GEORGE HOWARD

George Howard, of Fort Frances, Ont., passed away Sunday, April 20, 2014 at Rainycrest Long-Term Care in Fort Frances.
He was born Feb. 17, 1924 in Rainy River, Ont. to Russell and Sadie Howard.
He attended school in Rainy River, then joined the Canadian Army in 1943 and served until his discharge in 1947.
George was a life member of the Canadian Royal Legion Br. #29 in Fort Frances.
George worked at several jobs in his younger years, including guiding fishermen and working at the Steep Rock iron mine in Atikokan, Ont. and for the CNR. After that, he came to Fort Frances and went to work for Alex Thompson Plumbing.
This is when he met Irene Villeneuve and they became inseparable until her death 45 years later.
George always was interested in photography and he worked for Clinic Pharmacy Ltd. for several years in charge of their camera department. He then opened his own photography studio on Scott Street for three years.
George loved the outdoors and the lake, and when the opportunity came to manage a tourist resort in Morson on Lake of the Woods, he jumped at it. Working first for Moose and Muskie Camp and then for 13 years at Obabikon Bay Camp, until his retirement in 1986.
George also enjoyed music, especially the old-time songs. He played the accordion, banjo, mandolin, and harmonica.
George entered his final home, Rainycrest, in December of 2002. It was there he made many good friends with all the staff and residents.
George enjoyed his stay there and the treatment he received. He became very good friends with Lydia Leatherdale and they spent all their time together until she passed away.
George was predeceased by his parents; his lifelong partner, Irene Villeneuve; several aunts, uncles, and cousins; and his good friend, Lydia Leatherdale.
He is survived by his cousin, Louella Katona; and Irene’s family, Joanne and Keith Gosselin, their children, Sandra and Warren (Margaret), grandson, Tylar, and great-granddaughter, Abigail.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, April 24, 2014 at 10 a.m. at Green Funeral Home in Fort Frances, Ont., with Rev. Barbara Miller officiating.
Friends may visit prior to the service.
Interment will take place at Riverview Cemetery in Fort Frances.
In lieu of flowers, in memoriam donations may be made to either to the Knox United Church Renewal Fund or Rainycrest Long-Term Care.
Online condolences may be offered at www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com