HOWARD ANDREW SIMPSON
AUGUST 21, 1919 - OCTOBER 6, 2011
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Howard, on October 6, 2011.
He passed suddenly yet peacefully with a family member at his side in the F.W. Green Home in Cranbrook, BC, where he has resided for the past three years.
He is predeceased by his parents, Harry and Hazel Simpson, his son, Larry, loving wife Lillian, and his younger brother Harry.
Howard is survived and lovingly remembered and missed by his eldest daughter Lukas (Lois) and husband Red, daughter Jacqui (Gil), granddaughters, Shelley (eldest), Joslyn (Ian), Jeanie, Darla (Scott), Dawn (Koty), grandson Ryan (Jessica). He is also survived by his younger sister, Blanche Coburn, of Clearwater, BC. As well, Howard had 10 great grandchildren, aged 18 to 18 months. He had many nieces and nephews too. All of whom have wonderful memories of him.
Howard was born in Kamloops, BC. The Simpson family had a homestead in the Heffley Creek area, north of the city. He was the eldest of three children, he attended school in Kamloops. After grade 11, he worked for neighbours, falling cedar trees for hydro poles, hand logging, and other farm related jobs.
At the young age of 20, Howard enlisted in the Canadian Armed Forces in Kamloops. Soon after he was off to Vancouver and from there he transferred to the Seaforth Highlanders Regiment. Christmas Eve 1939, Howard was aboard the “H.M.T. Andes” along with 1500 other souls. This was the first Canadian Battalion to enter WWII, thus the beginning of his five and half years of active duty. The ship docked at Greenock Port in Glasgow, Scotland. “An Oath: We swear to keep the faith to fight it through to crush the foe”.
In the spring of 1945 Howard returned home from the war. Shortly thereafter he met and married Lillian Bare, December 6, 1948. They had three children. Dad worked for Cominco for over 30 years. He began with the company in Riondel, BC in 1968, the Simpson family relocated to Fort St. James, BC where he worked for Cominco at the Pinchi Lake mine. When that mine closed Dad transferred to Yellowknife, NWT, also with Cominco.
Dad was an avid successful big game hunter. He often went on hunting trips with friends and co-workers from Riondel.
In 1971, Dad and Mom purchased a farm outside Vanderhoof, BC, in the Mapes - Blackwater area, where he lived until 2001, when he then moved to Fraser Lake, BC. While residing on their farm, Dad and Mom enjoyed many leisurely walks about their land... with Mom watching for grouse, and Dad with his .22.
Dad’s personality and presence was large, yet one of sincere honesty and loyalty. He was a great friend and neighbour. He had an awesome sense of humour too.
Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to the staff of the F.W. Green Home. There are no words to describe just how grateful we are to you. Dad was always treated with the utmost respect and dignity. Certain staff members were especially warm and made him feel comfortable and at home. You know who you are: Bless you all.
On Saturday, October 22, the family is having a tea at the North Country Inn, in Vanderhoof in the back room at 4pm. We would like to invite those who know Howard to come and join us, to visit and celebrate his life.