Ross Herbert Howe

Ross was married for over 61 years to his wife Nora whom he adored. He was a loving father to three daughters, Robin, Kerrin and Marlene. Father-in-law to Roly, Vince and John. Beloved grandfather to Ronda, Reena, Ashley, Mitch, Cam, Buzz, Clara and Anthony. Great-grandfather to Dylan, Kiefer, Austin and Jacob. Brother-in-law to Myrtle, Mona, Shirley and Gordon, Margaret and John, Carol and Ron, George and Donna, Kat, Helen and loving uncle to his many nieces and nephews.

Ross loved his family unconditionally and each family member held a special place in his heart. There wasn’t a birthday party, wedding or anniversary celebration that he didn’t attend, sometimes getting up with the birds and driving for hours to get there.

Early on he had a great love of music, drumming in particular, and belonged to the Ulster Accordion Band, The Sons of Derry Flute Band and The Toronto Scottish Pipe Band. It would be common for him to hear a catchy tune on the radio or TV and drum along on the table or, if in the car, on the steering wheel. A habit I think all of us girls have all developed. He also played the drums in various dance bands on the weekends, including playing every Saturday night at Branch 22 Legion with the Melotones.

It was at one of these dances that he met the love of his life Nora Marlene Fretwell. They were married on June 12, 1954, celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary in 2004 by renewing their vows to each other surrounded by family and friends and went on to celebrate another eleven anniversaries together.

The only thing that paralleled his love for Nora was the love for his three girls Robin, Kerrin and Marlene. There was many a day driving them to baton, Irish dancing or school events. He endured the sound of 45’s playing throughout the house, talk about boys and let’s not forget the endless wait to get into the bathroom. And although Ross was not blessed with a son, whether it was Robin and her many broken bones, Kerrin talking about whatever animal she dissected at the dinner table or Marlene climbing the front tree to wait for him after work, he had his fair share of the problems that came with having boys.

Although nothing could compare to Ross’s love of his family, a close second was his love of golf. If he wasn't at the golf course, he was watching it on TV. He was proud to have gotten three hole-in-ones over his time golfing. In 1960 he got his first hole-in-one in Parry Sound. He got his second hole-in-one followed thirty years later in 1990 at Brookside Golf Course in Scarborough. But he wasn't finished and got his third hole-in one in 2010 at his golf course in Mildmay. And, if you are doing the math, that would have been at the tender age of 76. Given another 24 years we may have seen another one. It was his dream to spend the winter months in Florida so he could extend his golf season, but unfortunately, this was a dream he was never able to fulfill.

Ross could always be found at the golf course, rain or shine, meeting up with his many friends or tagging along with whoever needed a partner and making new friends. Making friends came easy to Ross. Another trait his kids and grandkids were lucky enough to inherit. Whether it was at the golf course shooting a round, or checking out at the grocery store, he would always have a smile and a witty comment to share. And, if you were lucky, he would share one of his many jokes. The man had an endless supply of jokes and never showed up for a visit without having a new one to share. But it didn’t stop at golf; Ross was an enthusiastic sports fan - PERIOD! There were many a day spent in cold arenas cheering on his grandsons and great-grandsons playing hockey or on a lawn chair watching a baseball game from the sidelines. He loved to go and watch the Markham Waxers when his son-in-law and nephew coached. Not to mention the hours he would spend discussing strategies and giving his ‘two cents’ to his sons-in-law after a game they had just coached.

His love of sports spilled over to his love of watching 'his' Leafs on TV or, Nora’s favourite, the Blue Jays. And let’s not forget to mention the football games. If he came to your house for a visit you could guarantee that your TV would be taken over to watch whatever sport was on at the time. Something the men would always enjoy, but his girls were happy to tolerate.

And then there’s curling, another favourite. Back in his prime he curled on Sunday mornings for many years. His girls remember those times with a smile because they got to 'skip' Sunday school once in a while to go watch him shine! The fact that Ross couldn't curl any longer didn’t matter as he was content watching the Bonspiels on TV and calling the play. Another sport you would lose the TV remote over.

When Ross and Nora moved to Mildmay, Ross took on one more passion which was feeding 'his' wild birds. Whether it was in the summer sun, spring rain or during a winter storm, Ross made sure that the path to the feeder was cleared to ensure they were well fed.

Although Ross was not big in stature, Ross’s character was larger than life and the words written here are a mere snapshot of the loving, generous man he was. The great love Ross had for family and friends, and put into everything he did, was because of his great love for life itself.

In telling Ross' bio we certainly cannot forget to mention, and smile when we remember, his signature whistle... Can you hear it now?

Ross passed on the wing of an angel Mar 1, 2016.

May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind be always at your back, may the sun shine warm upon your face, the rain fall soft upon your fields, and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand. We will forever miss you.

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Peacefully passed away on Tuesday, March 1 in Brampton with his loving wife Nora (nee Fretwell) by his side at the age of 81.

Loving father of Robin Black (Roly), Kerrin Howe (Vince), Marlene Bloomfield (John). Cherished grandfather of Ronda Tonner (Shawn), Reena Stagg (Kevin), Ashley Brown (Ryan), Mitch Bloomfield (Leigh Anne), Cameron Bloomfield (Whitney), Buzz Bloomfield (Ashley), Clara Pillo (Chris), Anthony Pillo. Proud great-grandfather to Dylan Tonner, Kiefer Tonner, Austin Tonner, Jacob Stagg. Survived by brother Bill Howe (Helen), sisters-in-law Myrtle Sutton, Shirley Scott (Gordon), Katerina Fretwell, Margaret Leard (John), Mona Smith, Carol Rampton (Ron), George Fretwell (Donna) and all his nieces & nephews too numerous to mention. Family and friends may gather at the Andrews Community Funeral Centre - 8190 Dixie Road, Brampton (North of Steeles Avenue) 905-456-8190, on Wednesday, March 9th , 2016 from 1pm-3pm and 6pm-9pm. Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, March 10th , 2016 at 12pm in the Chapel of Funeral Home, visitation 1 hour prior to service. The family has requested that this be a casual celebration of Ross’s life. Donations in Ross’s memory may be made to Bethell House Hospice. Online condolences and information at www.andrewscommunityfuneralcentre.com

“To golf or not to golf?? What a stupid question!”