Obituary of Wilfred Howard

Wilfred George Howard of Camrose, formerly of East Bittern Lake, passed away on Saturday, February 21, 2015 at the age of 91 years. Wilfred was born in Edmonton to Frank and Pearl Howard and raised in the Woodbend area south of Edmonton. Here he met and married Vivian Thomas in 1945. They raised 4 sons - Ralph, Larry, Wayne and Glenn. While he farmed, Wilfred supplemented his income by working where he could; lumber camps, on the oil rigs, as a battery operator, and others. Wilf was very resourceful and used his talents and skills to support his family. In 1966 they moved to the Camrose area where he started a landscaping business which was later continued on by his son Glenn. After Vivian passed in 1989, he married Ann Hilgartner and they enjoyed travelling, volunteering, being active in the Good Sam's Club, Moose Lodge, curling and card games just to name a few. Dad loved his vegetable and flower garden, building things and puttering in his shop. No matter where Wilfred was, he enjoyed meeting people and was happiest when he was surrounded by friends and family. He will be forever loved and remembered by his children; Ralph (Donna), Larry (Roseann), Wayne (Debbie), 11 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. Also missing him is his step family; Ralph (Mary), Terry (Karl), Maryann, Gerald (Darlene), Rodger (Gaylene) Hilgartner, extended family and friends. One Howard sibling survives him, his brother Harold (Leslie). Wilf was predeceased by his first wife Vivian, his second wife Ann, his son Glenn, brother Norman, and sister Helen. Wilfred touched the lives of so many in so many different ways. We are all better people because we knew him. A Funeral Service was held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, February 26, 2015 from Grace Lutheran Church with Rev. Greg Kjos officiating. Inurnment will take place in the Camrose Cemetery. If family and friends so desire, memorial contributions are gratefully accepted to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, or to St. Mary's Palliative Care.