Obituary of William Arnold Howard

Bill Howard passed away at the Colonel Belcher on Wednesday, June 15, 2005 at the age of 86 years. Bill was born and raised in Calgary, attended Western Canada High School and received his BA (1940) and law degree (1941) from the University of Alberta. After serving overseas with the 31st Alberta Reconnaissance Regiment, Royal Canadian Armoured Corps, he co-founded the law firm of Cairns and Howard which later became Howard Mackie. He was a president of the Calgary Bar Association and a Founder of the Faculty of Law at the University of Calgary. He was well known for his attention to detail, passion for the law and military, and for his ability to function without sleep. His Directorships included NOVA, CANA, Trilogy, Bow Valley Industries, Medis Western and SNC Group. He was Chairman of the Calgary Police Commission as well as National Governor of the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires. As an avid supporter of Canada’s Armed Forces, Bill Howard earned a reputation for speaking up for the rank and file. He was a retired Major General (Chief of Reserves) of the Canadian Forces, Founding Governor and Colonel Commandant of the Royal Canadian Army Cadets, Colonel Commandant and President of the Royal Canadian Armoured Corps Association and perhaps most proudly, Honorary Colonel of the King’s Own Calgary Regiment. He was Chairman of the Conference of Defence Associations, Chairman National Employers’ Support Committee, President Winston Churchill Society, President Royal Alberta United Services Institute and Founder of the Calgary Military Museums Society. In 1994 he received the Vimy Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to defence and security and preservation of democratic values. He was a Commander of the Order of Military Merit and a Member of the Order of Canada. Bill was a voracious reader with a penchant for cigars, port, Disney television shows, and raw onion sandwiches. He had unquestionable ethics and integrity, tremendous generosity, and a larger-than-life personality that will be remembered fondly by his family and colleagues. Bill is survived by his children, Mary Howard (Said Nemiri), John Howard (Joanne Howard), and Barbara Howard (Mike Gardner); and five grandchildren, Zak Nemiri, Katie and Mac Howard, and Ross and Stuart Gardner. Bill was predeceased by his wife Margaret Elizabeth Howard (nee Hannah) in 2001; his son William George Howard in 1975; and his infant daughter Kathryn Elizabeth Howard in 1953. He was also predeceased by his brothers, Hal, Bert and Arthur Howard. Funeral Services will be held at Bethany Chapel (3333 Richardson Way S.W.) on Monday, June 20, 2005 at 2:00 p.m. with the Rev. Philip Costain, Presider. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. Thanks to the staff at the Colonel Belcher and, in particular, to Marlene Collins who has been Bill’s special advocate for many years. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Alzheimer Society of Calgary, #201, 222 -58 Avenue S.W., Calgary, AB T2H 2S3 Telephone: (403) 290-0110 www.alzheimercalgary.com or to the Calgary Health Trust – Carewest: Colonel Belcher Hospital, 10101 Southport Road S.W., Calgary, AB T2W 3N2 Telephone: (403) 943 – 0615, www.calgaryhealthtrust.org. In living memory of William Howard, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403) 243-8200.