Obituary of George Edward "Sid" Howell

A very special man was taken from us in the early hours of March 22, 2015 at the Dawson Creek & District Hospital. Dad was born to Laura and Albert Howell on February 11, 1923 in Benhall Green, Saxmundham, Suffolk, England. He was the youngest of six children. Dad was very talented musically and was blessed with a strong singing voice that was enhanced through years of being in his church choir. He learned to play several wind instruments and an accordion. Travel was on his mind in his 18th year and he surprised his family with the news that he had joined the British Navy. During his first term of service he was in the Royal Signal Core. He later changed to the culinary section and during the rest of his service he became an accomplished cook, baker and butcher. Dad met Mom (Elizabeth Bensley) while cooking ashore in a Mess Hall. At that time Mom was a WREN. Dad asked her out and after a brief courtship they married February 12, 1949. Their first son, Peter, was born in 1950 and Richard followed in 1952. While serving in Malta, Richard became gravely ill and died in 1953. A tragic loss for the family and Dad was able to break his naval contract and the decision was made to return back to England. In 1955, Janet was born and the family was complete. In 1956, the family immigrated to Canada. They moved several times finally settling in Dawson Creek in 1967 as Dad received employment as an Instructor with the B.C. Vocational School and Northern Lights College. He remained employed as Department Head of Cook Training until he retired after serving 13 years. Dad's first year of retirement left him bored so when a casual job was offered at the Co-op Bakery he accepted it. That casual job led to a full time job until he turned 65 and from there he was hired in the same capacity at IGA until he made the decision to retire fully. Dad adored his 5 grandchildren and when the children were young he was called upon for running them to various activities. All the grandchildren have commented on Dad's heavy foot on the gas pedal and the occasional absence of putting on a signal light. Dad lost his soul mate of 60 years in 2009. He remained in his home until May, 2014 after his decision to move into the assisted living complex called Northview. Dad participated in all activities offered and enjoyed all talent groups that came in to entertain. He even sang solo with some of the choirs that performed. Dad was very proud to be a Canadian, but he always remained true to the Royal Family and especially enjoyed the Queen's Speech that she delivered every Christmas Day. Dad's secret to longevity was good food, exercise, no alcohol, no cigarettes and very little TV. He always felt that he could not change what was happening throughout the world so why dwell on it. We should all take note of how he lived. Dad's sense of humour has spiced many a conversation. His jokes were always on "the edge". Dad was always careful with his money and always looking for a deal. While dining with his eldest granddaughter, an assistant restaurant manager, he quite seriously asked her, "Is there a senior's discount? - reply NO... Is there a senior senior's discount? - reply NO." The inquiry must have worked as no bill was presented for payment. That put a smile on Dad's face. Dad was predeceased by his loving wife, 3 sisters, 2 brothers and his son, Richard. Dad is survived by his son, Peter and his children Sasha (Darcy), Steven (Alicia), Sarah (Jared), his daughter, Jan (Brian) and her children Nathan (Serena), Robert (Signe), daughter-in-law Karen, and 6 great grandchildren, Julia, Mackenzie, Morgan, Madilyn, Audrey and Parker. It was Dad's request that no funeral service be held and that he be cremated.