GEORGE HOWARD ENGLISH

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

GEORGE HOWARD ENGLISH

Peacefully on April 15, 2021, George Howard English lost his short battle with cancer.
Howard will be missed and lovingly remembered by his wife Joan English and her children, Dave (Joanne) and Katherine (Thadious), his sister Lynn and her children, Melanie (Derek) and Ben (Nadia), grandchildren, Bryan, Samantha, Alexandria and Kyla, great-niece Natacha, and many cousins in Canada and England.
Howard was predeceased by his parents, George and Nancy, as well as his sister Pamela.
Howard was born in Winnipeg in 1947. At three years of age, Howard moved to England with his mom and sister as their home was being renovated due to damage sustained in the flood of 1950. When his mom decided to stay, his dad sold their home in Winnipeg and joined the family in England.
As a young lad in England, Howard was up at the crack of dawn to deliver newspapers. His favourite hobby was trainspotting with his best pal Michael.
At age 15, Howard joined the Royal Navy and when his parents decided to separate Howard and his sister Lynn moved back to Canada with their dad.
Howard attended Glenlawn Collegiate in St. Vital. Following his graduation he worked for MTS and then resumed his military career by joining the Canadian Forces in 1973. Howard was extremely proud of his service for Canada and he travelled the world. His postings included Lahr, Germany living there for five years; time in the Middle East including Jerusalem and Egypt; various Canadian bases and he was even stationed up in CFS Alert. Howard was involved in military sports having managed the two-time Canadian Forces champion CFB Ottawa Falcons as well as refereeing military soccer. During the 1976 Olympics Howard was proud to have been chosen as a driver for Prince Philip.
After retiring from the military Howard kept busy with various jobs including managing the business of Western Diazo with his cousin Jim, as well as stints with the Commissionaires, Home Depot and auditing for Husky Oil. He also volunteered as a Big Brother as well as with the Winnipeg Jets and Blue Bombers. Sports were important to Howard and he loved to watch the Blue Jays and was an ardent supporter and follower of Nottingham Forest Football Club. So much so, that for years his license place read only "NFFC".
Howard served on the vestry at Holy Trinity Anglican Church and he and Joan taught Sunday school together. Howard made time to drive cancer patients to and from appointments in the Masons' transportation van and he and Joan delivered Meals on Wheels. He also enjoyed playing bridge. In the last couple of years, Howard worked with Diabetes Action Canada to give back and help those that, like him, lived with diabetes.
Howard liked to say that he was a committed 40-year old bachelor until he found his soulmate when his sister introduced him to Joan. Howard referred to Joan (or Joanie) as his "Pumpkin" and his best friend and confidante. They were married in 1989 at which time he inherited a new family. He thereafter became known as Papa How and relished the role of a beloved grandfather. Joan and Howard loved to travel, making several trips to England, Scotland and Ireland as well as Hawaii and other destinations. Howard's favourite trips ended up being river cruises in Europe.
The family would like to thank Parusia Purohit and Chris Mendoza for their support, guidance and compassion as well as the staff on GA4 at Health Sciences Centre and also want to thank all healthcare providers for what they do, especially in these trying times. Many thanks to Joanne who was there from the beginning to help; whether it was driving, making phone calls or ensuring that everyone was fed. We are also grateful for the support of friends, Sharon and Sharon for being there and making a difference.
In accordance with his wishes, Howard was cremated and will be interred at Chapel Lawn. A service will be held at a later date once we are able to more freely gather and give Howard a proper memorial.
In lieu of flowers, a donation in the memory of Howard to CancerCare Manitoba, 675 McDermot Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9 or Diabetes Canada, is welcome.

Make a donation to

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 24, 2021