William Henry Howe

HOWE, William “Bill” - Died on Saturday, September 17, 2022, after a battle with Lewy Body dementia at Woodingford Lodge Woodstock in his 88th year. He was predeceased by his loving wife Shirley (nee McKay) in 2014 and leaves behind his partner Dorothy Moore. He is also survived by his three children Gordon (Cheryl) Howe, Ruthann Howe, Terry (Rosie) Howe, and will always be remembered by his grandchildren Brandon (Jen), Jennifer, Brent, Grant (Allie), and Rebecca as well as two great granddaughters; Emma and Brinley. Dear brother to Shirley (Ken) Mitchell, Ed Howe, Betty (Ken) Bonnie, Pat (Mike)Yates, Wayne Howe, and Mary (Ernie) Szabo. Predeceased by his older brother Tom Howe and older sister Marie (Howe) Weiberg and parents Leonard (Howe) and Mary (Pye) Howe.  Bill was a farmer through and through and he had a long career at Canada Cement Lafarge, Woodstock as a loader operator for over 40 years. He was an avid collector. His love of antiques started out with collecting antique monkey wrenches and progressed to gas station paraphernalia and antique gas pumps. He finished with antique tractors and had a vast collection of Massey Harris, International, Allis Chalmers John Deere and more tractors. When he wasn't puttering in the garage or working in his wonderful perennial gardens, he loved to go dancing. Years ago, he and Shirley would go to Lakeside Dancehall Saturday nights to go dancing. Lately, with Dorothy, they would dance old time fiddle music at music jams that happened in Ingersoll, Waterdown, St. Mary’s, and any other place they could find. He just loved them all, especially dancing to his favorite tunes like Ragtime Annie. He loved to tell stories of his youth, and give sage advice to his children, examples of this are,” let your conscience be your guide” and a “new broom sweeps clean” and of course, “slow down and watch out for potholes” when driving, just to name a few.  These last few years he was quite the backseat driver! He will be dearly missed by anyone who knew him. Friends are welcome to join the family at the Brock and Visser Funeral Home, 845 Devonshire Ave., Woodstock, 519-539-0004 on Thursday September 22, 2022, from 2-4 and 7-9pm. A funeral service to honour Bill’s life will be held in the funeral home chapel on Friday at 11:00 am. Interment in the St. Mary’s Cemetery. If desired, memorial contributions to the Alzheimer Society or the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated. Expressions of sympathy may be given at www.brockandvisser.com