Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Dear Family, I want to extend my heartfelt sympathy over the loss of your father, Howard. Although you may not know me, my association with him, and your family, has existed for about 37 years. Here are some snippets of memories: To begin with, I taught school with Rosemary at Neville Goss School in the early 1970's. Then later in the 70's, I recall a time when Howard and Rosemary attended a Bible Study with my parents, Dave and Florence Garratt, likely coordinated by Elwood McLean. They became good friends during that time. A little later still, some of you were in classes taught by my first husband, Dave Isaak, at the Lloydminster Jr. High School. More recently, I have memories of times spent at Pleasantview Bible Camp where some of you were camp counsellors for many summers. Howard was one of my valued volunteers at the Canadian Cancer Society where I work. For many years, he helped with the annual daffodil campaign, and cheerfully gave us help in other areas of our work whenever he was available. I can recall many conversations in my office when he would drop by for a cup of coffee and a visit after volunteering. Every conversation included words of encouragement even though he himself was undergoing much physical pain at the time. So many people have referred to his kind heart, and that he was a gentleman. That is exactly what comes to my mind when I think of his life. In fact, he reminded me a lot of my own father in that way. Howard was a remarkable man whose influence in the lives of his family and friends was evident. He deserves the honour which has been bestowed on him through all our memories. May God bless you all. Gwen Rempel
