Geoffrey David Howe

Geoffrey (Geoff) David Howe, beloved husband of Denise (Denny) Howe (deceased) and proud father of Terence(Terry) David (Mary Fosterjohn) and Jennifer Kim, passed away peacefully on February 21, 2022 at the age of 96.

Geoff was born in 1926 in Hull, Yorkshire, England. He was the only son of John William Howe and Alice May Croot of Yorkshire, England. (both deceased).

Geoff grew up on the Yorkshire Moors, which always remained his favorite spot. As a young man he entered the Royal Air Force (RAF) and after the war attended Worcester Training College to train to be a teacher. It was there that he met the love of his life, Denise (Denny) Ingles. They married in 1953 and loved to spend time touring the moors on Geoff’s motor bike. After the birth of their son, Terry, an opportunity came to emigrate to Canada, which they took in 1956 where they settled in Calgary, AB. Geoff entered the oil business working for Triad Oil as an engineer. He later returned to teaching as a Headmaster. His teaching career ran along side his hobbies and passion for motor racing and PR. He was commentator on motor races for years and also had his own motor sport radio programme in Calgary on CHQR. His passion for cars and motor racing saw him join the Calgary Sports Car Club and compete in many car rallies including the Shell 4000 rally from Vancouver to Halifax in 1968.

Their daughter Kim was born in Calgary. An opportunity arose in 1972 when the family moved back to England so he could pursue his Public Relation passion full time, rather than a hobby. He joined CINS and later Swift PR. He then branched out and created & owned his own PR business, GDH PR.

He loved to travel and see the world and described his own life as ‘wonderful’ and was fortunate enough to visit Tunisia, Greece, Luxembourg, Sorrento, Adu Dhabi, Madeira, Morocco, Minorca and Spain while living in the UK. He and Denny always loved taking mini cruises to Europe to explore and experience many new places and cultures.

He enjoyed numerous sports and was actively involved himself and also as a phys-ed teacher and soccer referee. He loved coaching and watching sports and avidly supported his home town soccer team, Hull City Tigers until the day he died.

On a vacation to visitor their daughter, Kim, back in Canada in 2001, they visited the Village By The Arboretum (VBA) and fell in love with the concept. He and Denny purchased a lot on the spot and returned to the UK to sell their much loved Leicestershire home to start another venture in Guelph, Canada. They moved into their new home in 2002 where they enjoyed an active happy retirement. The VBA became an enjoyable and fulfilling lifestyle. With so much to do and wonderful friends and neighbours, for which he was always grateful, Geoff kept himself busy with his model railway layout, VBA presidency, the Guelph Symphony Orchestra, as well as his other numerous hobbies.

He always had a love of singing and music and enjoyed listening to brass bands and classical music. He was an avid self-taught piano player and loved to serenade his lovely Denny.

He was a great supporter of the Guelph Symphony Orchestra (GSO), and headed the FOGS (Friends of the Guelph Symphony) and organized sponsorship by Prime Care Pharmacy (thank you Danny!) of several coaches that were able to take up to 50 people from the VBA (rain/ sun or snow!) to the GSO concerts at the Riverrun Centre, that might otherwise not have been able to attend. He always enjoyed helping others experience his passions.

But most of all, his time was spent caring for his adoring beloved Denny who was by his side for 67 years but unfortunately passed away before him in July 2020 leaving a huge void in his life. However, he never ceased to be amazed at technology and the ability to speak to family and many friends around the world by zoom or skype so easily, which eased his great loss.

Early last year, he required supplemental oxygen, but it never stopped him enjoying putting, 10 pin bowling , bocce and continuing his many hobbies. He was so fortunate to remain at home with the care and company of his loving daughter, which was such a blessing for them both in these strange covid times, when overseas family unfortunately could not travel. He and Kim were able to be together until the end.

Geoff and Denny’s life and love story will live on in the memories of all that knew them. Geoff was blessed to have lived a full long happy healthy life and will be very sadly missed but never forgotten.

Resting at Gilbert MacIntyre & Son Funeral Home, Hart Chapel, 1099 Gordon St, Guelph. As per Geoff’s wishes, cremation has taken place.

Family and friends wishing to honour Geoff’s life may make donations to The Guelph Symphony Orchestra or Hospice Wellington, Guelph (who took such wonderful care of his beloved Denny). Donations or condolences can be made at the funeral home by cash or cheque or online below his obituary at www.gilbertmacintyreandson.com