It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Fredrick (Rick) Howe at home on February 13th, 2021 at the age of 73 after a hard-fought battle with cancer. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 40 years Kathryn, daughter Victoria Ross (Nick), sister Barbara Baird, grandson William, as well as his nieces and nephews and their families, Scott (Sharon), Kelly (Gerald), Dustin, Wendy (Joel), Brian and many cousins and family friends. Fred was predeceased by his parents Frederick and Violet Howe, brother Robert Howe and his wife Lillian, and his brother-in-law Ron Baird. Fred will be fondly remembered by Kathryn’s family; her siblings Jim, Gayleen (Brian), June (Sonny†), his nephews Darren and Michael and other family members.
Fred was born on June 20th, 1947 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He grew up in North Kildonan and attended River East Collegiate before taking a job at the railway as a sheet metal worker. He was a proud member of the sheet metal workers union and kept in contact with many friends from his days at CN. After seeing the value of education to his career choice, he returned to REC to finish several high school math courses with flying colours to the surprise and pride of his teachers. After leaving CN, Fred worked a variety of construction jobs including one that let him get right up close to the Golden Boy and took his fifth-class power engineer certification. This allowed him to work as a head custodian in Dugald prior to his retirement. Fred was also a member of Capitol Lodge No. 136.
In his retirement he enjoyed spending time with his dog Spock, woodturning, going for breakfast with friends, going for long drives and attempting to learn technology (which usually resulted in a call to his daughter!) Every year he would help Victoria get her classroom set up, and he loved helping her and Nick navigate owning a house and all the fun that comes with it. Fred had a great love of history, military aircraft as well as astronomy and spent many happy nights enjoying a good book in the company of his wife outside on the patio or relaxing in front of the TV. He was a lifelong learner, always wanting to try something new. He and Kathryn enjoyed going for drives out to the Half Moon for burgers and fries in the summer and kept warm at home in the winter by baking for the holidays.
One of the greatest joys in Fred’s life was his grandson William. Watching the way his face would light up whenever the baby was in the room or seeing how he was able to calm William down in a flash really drove home how caring and selfless of a person Fred was. He would always tell his nurses and caregivers about William with pride, and we know that he will grow up learning all he can about his Grandad.
Fred was a man of few words, but everyone in his life always knew that he cared for them and loved them with all his heart. We are all going to miss his dry wit, entertaining stories, and strong presence.
The family would like to extend its gratitude to Dr. Banerji and Dr. Kowaluk and their teams at CancerCare Manitoba for their phenomenal care of Fred over the past two years, as well as his family physician Dr. Ormiston, the nurses and healthcare workers from Homecare and the Palliative Care program. As per his wishes, no service will be held. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in his name to CancerCare Manitoba.
Gone, but never forgotten.
“Keep your stick on the ice.” – Red Green
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