Harry Jacob Howald

Died: February 2, 2011 | Place: London

Obituary

HOWALD, Harry Jacob…..

Always remembered for his integrity and compassionate leadership, Harry died peacefully in London with his best friend and loving wife of 56 years, Elma, by his side on Wednesday, February 2, 2011. Harry was in his 82nd year. Loving Dad and Grandpa of Kate and Nick Head of Dunnville, Jacob Head and Billie Racicot, Dr. Liseann and Adrian Milford; Bob and Joan Howald of Mississauga, Caitlin, Kimberly and Jacquie; Brian and Kelly Howald of Hammonds Plains, Nova Scotia, Alyssa and Shannon; John and Julie Howald of Scarborough, Brendan and Laura. Dear brother of Doris Gibson and brother-in-law of Maurice Cowen both of Listowel. Also missed by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Predeceased by his parents Herbert and Margaret Howald, brothers Carl and Earl, sisters Louise and Edith, and brothers-in-law Ross Gibson and Keith Waldie. Also predeceased by Elma’s parents Alan and Ena McKessock. Harry was an educator, and a graduate of Stratford Normal School, University of Western Ontario and University of Toronto. He taught in Middlesex County, Ingersoll and St. Catharines and was Superintendent of Schools in Haldimand County from 1969 to 1984. He was a Board Chair of Grace United Church, Dunnville and Riverside United Church, London. He was an active volunteer and a President of Middlesex Kiwanis Club and a Past Lieutenant Governor of Division 5W of Kiwanis International. Harry enjoyed his gardening, woodworking, camping, golfing and curling. Elma and her family wish to thank the staff of Mount Hope LTC for their exceptional care of Harry for the past 5 1/2 years. Friends will be received by the family from 2-4 and 7-9 pm on Friday, February 4, 2011 at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London, where the funeral service will be conducted in the chapel on Saturday, February 5, 2011 at 1 pm, with Reverend Philip Newman officiating. Cremation with spring inurnment in Zion 7th Line Cemetery, Thames Centre. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to: Middlesex Kiwanis Bequest and Endowment Fund, 78 Riverside Drive, London ON N6H 1B4; Riverside United Church – Memorial Fund, 451 Dunedin Drive, London ON N6H 3G9; or Alzheimer Society – Research, 20 Eglinton Avenue West, 16th Floor, Toronto, ON M4R 1K8. Online condolences accepted at www.amgfh.com

18 Comments

  1. Grant Walsh February 3, 2011 at 5:45 pm

    Dear Bob, Joan and family.
    I am so sorry for your loss.
    My Mother was afflicted with this terrible disease so I have some sense of the suffering of your family both past and present.
    My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of sorrow. May you be strengthened by God’s strong hand.
    Grant

  2. John February 3, 2011 at 7:01 pm

    I miss you, but I know you are in a much better place. You gave me guidance, leadership and love while mentoring me to be a good father like you. Thanks, Dad

  3. Bob and Betty Sorge February 3, 2011 at 10:20 pm

    Mr. Howald was our Superintendent when we taught and we loved working for him. He was such a loving, caring supervisor. A very special person.
    We will always remember him fondly.

  4. Fred & Bernice Disher February 4, 2011 at 8:59 am

    Bernice & I will always remember the years we worked with Harry at the Haldimand Board. He was a pioneer in special education and developed a program that was second to none. To follow him as Superintendent meant I had big shoes to try to fill. Harry’s motive was always to do what was best for children. We are grateful for the example he set.
    His positive influence is also evident in the fine family he and Elma raised.
    Our thoughts are with you even though we cannot come to London for the service.

  5. Bev Golding February 4, 2011 at 9:02 am

    Bob and Family – Very sorry to hear about your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you.

    Bev

  6. Ron and Mary Johnson and family February 4, 2011 at 11:22 am

    Elma and your entire family:

    We were all deeply saddened to hear of Harry’s passing. What a wonderful patriarch to your family. We remember Harry’s wonderful smile and his esteemed wisdom. His gentle manner and sincere interest in everyone has certainly had an effect on all of us. Elma, take comfort in knowing that we feel that these attributes have been manifested in his children and their children. We shall miss him.

  7. The Vair family February 4, 2011 at 11:23 am

    To John and family, So sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts are with you.
    Dave, Hilda and Colin

  8. Sharon and Ron Craven February 4, 2011 at 5:09 pm

    Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time Kate. I truly send to you and your mom all my love and my heart felt sadness at the loss of a husband, father, grandfather,and special person. Mr Howald was my superintendent for the Haldmand Board. He personally gave me my permanent contract. Mr Howald reached out to shake my hand but I was so excited, I gave him a big hug instead. Thank goodness he graciously accepted the gesture, smiled,and left. He likely wondered what I would do next! Mr Howald was always supportive. He never left a concern, I had over my students, unanswered. I will always remember your dads kindness to me, his encouraging words when I needed them, and his beautiful smile which made his eyes twinkle. He was a deeply caring, articulate professional gentleman with integrity, honesty, and wisdom(with a little bit of humour mixed in).
    Love,
    Sharon and Ron

  9. Ruth and Ed Tufts February 4, 2011 at 5:15 pm

    It is with sadness we learn of Harry’s death.We always appreciated the opportunities to visit with Harry and Elma at the Square Dance events.Our thoughts and prayers are with Elma and family.Memories of happy times will strengthen you at this time of sorrow is our prayer.

  10. Jeff & Karin Allan February 4, 2011 at 6:46 pm

    Brian, John, Bob, Kate and of course Mom. Our sincere condolences on the passing of your Dad. I have several years of fond memories from the Diltz Road in Dunnville farm your made your home for many years. Your Dad was always busy working away on his hobby farm, grapes, horse and all the chores that went along with it. He was always so proud of his wonderful family. What a great man! Our thoughts are with your entire family.
    Best regards,
    Jeff, Karin & Family.
    Aurora ON

  11. John & Nancy Patterson February 5, 2011 at 9:44 am

    Dear Elma Howald & family
    How well we remember Harry and his work in education and especially his many contributions to and leadership in Kiwanis! We also cherish those Kiwanis conventions where we met and recounted the long-time friendship you both had with our parents, Ralph and Louise Lashbrook. We extend our sympathy to you Elma and your family in the loss of a husband, father and grandfather. John is currently Lieutenant Governor Elect of Kiwanis Division 5.
    Affectionately,
    John and Nancy Patterson

  12. Harry Fisher February 5, 2011 at 11:32 am

    I have just read Harry’s obituary in The Globe.My sincerest sympathy Elma to you and the family.A lot of Harry’s friends and colleagues from the past will be thinking today about some great times we shared.Harry was truly one of the good guys I have been blessed to know…

  13. Carolyn and Nancy February 5, 2011 at 12:30 pm

    Elma,
    We were always grateful for the help you gave to our mother in her time of need.We are sorry for your loss of Harry and we think of you often.Please take care of yourself.The family of the late Estelle Morley (Jan.20th,2010).
    Carolyn and Nancy

  14. Linda and Andrew Head February 5, 2011 at 8:40 pm

    Our heartfelt condolences to family.

  15. Rev. Ken & Mieke Gazley February 7, 2011 at 6:56 pm

    We have many fond memories of Mr. Howald. As Superintendent of Education, he occasionally would visit my classroom and always spent a considerable amount of time with the students. On one such occasion, I was introducing the metric system to a group of grade 6 students. The students brought frogs to school and we had a ‘frog jumping contest’ at the track and field pit. I will never forget Mr. Howald, (complete with suit and tie) on his hands and knees helping the students measure the distance their frog had jumped. This shows the true heart of the educator.
    Our sympathy and prayers for comfort are sent to the entire family at this time. May you gain comfort from our Heavenly Father through your time of grief.

  16. Rick Stanley February 9, 2011 at 2:07 pm

    Remember when Harry started under Jake Fransen and quickly learned the ropes. I respected and admired his judgement and thoroughly enjoyed working under him.

  17. Richard Pardoe February 10, 2011 at 9:30 am

    Harry interviewed and hired me at the beginning of my career. He was an advocate for education, especially for children with special needs and was instrumental in developing a special education program in Haldimand that was second to none in the province. He truly cared about children and those who taught them. Harry visited my classroom (for children with behavioural difficulties) frequently and was always supportive of me and understanding of the students and of their backgrounds. Harry was a man I greatly respected and on whom I knew I could count on whenever needed. He is remembered and missed.

  18. Ted & Joy Fretz February 10, 2011 at 11:35 am

    Dear Elma and family:
    Hello from St. Catharines. Word arrived that Harry is now at rest. So many memories and experiences shared with Harry and with you Elma. Harry has left his legacy, no doubt as he wanted it.
    Please know that we have thought of you often and especially at this time.
    On our journeys we do and must regroup and continue on. May you do so in strength.
    Our best to all in your family who are sharing deeply at this time.
    In sympathy,
    Ted & Joy Fretz

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