Howard "Howie" Adams

Howard Allin Adams passed away peacefully at home on February 13, 2026.

Born and raised in Kenora, Howie built a life centered around family, the water, and the simple routines he loved.

He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Denique; his children Greg Adams, Kandice Henry (Rob), Sean Setterland (Christina), and Courtney Setterland; and his grandchildren Brenden, Hope, Liam, Kittira, Alissa, Evelyn, and Kate. He is also survived by his siblings Gordie (Donna), Jimmy (Sarah), Lori (Tim), and Jami (Dave), along with many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by many lifelong friends who were so much a part of his life, the list is endless. He was predeceased by his parents: Jim and Alice, and sister Dawn.

Howie attended school in Kenora and decided in grade 10 that he knew more than the teachers. His first job was working dispatch at the OPP here in town. However, his love for the bush took him to Boise Casade as a scaler until being lured away by the Devlin brothers. Devlin Timber became his second family. He joined the business in 1980 as a foreman and became part owner in 1993. With his knowledge of forestry management and ability to deal with people, his role changed to overseeing company operations and negotiating contracts while still operating his “favourite” backhoe. He retired in 2023 when the company was sold. Howie will be deeply missed by his partners: Carla, Mark, Jack and Benny.

To know Howie was to love him. He could get along with just about anyone — and if he wasn’t happy about something, you would certainly know — yet he had a way of being direct without offending. His smile and laugh were unforgettable. Anyone who watched him laugh-cry at Marv getting electrocuted in Home Alone understands exactly what that looked like.

If he wasn’t offering life wisdom over coffee, he was on the water — frozen or not — usually with a dog beside him. He took meticulous care of everything he owned (few boats have their own dedicated vacuum, but his did), and he had strong opinions about the flowering crab trees hanging over his boat each spring.

To say he loved life on the water is an understatement. When he 15 years old, his dad sent him to guide on Great Bear Lake for two entire summers at Plumber’s Great Bear Lake Lodge. Many hours were spent on LOTW going from the “15, 18, to the 22 etc…, to Harry’s Bay, Courtney’s Bay or Lloyd’s Narrows (don’t ask, everyone

is sworn to secrecy). On Wabaskang Lake he was always discovering new fishing spots and making sure the necessary people were informed afterward. At camp, he and Den could escape the busy summers — riding the side-by-side, fishing the back bay, or simply watching the world go by from the porch.

Many life lessons were learned out there by kids, friends, and grandchildren alike: how to drive a boat, a quad, or a snowmobile, how to hunt and clean chickens, and most importantly — if you’re not going to do it right, don’t do it at all… though not doing it at all wasn’t an acceptable solution either.

Howie had a huge heart and a softness only some were lucky enough to see. He was more than a husband, father, brother, he was a fishing partner, hunting partner, advisor, confidant and a voice of reason. If he said he would do something, it was done — no question. He listened without judgment and gave steady, practical advice. Above all, he wanted the best for the people he loved and would do anything to help them get there.

We like to think that since leaving us, he’s back doing what he loved. Maybe he has his toes in the sand somewhere in Cuba, or he’s hunting new land with the labs, perhaps fishing the Secret Hole before putting on his snowmobile suit to head out fishing yet again.

Town and lake won’t look the same without him. He knew everyone, and everyone knew him. He will be missed deeply, but we find comfort knowing he is finally free.

The family would like to express their thanks to the many who helped him through his illness over the last few years. The girls in the Chemo department; you’re simply the best, Mike Limerick; your expertise and compassion made his days comfortable and feeling a little more like himself, Dr.’s Del Paggio and Hagerty of the Thunder Bay Regional Hospital for their advice and care, all of you who took the time to visit and have coffee with him when he could no longer get out, and a special thank you to Leah Galusha for being there when we were truly in need.

At Howie’s request there will be no service. A gathering of family and friends will be held in April and will be announced.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Howie’s name can be made to the Chemo Department at the Lake of the Woods District Hospital, A Dog’s Life, or any other charity of your choice.