After a long, laughter-filled life, Howard Augustus ABBOTT passed away peacefully on Friday, July 21st, 2017. His final days will be remembered for non-stop family visits filled with song and storytelling. True to form, it was “Poppy” stealing the spotlight.
Now reunited with Cora, his devoted wife of 64 years, they are no doubt enjoying a cup of tea and a biscuit, catching up on the last 18 months and reminiscing about so many happy times together. Howard was blessed with three remarkable daughters – Karen Mackenzie (Scott Pilger), Dianne Nordheimer (Tony), and Donna Johnston (Derek) – who loved their Dad with a warmth and compassion inspired by their Mom.
Poppy’s jokes always got a laugh from his ten grandchildren: Kevin Mackenzie (Tracy), Kimberly Robertson (Graham), Jason Mackenzie, Corey Mackenzie, Breck Nordheimer (Lauren), Alex Nordheimer (Kerry), Samantha Nordheimer (Cam Coulter), Kyle Johnston (Maaike Brouwers), Coralyn Johnston (Jared Chapman), and Daniel Johnston (Carolyn Shaughnessy). And his eyes shone with a special sparkle whenever his five great-grandchildren were around: Morgan Mackenzie (Jericho Buwalda), Hallee Mackenzie, Jack Nordheimer, Andy Nordheimer, and Harper Nordheimer. Howard is survived by his younger sister, Phyllis Fry. He’ll be enjoying a heavenly reunion with older sister, Selena Abbott, and baby brother, Wilson Abbott.
A proud Newfoundlander, “Howie” left his Bonavista birthplace at the age of 17. He found work in Toronto, building stepladders for 40 cents an hour and living in a rooming house for $5 a week. His appeals to Cora eventually convinced her to make the same journey from “The Rock” and, together, they built a wonderful life in Ontario. Many of his favourite memories were from the annual summer visits back to Bonavista where he would wile away countless hours “down below” with the boys. Howie loved his sports and would eagerly engage in conversation about his beloved Toronto teams. Only three weeks prior to his passing, he was at Rogers Centre to cheer on the Blue Jays, smiling and chatting all the way through to the bottom of the ninth. Hard-working and loyal, Howard spent 41 years as a steelworker with John T. Hepburn Ltd. where he also served in leadership roles with the United Steelworkers of America.
Howard’s family would like to express a special thank you to the staff and volunteers at the Vera Davis Centre in Bolton and to the Care Team in the Dialysis Unit at the Headwaters Health Care Centre in Orangeville where Howie especially enjoyed the playful banter with the nurses from Newfoundland.
There will be a visitation on Tuesday, July 25th from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. at Egan Funeral Home, Bolton, Ontario. A funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m. Howard will be laid to rest beside his beloved bride at the Morningside Cemetery in Palgrave.
In lieu of flowers, the family would be grateful for donations in Howard’s name to the Vera Davis Centre , 80 Allan Drive, Bolton, Ontario L7E 1P7 or the Dialysis Unit at Headwaters Health Care Centre, 100 Rolling Hills Drive, Orangeville, Ontario L9W 4X9. Condolences for the family may be offered at www.EganFuneralHome.com
At his request, Poppy’s family will be gathering to enjoy a traditional Jiggs Dinner where his legendary appetite, his razor-sharp wit, and his proud Newfoundland heritage will inspire much more laughter and song.
KEN&EVLYN BURD
OUR SINCERE CONDOLONCES , Sad to hear the passing of HOWARD ,,had many great times on our fishing trips telling stories ,,,,I will always remember you ,,you will be joined with CORA as a unit,..god bless!,,,,,,,KEN&EVELYN BURD
David Kinsman
On behalf of all of us associated with the Dave Smith Youth Treatment Centre, I would like to express our sincere condolences to you, Donna, and your family on the loss of your father. May the love that clearly permeates your family, supplemented by our thoughts and prayers, help you through this difficult time.
Sincerely….David K.
MARTINE MENARD
Donna, Derek and family,
So very sorry to hear about the loss of your dear Poppy.
Our hearts are saddened by your loss and our thoughts are with you.
Gone from our sight, but never from our hearts.
Martine, Bernard and JC
Raymond Abbott Sydney,N.S
My condolences to all of the family are with you at this time of sorrow. I remember all the good times there in Toronto when I was there,and especially in Sydney,and in Bonavista.May you remember all the good times forever.
Chris and Christina
Deepest sympathies from Chris and Christina, knowing you Donna tells me a great deal about your Dad – a kind, sincere man who lived life fully and joyfully. The peaceful end of one life and the beginning of what is new and eternal.
Nancy Keel
Thinking of you all Donna, Diane, Karen, and your families. He is with your Mom now, and Ben. All having a good time I am sure. Sorry I can’t be there with you.. . You will all miss him and his witty humour. Enjoy your Jiggs dinner.
Marilyn Hems
Dianne and family,
I just wanted to share my condolences at this difficult time. I know your dad enjoyed a pretty good ‘kick at the can’ and enjoyed the love and attention he received from you, your sisters as well as the rest of the family.
Saying goodbye is never easy, – my thoughts are with you.
Sincerely,
Marilyn
April Abbott-Moore
My most heartfelt condolences Karen, Donna, Dianne on the passing of your Dad. Someone so special can never be forgotten.
Cindy and Doug Dimitroff
Donna, Derek and family,
So sorry for your loss. We are thinking of you and sending our love and prayers xox
Cindy and Doug
Jeanette diehl
Dear Donna,
So sad for your loss. Thoughts and prayers with you and your family.
Big hugs xoxo
Ken and Christina Graham
To Dianne, Tony and family,
Sorry to hear about the loss of Howard. I have never met a Newfie I didn’t like and one visit to Bonavista will show you the love of life and strong family values that eminate from that island. What a lovely write up on a life well lived. May Poppy sneak up on Cora and the two of them have a laugh together.
Derrick Abbott
Audra myself and the boys send our deepest condolences to our cousins and Aunt Philis. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this. There will be open arms waiting for him and at some time we all be together again. Take care and rejoice his life for it was wonderful.