Orville Howe was born on Friday, October 1, 1937 in Connaught Station, Ontario. He was a younger brother to Cecil. In his teenage years, the Howe family moved to Norland to be closer to family. It was in Norland that Orville learned how to be a mechanic.
Orville met a young woman by the name of Grace Phyllis Cook while in Norland. The young couple welcomed their daughter Sheila Anne on March 1, 1959 and were married on April 5, 1959 in Norland. Soon after, Orville’s job took their family to Orillia and an opportunity with Canadian Tire. In the mid 1960’s, the Howe’s moved to Port Elgin as Orville had an opportunity to advance through the ranks at Canadian Tire. They started off in an apartment in Port Elgin before later moving to Paisley. Orville retired as Store Manager from Canadian Tire in Port Elgin.
Orville loved to joke around, enjoyed deer hunting, ice cream (especially Neapolitan), playing pool and listening to music, particularly bluegrass. It was not only hunting that Orville enjoyed in the great outdoors, it was bird watching as well. In fact, Orville enjoyed the outdoors period! He also loved summer months and reading. And, well, if you knew Orville at all you know his greatest love, aside from his family, was food! As it has been said, “If it is food, look out!”
In February of 1999, Orville and Grace’s daughter Sheila Bell died suddenly after contracting Meningitis. The couple immediately took on the responsibility of caring for their two grandsons, David and Brian. This transition was not easy for any of them, however, they all worked hard to support and nurture one another moving forward. In recent years, Orville suffered from dementia and soon called Elgin Abbey his new home.
Orville passed away at Elgin Abbey, Chesley on Friday, July 7, 2017 in his 80th year.
Loving husband of Grace of Paisley. Cherished grandfather of David Bell and Brian Bell. Orv will be sadly missed by his many friends and neighbours. He was predeceased by his daughter Sheila Bell, brother Cecil Howe and his parents.
Visitation will be held at Rhody Family Funeral Home, Chesley on Friday, July 14, 2017 from 10 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 10:30 a.m. Pastor Tony Geense officiating. Interment in Starkvale Cemetery, Paisley.
Memorial donations to the Alzheimer Society would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.
