Charlie Howe, resident of Grande Prairie, AB, passed away Saturday, September 12, 2020, at Prairie Lake Hospice, at the age of 91 years.

Dad was born August 6, 1929 at the hospital in Castor, AB to Clara and Ernest Howe. He grew up on the family farm in Castor and later in the Edson area.

On June 19, 1950 he married Grace Gagnon and they spent 63 years together before Mom’s passing in 2013. Their years together took them to numerous places in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, eventually retiring to the Okanagan in 1980. In 2009, Mom and Dad relocated to Grande Prairie to be nearer family.

Dad enjoyed numerous careers over his lifetime, working on the riverboats, in the oil patch, farming, heavy equipment operator, and real estate to name a few. He was a loving husband, father, grandpa, great-grandpa, brother, uncle and friend to many. In his retirement he became an avid golfer and was dedicated to his volunteer position in Kelowna for Citizens on Patrol. He and Mom enjoyed travelling. A favorite destination of theirs was Hawaii, where they vacationed fourteen times over the years; he recently returned to Hawaii one last time, travelling on his own at 89 to reminisce at this beloved destination. Dad loved dancing and singing. He kept dancing until March of this year, and singing and humming until his passing. Thank you to Dad’s special friend Evelyn for keeping Dad young and inspired to live life to the fullest. Dad enjoyed good health and thrived in his life until the end. He will hold a special place in many hearts and will be deeply missed.

Dad will be sadly missed by daughter Fern (Marvin) Hickson; grandchildren: Tyson (Danita) Hickson, Joshua (Brenda) Hickson, Jennifer (Jason) Crocker, Brandi Howe, and Allyson Howe; great-grandchildren: Jaden, Hallianna, Avery, Brielle, Charlie, Payton and Piper; special friend, companion and dance partner, Evelyn Chagnon; brothers in-law, sisters in-law, as well as many nephews, nieces (Uncle Chuck to them) and friends.

He was predeceased by his wife Grace (2013), son Ernie (2008), infant baby boy (1952), and five sisters: June Wilson, Elizabeth McKenna, Lucy Gibb, Violet Kephart, and Lily McLean.

Thank you to the nursing staff of 3 and 5 North and the many doctors that cared for Dad at the QEII Hospital for their excellent care, the Wild Rose Homecare staff, and especially the amazing Hospice staff, your kindness, caring and compassion will be remembered always, a beautiful peaceful place to reside during one’s final days.

Due to COVID-19, there will be no formal service. A private family service will take place where Dad will be laid to rest at the Castor Cemetery family plot.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Grande Prairie Palliative Care Society (#204, 10134 97 Ave., Grande Prairie, AB, T8V 7X6).