Robert Howell
Posted Aug 13, 2020 | 3:15 PM
Robert Elwood Howell was the only child of James E. Howell, commercial fisherman, Georgian Bay, Kemble and Laura G. Howell. On November 28th, 1932 their horses and sleigh carried their car over snow to the main road to be sure Robert was born in the Owen Sound General and Marine Hospital. He grew up in the house his parents built, and attended Kemble Public School, and OSCVI.
When Lorna Baigent came to teach at Sarawak, Robert took one look at her and declared “She’s the girl for me!” They were married in Thamesford United Church on April 4th, 1953.
They had four sons, Paul Howell (Nicole), of Sarnia, Bruce Howell (Joyce), of Owen Sound, David, predeceased 2009, (Lisa Howell) and James Howell (Kathleen), both of Elmira. Grandchildren: Jonathan, Lindsay, Miranda, Mallory, Kerington, Daniel, Laura, Jenna, Cameron and six great grandchildren.
Robert worked at CIBC, RCA Victor and as Assistant Accountant at Owen Sound Hospital. He then became the Administrator of Versa Care Nursing Home that opened in 1975, now named Summit Place. He continued his work with Versa Care Co. by opening a 3-level nursing home in 1985, Telfer Place, Paris. In 1993 Robert retired and moved back to the homestead on Georgian Bay, Kemble.
Robert grew up in the United Church and was a member and served on multiple committees and boards at Kemble; Central (Treasurer); Forest Hill (Kitchener) and Central Westside. He was an avid supporter of hometown sports particularly the OHL, Senior lacrosse and Ontario softball. He volunteered in various roles in minor hockey with some time refereeing. He had keen interest in radio broadcasting, history and enjoyed camping with his family across Canada. In 2016, they moved into Owen Sound as Alzheimer Disease made living in his heritage home no longer possible. In the fall of 2019 Robert moved into Summit Place; long serving staff spread the word that “Mr. Howell” had returned and vowed to treat him as well as he had treated them.
He passed away on August 5th, 2020.
A Private Memorial Service for Robert Howell will be held in the Chapel of the BRIAN E. WOOD FUNERAL HOME, 250 – 14th Street West, Owen Sound, Ontario N4K 3X8 (519-376-7492) on Monday, August 10th, 2020, with Paula Classey officiating. Interment in Greenwood Cemetery. Extended family and friends are welcome to watch the funeral service via live stream by visiting the funeral home website at www.woodfuneralhome.ca on Monday, August 10th, 2020 at 11:00 a.m.
If so desired, the family would appreciate donations to the Alzheimer Society of Grey-Bruce or Central Westside United Church as your expression of sympathy. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family on-line at www.woodfuneralhome.ca
- First Name : Robert
- Last Name : Howell
- Funeral Home : Brian E Wood Funeral Home, Owen Sound
- URL : https://woodfuneralhome.ca/tribute/details/2627/Robert-Howell/obituary.html#tribute-start
