Obituary of Robert Norman Howell

It is with very heavy hearts that the sons and families of Bob Howell announce the passing on Monday evening, February 24th 2014 of their beloved father, Robert Norman HOWELL, age 89. Much beloved husband, for 53 years, of Dorothy Jean Howell (nee Wilkinson) deceased 2003; excellent father to his four sons, Christopher of London, Richard & wife Karen of Ingersoll, Keith & wife Brenda of London and Steven & wife Deanna of Woodstock. His grandchildren: Krista, Robert, Kayleigh, Jonathon (deceased 1992), Ryan (wife Libby), Avery and great-grandchildren: Alyssa, Aiden, Ashten, Ethan, Ella, plus one. ‘Uncle Bob’ to Marilyn Peaker and Jacqueline Garry. Survived by several Wilkinson brother in-laws and sister in-laws. Endearing uncle to many nieces & nephews. Bob was the last Howell of his generation, the 5th in Canada and the 7th in North America; preceeded by Percy, Jacob, Samuel, William, Samson & Hugh of Wales (b.1659). Predeceased by: his parents Percy James Gordon Howell (1979) and Irene Elizabeth Howell (nee Whitworth)(1968); siblings Marjorie Challis (2009) and Betty Bradley (1999); in-laws Don Bradley (1949), Albert Challis (2000), Al Garry (1992); Mary Thatcher (2001), Charlie Wilkinson (1988), Gladys Spindler (1994), William Wilkinson (1941), Thelma Cassar (2014) and Norma Wilkinson (2005). Special friendships: Aunt Ev Campbell, John Whitworth (2000), Norma Edmunds (2013), Les Fairbairn (2010). Bob was the only son and middle child, born in Stratford, raised in St. Marys. A Perth Regiment cadet and militiaman; he worked at Maxwells, and during WWII, as a volunteer, he served in the Canadian army in Canada, England, North Africa and Italy. He fought with The 48th Highlanders of Canada in Italy, from Ortona in the south to Rimini in the north. On September 6th 1944, while advancing through the Gothic Line, he became a Prisoner of War, and was taken to Stalag VIIA at Mooseburg Germany; freed in April 1945 after a forced march of 167 kilometres. Returning to Canada via England, he was then employed by the St. Marys PUC. In 1949, Bob came to London and was employed by the London Public Utilities Commission (now London Hydro) until he retired in 1983 after 35 years in the Hydro Line Department, with many years as a well respected Foreman. He met and married the love of his life, Dorothy, of London, formerly of Lucan, in 1951 and with great patience and understanding, happily raised four sons together. Bob was a St. Paul’s Lodge No.107 Mason, and member of Victory Branch Legion, LPUC 25 Year Retirees Club, POW Association of Canada (executive), 48th Highlanders of Canada Old Comrades Association, St. Paul’s Cathedral, St. David’s Church and later All Saints Anglican Church, and the Brotherhood of Anglican Churchmen. He always helped Dot with her many church, school, community, seniors, charity and POW activities and projects over the years. Bob was respected and loved by all … Dot, sons, family, relatives, and many Friends, co-workers and acquaintances. Like Dot, his love, he too will be dearly missed by all whom he touched in his life. He was an honest and generous man. In our memories and in our lives this wonderful man lives on. Friends will be received at the Evans Funeral Home, 648 Hamilton Road, on Wednesday 6-9 pm. Funeral service will be held in the Evans Chapel, on Thursday, February 27th, 2014, at 11:00 am. Interment at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens. Friends who wish may make memorial donations to the Arthritis Society or All Saints Building Fund. Online condolences can be expressed at www.evansfh.ca Services: Service Date Thursday, February 27, 2014 Service Time 11:00 a.m. Service Location Evans Funeral Home Visitation Wednesday, February 26, 2014 Visitation Time 6-9pm Visitation Location Evans Funeral Home Burial Date Thursday, February 27, 2014 Burial Location Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens Requested Charity Arthritis Society or All Saints Anglican Church Building Fund