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
Martha and Rob Johnstone
Fred and Bea Alt
I always felt that he was my god father - he took care of all of us requiring a “note from parents” when we missed too many workouts. I will miss our locker room chats and lessons on life. You will be missed but your humour and wisdom will be with me always. Fred
Lou was so proud of his Icelandic heritage. I remember how amazed and jealous I was when he returned from participating in the Reykjavik Marathon; an example of the absolutely indomitable spirit that he brought to the Gym everyday (even when someone parked in his spot or occupied his locker). The gym will not be the same without him but his memory will keep us on track. Bea
Our sincere condolences to Hyacinthe who was always by Lou’s side at the gym and to Lou’s extended family who we met through the many always glowing stories that made our workouts more interesting. Bea, Fred, Christina and Hunter
Margaret Morris
It was an absolute please to meet Lou and Hyacinthe at the Crow's Nest Officers' Club a few years ago. We were delighted when both returned to St. John's for the Club's 75th anniversary in 2017. Lou was a fabulous speaker and had the 115 people in attendance captivated and he related stories from HMCS Sarnia. Deepest sympathy to Hyacinthe and all of Lou's family.
John Latham and Sue Atkinson
What an impressive career and long life! We never met but can now see were Jo-Lynne gets her good looks :-) Our condolescences to the extended families.
Alison Rayner
I knew Lou for a relatively short time, but found him such an interesting man. He was always interesting and interested. He became a keen follower of our Centralaires concerts and usually had an honest critique. He was young at heart, but loved to reminisce about the life he had led. We have missed him at the (RA) gym and I can't help but feel he must now be entertaining many souls in heaven. God speed, Lou.
Daina
Grampa sparkled all day every day! He told the best stories, gave the greatest hugs, and loved with all his heart. I have so many wonderful memories, which I will cherish forever. Miss you Gramps! ❤️little d
Aline and Sigurdur Sigurdson
The world has lost someone very special. Not only was Lou an officer and a gentleman, he was always so happy and very pleasant. We always appreciated his involvement at the Friends of Iceland events. We send our deepest sympathy to Hyacinth and family.
Frances and Michael Dawson
We met Lou through Hyacinthe and will always treasure the times we spent with him: his stories, zest for life and generous spirit. He was a generous host to our grandchildren who liked him as a person (in addition to his pool). Lou, you are an inspiration; a life well lived.
Phil Donnelly
Lou and I shared more than 20 years working in separate, but closely related, parts of Public Works Canada. Several years after our retirements, we met again and began enjoying our monthly lunch reunions at Cafe 1274 on Carling Avenue in Ottawa in company with a small group of friends from years gone by. Lou's good nature, consideration for others, and always positive attitude helped us all to raise our sights. He earned the respect of all. Condolences to Hyacinthe and to all of Lou's family.
Gerry Taft
Uncle Lou, was always been so special to me. He was warm, generous, compassionate, funny and caring. He was a good man. I will never forget how much I learned from him and how lucky I was to call him my friend. He led a great life with many friends and a lot of joy. He touched a lot of people with his kindness and thoughtfulness. A life well lived.
Knowing Lou made our world a richer, more interesting place. There was more laughter and more kindness thanks to him. Lou has given us all an example of how to live a good life. For his example, his enthusiasm and his love for all of us who had the privilege to know him we are forever grateful.