It is with a heavy heart we announce the passing of our beloved father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, and friend, James “Lloyd” Howe, who passed peacefully on September 15, 2022, at the Lac du Bonnet PCH at the age of 86.
He was born on March 24, 1936, to James Walter and Viola Gertrude (Colgan) Howe of Kirkton, Ontario. Lloyd lived in Kirkton Ontario until he was four years old. He then moved with his family, two brothers and one sister to London Ontario. At 24, he married Marian Rader and had two girls, Shelley and Mary-Jo. Lloyd and his young family moved to Lac Du Bonnet in 1973, when he purchased Walter’s Shell and Cozy Corner Restaurant, located where the Co-op is currently located. In 1977, he married Marilynn (Marek) and together had two daughters Connie and Debralee.
Despite being busy with the gas station, restaurant and his family, he spent much of his time focused on the day-to-day operation of the fire department. He joined the Lac Du Bonnet and District Fire Department in 1974, when it was no more than a small team or club of untrained volunteers, with very old equipment and an unsuccessful track record in saving any infrastructure. Lloyd loved the community, the fire department and the camaraderie of the team. He sold the Shell station in 1983 and moved his small engine business into his garage at home (Lloyd’s Small Engine and Outboard Services). In 1986, Lloyd became the new Fire Chief and under his supervision, the department had become a more serious operation. With the help of a Joint Emergency Preparedness grant and a lot of fundraising ($27,000), the department bought new equipment (fire truck and jaws of life). Over the coming years, more equipment was purchased and the firemen were properly trained. In 1985, Lloyd took a casual position as a bus driver for the Agassiz (Sunshine) School Division and 1987, he started driving full-time. June 30, 2000, Lloyd was presented with the Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal and bar for 25+ years of service to the community. He always said, “it takes a special dedication to be a firefighter” and he exemplified that dedication to the community of Lac Du Bonnet.
Lloyd loved to travel, spend time with his family, fish and sit by the bonfire and watch his grandchildren. He is survived by his children, Mary-Jo, Shelley (David), Connie (Darryl) and Debralee (Mike), grandchildren, Megan (Corey), Melissa (Dax), Ashley (Darren), Malachi (Rebecca), Dean (Christine), and great-grandchildren, Sophia, Pryce, Colby, Livyne, Nolan, Scarlett and Cody; and many nieces and nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wives Marian (1976), Marilynn (2006), parents Walter and Viola, brothers Stan and Mac, and sister Betty.
As per Lloyd’s wishes, there will be no funeral service held and a private celebration of life will be held at a later date. Many thanks to the Lac du Bonnet PCH staff for all the care and compassion they showed our father. In lieu of flowers, if friends and family so desire, donations in his memory may be made to Dementia/Alzheimer’s society or to the Lac du Bonnet Personal Care Home.
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Bill Bennett
We fondly remember living with Lloyd and Marian and Mary-Jo and Shelly on Eastman Ave. in London as neighbors.
Lloyd was always a joy to be around, he took his enthusiasm with him to Lac Du Bonnet where it continued for his life time.
We trust his virtues have been passed onto his family and friends and those that he met and worked with.
Bill & Sharon Bennett
Tannis L
I am so very sorry for the loss of your loved one. His spirit will live on and memories will be remembered with tears and laughter. I worked along side Lloyd at the RM during his work with the Fire Department. We had some good laughs and chats. He was one of my biggest supporters while I worked for the RM when things went wrong. You can rest now
Barry Bryk
So sorry to hear. Working at Walters Shell was my first job and still, absolutely my best job, and that was only because of him. My condolences go out to the family during this very difficult time
Heather Farrows
Shelley Howe, so sorry for your loss. Condolences Heather Farrows (nee: Boznianin when we were school mates in LdB,).
Kathleen Lussier
Both Lloyd and Marilynn had a way of always making me feel welcomed. I look back on times spent at the house with your family and I can’t help but smile.
I’m glad I got the chance to know them when I did.
My thoughts are with your family.
Kat
Blake metcalf
Sorry to hear of the passing of Lloyd
Tracey duchinski
From my family to yours I send my condolences to your family
Fred and Lois Buron
Our deepest sympathy to all the family. Lloyd was a long-time friend and co-worker for many years. He will be midsed
Jan Hoffman
My condolences to your family on Lloyd’s passing. Ron and I used to spend time with Lloyd and Marilynn at “Happy Hour” years ago. Ron loved listening to Lloyd’s life stories; and he had quite a few. Sorry for your loss. Sincerely,
Jan Hoffman
Charlotte & Dave
Mary Jo, Shelley and families,
Our sympathy to you during this difficult time.
Charlotte & Dave
linda and annina diclemente
To those who loved Lloyd
When I am gone release me, let me go
I have so many things to see and do
You must not tie yourself to me with tears
Be happy that I have had so many years
I gave you my love, you can only guess
how much you gave me in happiness
I thank you for the love each have shown
but now it is time I travelled alone
So grieve a while for me if you must
Then let your grief be comforted by trust
It is only for a while that we must part
So bless the memories in your heart
I will not be far away, for life goes on
So if you need me call and I will come
Though you cannot see or touch me I will be near
And if you listen with your heart, you will hear
all of my love around you soft and clear
Then, when you must come this way alone
I will greet you with a smile and a welcome home
Deepest condolences, rest in peace our friend
Jim Carol, Mavis & Avril
Our deepest condolences to all the family. We were great neighbours with Lloyd, Marion, Mary-Jo and Shelley on Eastman Ave. in London Ontario. Many happy memories were shared.