unconditional love and a firm belief in her abilities. He was so incredibly proud of her.
In 1992, the family moved to Washington, DC where Howard spent four exciting years representing Canada at the Canadian Embassy as an Air Attaché. Howard was keenly interested in politics and diplomacy and was never shy about offering a thoughtful perspective on policy, local and global affairs.
After 34 years of service in the Canadian Forces, Howard and Val retired, with their last move to Winnipeg to be close to Andrea. For several years, Howard and Val travelled across the globe, visiting the UK, Europe, Mexico and Northern Africa.
In 2012, Howard and Val welcomed grandson Noel into the world. From their early outings to Fort Whyte Centre and the Zoo, to the year he and Val looked after Noel when Andrea returned to work, to his weekly visits, Howard cherished his time as “Grandpa Thibault”.
Throughout his life, Howard lived a life dedicated to family, service and community. He became an integral part of the extended McNeill family and always remained active – enjoying weekly curling games, volunteering at the Assiniboine Park Zoo and cultivating many friendships.
A Memorial Service to celebrate Howard’s life will be held on Saturday, April 15, 2023, at 11:00 a.m., at the Neil Bardal Funeral Centre, 3030 Notre Dame Avenue.
Howard and his family would like to thank the doctors and nurses on the 6th Floor at St. Boniface Hospital for their amazing care and support.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Animal Care at Assiniboine Park Conservancy in Howard’s name. The link to donate to animal care is:
www.assiniboinepark.ca/support/donate/animalcareweb

Condolences may be sent to www.neilbardalfuneralhome.com

NEIL BARDAL
FUNERAL CENTRE
204-949-2200
neilbardalinc.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 08, 2023