Robert Eaton Howitt

Rob was born April 24, 1955 at Canadian Forces Base Shilo, Manitoba and died July 23, 2021 in Guelph, Ontario. Rob is the much loved husband of Dolores Ferraro and father of Nicholas (Haley), Ann (Jeremy) and Stephanie. Grandad to Lily and Cedrus, brother of Chris and Uncle Rob to many.

We have been saying a slow goodbye to Rob these past 10 years as he struggled with a form or young onset dementia, frontal-temporal lobe dementia. We will continue to miss him desperately.

Before FTD took hold, Rob packed a lot into the first half century of his life, most of us couldn’t keep up with him. He had a life-long career with BMO that took him around the world and gave him and his family an opportunity for two postings abroad. He played in the Guelph Mens Slo-Pitch League for 25 years and held executive positions with Muskies Canada for years. Rob was extremely witty and had impeceble timing in delivering his dry sense of humour. He was a true and loyal friend who had friends far and wide but those nearest and dearest were those from his teenage years. He was the most honest person you could ever come to know. Rob’s soft, sparkling blue eyes touched many especially in the years when he was no longer able to speak. We are sure that his love of loud music will be remembered by anyone who has ever been a neighbour of ours.

An avid fisherman, duck hunter and outdoorsman. Watching Rob fly fish was like poetry in motion. Through the years Rob became very concerned with the destruction of our wetlands especially those on his beloved prairies and became a proud supporter of Ducks Unlimited Canada. From about the age of 12 onwards Rob spent at least part of every summer at the family cottage on the French River where he relaxed but more importantly to him was where he brought the outdoors and respect for nature as well as a sense of adventure to life for his children.

Thank you to every single staff member at the Elliott Community who ever had any involvement with Rob during his nearly 4 years with you. Your kindness and compassion will not soon be forgotten. Many thanks to Dr. Will Ruddock for your quiet, steady care of Rob.

“Time it was, and what a time it was, it was

A time of innocence, A time of confidences.

Long ago, it must be, I have a photograph

Preserve your memories: They’re all that’s

left you.”

Bookends

Simon and Garfunkel.

As per the families wishes cremation has taken place. There will be no service but a small family memorial is planned to be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to Ducks Unlimited Canada would be greatly appreciated by the family.