Date of Birth: June 26, 1935
Date of Death: March 20, 2026
Howard Sanftleben passed away peacefully on Friday, March 20, 2026, and was
reunited with his beloved wife, Phyllis, and his son, Stacy.
He will be deeply and lovingly remembered by his family: his children and five cherished grandchildren: Trevor (Phyllis) and their daughter Jessica (Michael); Lisa (Dave) and their daughters Jaida (Dylan) and Kaitlyn (Chol); and Nancy and her son Boston, and grandson Nicolas. Howard also held a very special place in his heart for Darrel (Anne) Cox and family, and Dustin McConnell. He is survived by his sister, Lois Wernicke; sisters-in-law Jean, Evelyn, Florence, Sheila, and Elsie; and brother-in-law Bill (Linda) Ziebart.
Howard was predeceased by his devoted wife, Phyllis; his son, Stacy; his parents, George and Hazel Sanftleben; his brother, Mel (Joan) Sanftleben; and brother-in-law Walter Wernicke; his parents-in-law, Ole and Elizabeth Ziebart; brothers-in-law Pius (Shirley Anne) Ziebart, Dennis Ziebart, Paul Ziebart, Joe (Emma) Ziebart, Bob Ziebart, and Jerry Ziebart; sister-in-law Dorothy (Tom) Logan; along with many dearly loved family members and friends.
Howard was born on June 26, 1935, in Assiniboia, SK, to George and Hazel Sanftleben. He was raised alongside his brother Mel and sister Lois. In 1952, he began working at North American Lumber in Assiniboia, later transferring to Taber, AB, in 1954. By 1956, he had entered the oil patch, working across the Yukon, Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan.
While working out of Bow Island, AB, Howard met Phyllis at a country barn dance. It was love at first sight. They were married on July 15, 1961, in Medicine Hat, AB, beginning a life together filled with love, hard work, and unwavering devotion to family.
In 1965, Howard left the oil patch to work at the Goodyear Tire plant in Medicine Hat. The following year, they moved to Melville, SK, a place that would forever hold a special place in their hearts. There he farmed alongside his father and brother and began his career with CN Rail in 1967, where he remained until his retirement in 1997.
During his time with CN, Howard held several roles, but one his children remember most fondly was serving as head cook for the train derailment crew. He prepared meals for up to 100 workers, often on short notice. These moments became treasured family memories, as his children would accompany him on late-night grocery runs and help load supplies onto the train. His cooking was appreciated both on the job and at home.
Howard was a man of many talents he could cook, sew, fix almost anything, and had an incredible green thumb. He took great pride in his garden, especially his tomatoes and flowers.
Howard and Phyllis shared a deep love of sports, something that brought them countless hours of joy together. Whether it was cheering from the stands, supporting their children and grandchildren, or watching games side by side at home, it was always time well spent. They were especially devoted fans of the Toronto Blue Jays, rarely missing a game and celebrating every win together. Those quiet moments watching, cheering, and simply being together were among the many memories that reflected their strong and loving bond.
Howard was deeply involved in his children’s lives, supporting them in hockey, figure skating, baseball, swimming, and volleyball. Whether as a volunteer or a constant
presence in the stands, he was always there. From 1969 to 2009, he dedicated himself to Melville Minor Hockey, serving in countless roles including coach, general manager, bus coordinator, driver, mechanic, and tireless volunteer. He played a vital role in purchasing and maintaining team buses, often working late into the night to ensure they were ready.
In 1974, Howard became involved with the Melville Millionaires Junior Hockey Club, where he and Phyllis devoted countless hours. He served two terms as president and contributed to numerous committees. Together they worked in the booster booth, helping fans show their support, and Howard later made sure refreshments were always ready on game nights.
Howard formed many lifelong friendships in Melville, including a special bond with Ernie Iluk fondly known as “Waldorf and Statler” along with many others too numerous to mention. He and Phyllis also opened their home to billeting many hockey players over the years, treating each one like family. These connections remained meaningful and lasting.
Howard found great joy in attending his grandchildren’s activities, whether watching Jessica at speed swimming, Jaida at volleyball or Kaitlyn at ringette, or listening to Nicolas share his stories. He shared a particularly close bond with Boston, with whom he spoke often, exchanging jokes and keeping up with one another’s daily lives.
Howard also loved his trips out to Eagle Lake in Northwest Ontario, kicking back on the dock with the dogs, a good novel in hand, drink nearby, and always ready to share a story or two with family and friends.
Since 2019, Howard enjoyed living at Cumberland Villas, where he formed many new friendships. He looked forward to morning coffee, game nights, and especially Friday afternoon “happy hour”, which often stretched well into the evening.
Howard was a man of few words, but he had a heart of gold and the best belly laugh. If you knew him, you knew his kindness. You knew his quiet strength. And if you didn’t, we truly wish you had. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial donations in honour of Howard’s name to the following: Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation, Heart & Stroke Foundation or Canadian Cancer Society.
A funeral service was held on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at the Cornerstone Event Centre in the CN Community Centre, Melville, with Rev. Ronald Shumba officiating.
Interment was held in St. Henry’s Parish Cemetery, Melville.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Matthews Funeral Home, Melville.
