Howard McKenzie Motheral passed away peacefully on Saturday October 13 2018, holding the hand of his beloved wife, Violet. Left to mourn his passing are his sister Velma Motheral; children Susan Woods, Barrie Woods, Shelagh Woods (Nick Polischuk), Andrea Woods, and Shawna Hook (Christopher Hook); and grandchildren Craig, Andrea, Sarah, Hollande, Ben, Emily, Nolan, Max, and Anna. Howard was predeceased by his sister Elva.
Howard was born on December 11, 1924 to Rienzi and Lavina (McKenzie) Motheral in the farm home at Snowflake, Manitoba. He grew up on the farm and moved to Winnipeg for his Grade 12. He joined the War Effort, and trained as a pilot in Alberta, followed by training as a gunner in Trois-Rivières, Quebec. He was on Embarkation leave when the war ended.
Howard attained his Agricultural Degree at the University of Manitoba. He returned to Snowflake and farmed for 50 years, spending winters traveling and teaching at Brandon University and agribusiness at the University of Manitoba.
In 1974, he married Violet (Liske) Woods, a widow with four teenaged children. He was undaunted by the prospect of becoming a husband and father in one fell swoop after fifty years of bachelorhood. Their daughter Shawna was born in 1976.
Howard had many business interests through the years, including partnership in the Manitou Broiler Farms and in the Manitou Feed Mills. For over twenty-five years, he was the delegate for Manitoba Pool Elevators for his district, and every year was voted the chairman of the convention by his peer group. He was on the Board for the Canola Growers of Manitoba. Howard was also Chair of the Natural Products Marketing Council through two different governments.
Howard enjoyed his world travels through Europe, Africa, Australia and all over North America. He took pleasure in his grandchildren and their antics. He was a voracious reader, often picking up the encyclopedia for an in-depth read.
Funeral services will be held at Thomson “In the Park” Funeral Home 1291 McGillivray Boulevard) located in Winnipeg, at 11:00 am on Thursday, October 18.
Sincere gratitude goes to the thoughtful and caring staff at River Park Gardens Personal Care Home.
In lieu of flowers, Howard requested that you take a friend out for coffee.
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