HOWARD JOHNSTON MCPHERSON

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HOWARD JOHNSTON MCPHERSON Howard Johnston McPherson, formerly of the Brandon Hills district, died peacefully at the Brandon Regional Health Centre on Monday, May 2, 2005. He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Jessie; his two daughters, Muriel (Cody Johnson) of Pincher Creek, AB, Nancy (Dennis Mauthe) of Brandon Hills; his son, Don (Anne) McPherson of Calgary, AB. He took special delight in his grandchildren, Claire and Paul Johnson, Teagan Mauthe and Saylor McPherson. Also remembering him with love are his sister-in-law, Margaret McPherson of Winnipeg and his Aunt Harriet Pentland of Brandon. Many nieces and nephews, cousins and friends have fond memories of Howard. Howard was predeceased by his two brothers, Murray McPherson and Ken McPherson as well as sister-in-law Mary McPherson. Howard was born on July 6, 1920 in , oldest son of Angus and Ethel (nee Pentland) McPherson. He attended Brandon Hills School for 10 years, taking grade 10 by correspondence. He boarded in Brandon to complete grade 11 and 12 at Brandon Collegiate. Farming was his lifelong dream and he farmed actively until 1995. It meant a lot to him that he held 54 CWB permit books in 54 years. From 1941 to 1945, Howard served with the RCAF. He left from Pier 21 on the Queen Elizabeth bound for England to join the 405 Pathfinder Squadron at Gransden Lodge, near Cambridge. Upon his return home, he continued to farm with his dad and brother, Ken, and bought the R.F. Roddick farm, 3-9-18. In 1955, he married Jessie Walsh of Sceptre, SK who was working at the Canadian Wheat Board in Winnipeg. For 12 years, Howard and Jessie lived in the white house on the original McPherson farm. During this time, their children were born. In 1968, the family moved to their new home, Shady Oaks, at the base of the Brandon Hills. Howard and Jessie retired from the farm in October 1999 and since then have enjoyed the friendships and sense of community on Hummingbird Lane. Howard was an avid reader and took a keen interest in current events and issues. He read every book he could that was written by historians and veterans of The Second World War. Howard was also actively involved in the local community, serving on many church, school and 4-H committees. He had a strong sense of duty and was quietly generous to a variety of people and organizations. His gifts of personal integrity, determination, an intensive work ethic and commitment to family will be cherished forever. A Celebration of Howard's Life will be held at Knox United Church, 451-18th St. on Saturday, May 7 at 2:00 p.m. The Rev. Margret Kristjansson will officiate with a time of fellowship after the service, followed by a committal service in the Brandon Hills Cemetery. Friends who wish may make a donation in memory of Howard, to the Canadian Cancer Society, 193 Sherbrook St., Winnipeg, MB R3C 2B7 or to the Brandon Hills United Church, P.O. Box 58, RR #4, Brandon, MB R7A 5Y4. Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to memorieschapel@mts.net Funeral arrangements are with Memories Chapel Pre-Planning Centre, 727-0330.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 06, 2005