Louis Henry Howard passed away peacefully on May 4, 2020 at the Perley and Rideau Veterans’ Health Centre in Ottawa at the age of 96, having spent his final days sharing happy moments with family and friends.
Lou loved life and lived it to the fullest. He will be remembered for his warmth, sense of humour, love of family and his “sparkle.” People were drawn to him by his positive energy and zest for living.
Born in Winnipeg Manitoba, of Icelandic heritage, he started his career in the Navy, reasoning that as a prairie boy he should venture out and explore the sea.
During his first year at the University of Manitoba, he was selected for officer training and at the age of 21 joined a convoy patrolling the North Atlantic. His ship, HMCS Sarnia, was involved in one of the final skirmishes in World War II, and was called upon to rescue the survivors of a sister ship Esquimalt on April 16, 1945. For his heroic actions he was decorated with a Mentioned in Dispatches (MID) medal.
In his later years, when he was frequently celebrated for his war efforts, he’d laughingly say, “I can’t believe I’d get so much mileage out of what I did when I was 21.”
Upon returning from the war, he completed his degree in Civil Engineering, and was hired by the Manitoba Highways Department. Concerned that he was spending too much time away from his young family, he later accepted a job with Prudential Insurance of America where he developed expertise in real estate appraisal, which ultimately led to his appointment as Chief Appraiser, Public Works Canada.
This expertise led him to executive positions with Treasury Board, Parks Canada and Transport Canada, plus overseas assignments to Turkmenistan and Hanoi, where he advised the United Nations on how best to privatize state owned real estate. During this time, he was also active in the Appraisal Institute of Canada, setting exams, giving lectures and co-authoring their official textbook.
Although his professional career is impressive, there’s much more to his story. Lou was an avid skier and swimmer, sang in a barbershop quartet, wrote stories for his grandchildren, and served as the President of Friends of Iceland Ottawa for many years, hosting Icelandic Ambassadors and housing Icelandic students who came to visit Canada.
He married his high school sweetheart, Marjorie Benson, and for 62 years they raised a family and explored the world together. After she passed away, he was lucky to find another soul mate, Hyacinthe Wade, who brought him love and joy, and a link to her warm, wonderful family.
Those holding happy memoires of Lou include his children Jo-Lynne (Peter) and Wayne (Teresia). His grandchildren Daryn (Rob), Daina (Aaron), Jamie (Dylan), Kerry (Len) and Shane. His great grandchildren Gus, Griffin, Odin and Reeve. His sisters Claire Taft (Harold) and Shirley Thompson. His nieces and nephews, and Hyacinthe’s family members.
A special thank you to the staff at the Perley Rideau who treated him with kindness and respect during his short stay there.
Friends and family will be invited to a Celebration of Life to be held at the National Military Cemetery at Beechwood Cemetery in Ottawa, to be announced at a later date.
Digital Guestbook
Gary Walsh
Elie Merheb
I met Lou a few months before he left us. Even within such a short period of time, I can only picture him with a big smile, a big heart and a sharp mind.
My heartfelt condolences goes to all his family and friends, especially those I've had the pleasure to meet Hyacinthe, Jo-Lynne and Peter and Jamie.
RIP Lou
Kerry, Len, Jelina and Colby Samletzki
Grandpa Howard (great-Grandpa Howard to Jelina and Colby) was a very special man. We have many fond memories of family ski trips (Siding 29 in Banff), visiting in Ottawa, swimming in his pool, going on many of his tours of Ottawa and area, and riding in his Chevy Impala. Our visits always included a "happy hour", a great meal, interesting conversations, and laughter. We enjoyed watching and hearing his stories about his backyard pets, the squirrels and birds, and the contraptions he designed to try to keep the squirrels from eating the bird food. Grandpa Howard was a strong leader with lots of charisma. He is an inspiration for how he lived his life, for examples, he loved: his family, spending time with family and friends, staying active by going to the gym and swimming, staying current with news and technology, offering advice, setting high standards and expectations for his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren (even screening tests for potential dates), education and learning, and "happy hours". "Cheers Grandpa, we are going to miss you!"
Brian Leadlay - FLDC Treasurer
I had the pleasure of sharing the same lunch table with Lou for many Fridays, as well as the FLDC Gala's. Sad to lose a fine gentleman and proud serviceman.
Rosemary O'Shaughnessy
All my memories of Lou involve his sparkle and warmth. His eyes smiled when he said hello. To be in his company was to feel the warmth of his welcome. His wonderful story telling painted pictures of delightful escapades and involved his listeners completely. He became an essential part of our Early Birds group preparing for activities before NAC children's concerts and later our regular get togethers in the last few years. His gentle humour and yes, his warm sparkling eyes will be truly missed. Thank you for the smiles.
Janis and Michael Perkin
We met Lou when Hyacinthe brought him to the early bird set up crew for the NAC Children’s concerts. It was best friends st first sight. We will remember all he stories and heartfelt hugs Telling stories about Iceland And then being able to bring him back some Brennivin ( Icelandic Vodka) is a memory we will keep forever Skál Zhou
Phyllis and David Sheets
After reading all the comments a bout Lou I can only agree with all of the memories, and Lou’s remarkable life! Lou was a true gentleman, and made my Aunty Hy very happy. Rest In Peace Lou.
Tim Addison
Lou was indeed a very special person who served our country with distinction both as a young officer in the RCN and later in life. His efforts to get the real story behind the sinking of HMCS Esquimalt out in the open were outstanding. I always enjoyed chatting with Lou and Hyacinthe at our Naval Association Battle of the Atlantic Dinners over the past few years. My sincere condolences to his family. Lou, we have the Watch. RIP.
Jim Coke
A dear friend and companion. Our lives crossed in so many ways at both work and in many different groups after retirement. You are being greatly missed.
Peggy Weir
We will always miss Lou. His presence always added enjoyment to any gathering. Condolences to the family. Peggy and Les Weir.
To the family of Lou Howard. On behalf of the members of The Crow's Nest Officers' Club (St. John's, NL) I wish to offer our deepest sympathy. I had the pleasure of meeting Lou in 2017 when he visited St. John's for the 75th Anniversary celebrations of the founding of the Club during WWII. He spoke so eloquently at the banquet dinner and related a few of his experiences serving in the Royal Canadian Navy during those dark days. He donated a pendant of the HMCS Sarnia on which he served and is now proudly displayed at the Club. At the banquet Lou was made an Honorary Lifetime Member of The Crow's Nest for his participation in the Battle of the Atlantic and for his dedicated service to Canada. A true hero and gentleman an an inspiration to us all. May He Rest in Peace.
Gary Walsh, President - The Crow's Nest Officers' Club, St. John's, NL