Obituary of Keith Howard

KEITH GLEN HOWARD Keith, 79, of Toronto, passed away peacefully in his home on Friday, August 22, 2014, surrounded by his family. Keith is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Mary (nee McGillis); his four children, Rob (Lisa), Susan (Neil Ward), Leslie (Jim Stevenson) and James (Jing); grandsons, Jack and Sam Stevenson; as well as sisters Adele and Shirley, and brothers, Ron and Graham. Born to the late Ena and Henry B. Howard on October 1, 1934, in Vancouver, BC., Keith completed high school in Regina at Central Collegiate in 1952, and received a BComm at Queen's University in 1956. Keith went on to a successful and fulfilling career of 58 years at Sun Life Financial. In 1997, he was proudly inducted into the Sun Life Hall of Fame. The Howard Financial Group was founded in 1996 with daughter Leslie. Keith continued working until his official retirement last year. A keen participant in every aspect of his life, Keith was recognized for outstanding contributions in almost every organization in which he became involved. Active in the Rotary Club for over three decades, both locally and internationally, and President of the Toronto branch from 2002 to 2003, Keith was honoured to receive the Paul Harris Fellow award. He also enjoyed many sports, particularly golf. A longtime member of Lambton Golf and Country Club, Keith served on the Board of Governors and various committees, won many club tournaments and, in 2013, earned the Willie Lamb Cup for his positive lifetime contributions to the club and the game of golf. An active member and Trustee of Timothy Eaton Memorial Church, Keith served on the Board for several years. It was an important part of his and Mary's life. Above all, Keith loved his family. Nothing brought him more joy than to have Mary, the kids and grandkids together. A well-loved, positive spirit with a terrific sense of humour, Keith lived life to the fullest and made friends wherever he went. He will be greatly missed. Special thanks to Dr. Victor Cellarius, Dr. Jennifer Shapiro and the palliative care team at Mount Sinai Hospital for their compassion and guidance. His life will be celebrated at TIMOTHY EATON MEMORIAL CHURCH in Toronto on Thursday, September 4, 2014 at 3:00 p.m. If desired, and in lieu of flowers, donations to the ILD General Research Fund at the Toronto General & Western Hospital Foundation would be appreciated by the family, please call 416-603-6278 or visit www.tgwhf.ca. Condolences and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymilesnewbigging.com.