Date of Birth: December 30, 1939
Date of Death: November 22, 2018
With heartfelt sadness, we announce the passing of Howard, age 78, at Burnaby Hospital, B.C. Howard was born on the family farm, six miles west of Melville, Sask., to Julius and Elizabeth (Schneider) Garbe, where he lived until he moved to Vancouver at age 23.
On Nov. 12, 1965, Howard married Grace Issel, originally from Neudorf, Sask. After working briefly as a sheet metal worker at Vanguard Trailers, he started working in the maintenance department at Riverview Hospital, where he stayed until his retirement in 1996.
There were many activities that Howard enjoyed: playing guitar, skiing, bowling, gardening and perfecting things around the house and yard, as well as spending time with family and friends biking or playing music. Another passion was riding around in his ’67 Ford Fairlane with Grace at his side.
Grace and Howard enjoyed travelling, and he especially loved Hawaii, visiting family around the world, and cruising. Two of his favourite cruise destinations were the Amazon and Antarctica.
He leaves to mourn his passing: his beloved wife of 53 years, Grace; brother, George (Dorothy) of Burnaby, B.C.; sister, Doris (Heinz Blisse) of Coquitlam, B.C.; brother-in-law, Jerry Issel (Shawn) of Langley, B.C.; nieces, Cheryl (Neal Teichrieb) of Kamloops, B.C., Carolyn (Michael Kittle) of Fernandina Beach, Fla., Pamela of Burnaby, B.C. and Michelle (Josh Nilson) of Vancouver, B.C.; nephews, Terry Kreeft of Port Coquitlam, B.C., Troy Kreeft (Susan) of Maple Ridge, B.C. and Nick Issel (Balou) of Vancouver, B.C.; great-nieces and great-nephews, Robert, Craig, Kristopher, Michelle, Heather, Marley, Matthew, Brianna, Madison, Jaiden, Jean, and Emma; as well as many other special family members and friends.
He was predeceased by his parents, Julius and Elizabeth Garbe; sister, Jeanette; and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Frank and Norine (Ulmer) Issel. For those who wish, donations in Howard’s memory may be made to Myeloma Canada (myelomacanada.ca).
A beautiful life that came
to an end,
He died as he lived,
everyone’s friend.
In our hearts a memory
will always be kept,
Of one we loved,
and will never forget.
