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
Julie Gallie and Timm Hughes
Jamie Sutherland
Grampa was a remarkable man and he was loved by so many. He really did sparkle, with his positivity and zest for life. I have so many wonderful memories of our time together, which I will cherish always.
Judith Hoye
On behalf of the Friends of Iceland. I extend my sincere condolences to Hyacinthe and their families on Lou's passing . He was a dynamic force throughout his life. a strong Icelandic Canadian and a loving cousin (to me -- a fourth cousin, a "kissing cousin" he always said. He will be missed.
Paul Glanville
Cheers to you Uncle!
Greg Dwyer
I met Lou through my father Liam Dwyer at our cottage in Muskoka and at a couple of their many Navy reunions he was a wonderful man and my father spoke highly about him.
Greg Dwyer
Stephanie Benson
I have memories dating back to the early 1960's of visiting Aunty Marjorie & Uncle Lou in Alberta with occasional visits in Winnipeg and Ottawa. Uncle Lou was an entertainer with gift of gab & laughter, showing old movies and playing the harmonica. My sincere condolences to my cousins Jo-Lynne & Wayne / families and also to Hyacinth.
Bjarki Hallgrimsson
Lou was a lovely man. Larger than life and we always felt and much enjoyed his presence at the Friends of Iceland events. Our sincere condolences to his family and he will be missed by so many.
Peter Paul
I will always remember Lou from monthly lunches my father attended with the Rusty Iron Ring group in Ottawa -- engineers who had worked together at Public Works Canada years ago. Dad and Lou were both in their nineties when I got involved as a driver.
Their conversations covered current news topics, as well as some favourite memories. There was never any shortage of strong opinions, or laughter, and I usually learned something. Lou was in his element as a story-teller, and co-ordinator of the group. He was kind enough to invite me to join in, although I was not an engineer, and a generation younger.
Gord Jenkins
Lou was one of "life's characters" and a true friend of Jan and myself. You will truly be missed Lou
Ian Bevell
Lou was a very special person and Friend.
We spent many an evening where he would often pass on advice and tell jokes whilst enjoying a wee dram of the "Water of Life."
One of the last things I was able to do for him when he was still able to come to church was to persuade the Icelandic composer Sigurdur Saevarsson to let me perform the Organ Work "Heaven's Maker" (Himna Smidur) whilst its was still an unpublished work. It's based on an ancient Icelandic hymn. Needless to say, he enjoyed every minute of it!
Heaven, is now a richer place thanks to Lou.
What a wonderful man, always ready to share his smile and a story. He welcomed everyone into his life with open arms.