Obituary of Howard Morton McCollister

November 11, 1930 – Calgary, Alberta

August 13, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta

Man of God, Faithful Husband, Kind Father, Humble and Gentle Man

“We are more than conquerers…” Romans 8:37

Howard McCollister, beloved husband and father went home to heaven early in the morning of Friday, August 13, 2021, a few months shy of his 91st birthday. A fall led to a month-long hospitalization.  But even to the end Howard was well but frail, free of pain and full of peace.

Howard was born in Calgary, his mother from Scotland and his father from Maine. In those early years the family were cattle ranchers and raised prize studs in Dalroy. Living on a farm meant walking or running daily, which led to numerous track accolades. He often talked about watching planes overhead during WWII, identifying them solely from their silhouettes. Howard was fifteen by the end of the war: his birthday coinciding with Remembrance Day.

Howard completed his civil engineering at University of Alberta, with his Masters in structural engineering to follow from University of Illinois.  Soon thereafter Howard became a Christian and his life took quite a turn. He switched his career and went to seminary at Fuller in Pasadena. Upon completion, he returned to Calgary and initially worked for the City, on structural projects such as bridges and completing flooding studies on areas such as Fish Creek Park. Although important work in light of 2013 floods, most significant at this time was his marriage to Jocelyn, a partnership of 51 years. Once married, Howard was professor of mathematics at University of Calgary, and Jocelyn was head nurse at the Burns Meats plant. Howard contemplated working on his PhD, but the young couple instead took off to India for five years of missionary work.  Living in India fostered a genuine love of different peoples, cultures, and languages. The first two of their four boys were born in India, and upon return to Canada Howard was Pastor at both Clive and High River Baptist Churches. Two more sons followed in these years. Around the start of the 1980s, Howard switched directions again when he felt led to leave ministry and become a realtor. In those years Howard continued to conduct many weddings and funerals since still ordained. His heart for people to meet Jesus led many to the Lord while selling real estate. Howard stayed employed in this capacity until well into his eighties.

Howard is survived by four sons, Howie (Heather), Chris (Danielle), Andrew and Michael; five grandchildren, Rebecca, Luke, Kate, Ezra and Levi; and many brothers, sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews.

Howard was predeceased by his beloved wife Jocelyn after her 15-year battle with Parkinson’s ended in 2016. He was also predeceased by parents Walter and Mary, sister Lillian and brother Miles.

As a father, Howard left an amazing legacy of love. Howard loved his wife Jocelyn deeply and he was extremely devoted to her. Jocelyn’s last five years were in a care home where dad would visit daily and share most meals together. He loved his boys equally: never comparing or showing favouritism. For us boys, the toughest part of getting in trouble was looking into Dad’s soft, blue eyes. Discipline always came with an equal portion of acceptance and forgiveness. He loved Jesus whole-heartedly and would lead even complete strangers to God. He read his Bible fervently, memorized vast amounts of scripture, and most importantly led by example. He walked what he believed: he lived out what he preached. He loved many pursuits, illustrating. painting, inventing, sharing food and coffee. We know those that have gone before you are welcoming you now as Jesus says “well done, good and faithful servant”

A Celebration of Howard’s Life will be held at McKenzie Towne Church (7 McKenzie Towne Gate SE Calgary, AB) on Thursday, November 11, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. Due to current AHS guidelines, this service is an invite-only event; however, a link to view the service will be uploaded to this site after the funeral. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Howard McCollister, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.