DELORIE WESSELS HOWELL

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DELORIE WESSELS HOWELL With regret we announce the passing of our father Del Howell after a long illness, on Monday, November 10, 2008 at the Bayside Personal Care Home in Killarney, Manitoba. He was predeceased by his parents, James and Eva Howell, and his dear wife Betty. Del was born on a farm near Roland, MB June 6, 1925, the eldest of three children. The family moved to Baldur in 1936 and Del completed school there. Growing up in a rural setting provided Del with an independent nature derived from having to make do , and a love of the outdoors, sports and music. On turning 18 in 1943 Del enlisted in the army. He completed training and was twice sent on embarkation leave prior to shipping out for Europe and Japan, but in both cases hostilities ceased just before departure. However his experience in training in the army and a series of coincidences led him to a job teaching high school in Ninette immediately after the war. The pursuit of a career as an educator shaped the rest of Del's life as it led him to meet his wife Betty, and countless friends across southern Manitoba. As teacher, principal and administrator Dad led our family from Elva to Goodlands, Wawanesa, Pierson, Brandon and Killarney. At each location he participated actively in community groups, coached sports teams and made strong friends. Four sons and their assortment of cars and motorcycles provided Dad with plenty of opportunities to exercise the ability to understand and repair machinery that he first developed on the farm as a boy. He proudly carried a reputation of being able to fix anything mechanical or electrical. Following retirement from teaching, Del (and Betty) enjoyed life in Killarney with opportunities for golf, fishing and shooting, as well as opportunities to travel across Canada and to Europe visiting family and sons now widely spread. Eventually a long string of winters in Phoenix, Arizona provided a new set of friends and pleasures. Del will be lovingly remembered by his sons, Bob (Diane) of Kentville, NS, Gary (Debbie) of Victoria, BC, Tim (Kim) of Virden, MB and Don (Karen) of Nanaimo, BC; as well as his grandchildren, Jeffrey Howell (Becca), Nathan Howell, Roslyn and Byron Howell, Kelsey, Brett, Carmen and Cassidy Howell; and great-granddaughter Julia Howell (daughter of Jeffrey and Becca). He is also survived by his sister Dona (Jack) McLeod of Brandon, MB and brother Lyle (Pat) of Lively, ON. The funeral was held November 15 at the Killarney United Church, with Rev. Cole Grambo presiding. Pallbearers were grandsons, Nathan, Byron and Brett Howell; nephews, Neil and Don McLeod; friend Lawrence Smith. Honorary Russell Finnen and George Dow. In Del's memory, donations may be made to the Killarney United Church Building Fund, or to a charity of your choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 13, 2008