August 19, 1919 – July 3, 2018

“You gotta laugh everyday.”

Percy William (Bill) Howard passed peacefully with family at the Marjorie Willoughby Hospice in Kamloops B.C. on Tuesday July 3, 2018.

He is survived by his children: Elizabeth Loucks, Donna Mabbett, Bill Howard, Gordon Howard, Leslie Cloutier, Patricia Vanier, and Darin Howard. His grandchildren: Debbie Paquette, Heather Norton, Susan Dakers, Karen Murenbeeld, Will Mabbett, Angel Mabbett, Steven Howard, Julie Cloutier, Nathalie Cloutier, John Vanier, Dustin Vanier, Evangeline Vanier, Davy Vanier, Anastasia Vanier, Renée Howard, Adrien Howard, Nico Howard, and Logan Howard. He is also survived by numerous great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. Percy was pre-deceased by his first wife of 67 years, Jean Howard (Nee Moore) and his second wife of 7 years, Viola Buck (Nee Gally). He is also pre-ceded in passing by his siblings Reginald Howard, Doris Nordell, Eric Howard, Cyril Howard, Jim Howard, Robert Howard and grandson George Peters. Percy was born on August 19, 1919 in North Battleford, Saskatchewan to William Howard and Nora Howard (Nee Bennet). He married Lillian Jean Howard, prior to being sent overseas for WWII in 1940. He was a proud member of the Regina Rifles, driving transport. He can be seen in interviews in the award winning Canadian Docu-Drama Storming Juno and the documentary “War Story.” After surviving the landing on Juno beach on D-Day and pushing through to liberate Holland, Percy returned home after the war to his wife and eventually settled in the Lower Mainland of BC. Percy and Jean worked a small farm before starting his career with the Corrections Services. They adopted 7 children over the years and fostering over 3 dozen more. They moved their family to Kamloops BC in 1963 where he continued with the BC Corrections Services until his retirement in 1979. His post retirement job was as caretaker of Sunnybrae Bible camp. After losing his wife, Jean, he was lucky in love again, remarrying Viola, a lifelong friend, at age 90. While his wives’ needs found him living in a senior’s home briefly, he remained living independently until his passing. Percy was accomplished at puttering around, thinking grand ideas and loving his family. He was a fun-loving prankster, a generous, gentle man and enjoyed life to the max. When asked by so many people who met him, and were impressed by his longevity, what his secret was, he said, “You have to laugh everyday and love your family”. You could often find him enjoying a Root Beer float or shucking corn for a favourite meal. His candy dishes were filled regularly and friends were welcome to visit anytime. Despite being a Corrections Warden, his soft spoken manner always hit the target with wise counsel. He was an avid traveller with both his wives. He felt it was important for his children to understand the history of his wartime experiences and brought them on a special D-Day tour, which they fondly remember. His love extended to furry friends including dogs, horses and his pigs, “Hammy and Salami.” He was an active and devout member of the First Baptist Church for 55 years. In 2014, Percy received the National Order of Honourary Legion from the President of the French Republic. A funeral is scheduled for 1pm Sunday July 8, 2018 at First Baptist Church 454 Columbia St, Kamloops BC. with a reception to follow at 330pm at the same church. Pastor Allen Hern will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Percy’s life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Giddeon Society (www.gideons.ca/donate). Condolences can be sent to www.schoeningfuneralservice.com The family would like to thank Dr. Cribb and all the wonderful staff at her office, Labs, Nurse Next Door and other nursing staff who filled his appointments and last days with joy.

 

• Date : 2018-07-03
• Location : Kamloops, B.C.