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Howard Donald Thornhill

2/5/2018

19 Comments

 
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Howard passed away peacefully on Feb 05, 2018 surrounded by his family after living courageously with Alzheimer’s for many years.
 
Howard was born on October 11th, 1936 in Frenchman’s Cove Newfoundland.  He was pre-deceased by his sister Roseanne, his son Malcolm and his parents Jenny and Robert Thornhill.
 
Howard is survived by his soul mate Sheila Bourgeois, his five children: Kathy, Geoff, Terry, Tracey, Giselle, as well as Sheila’s children, Duane, Deann and Dana. Howard is also survived by his brothers Art (Valerie), Larry (Sandy), Roeann (Aubrey), many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.  
 
Howard was a very proud Newfoundlander who loved his home. He was plumber/pipefitter by trade and his work took him to many places across Canada where he formed life long friendships. His mother taught him to be self-reliant and Howard could bake a lemon meringue pie, raisin buns and potato pork cakes or darn a pair of socks. He was a jack of all trades and was often called on to help neighbors who needed work done.  He could build or fix just about anything and always took pride in his work by doing it right the first time.  Howard was a very patient man and Sheila jokingly attested to that by saying “he lived with me all these years”
 
Howard enjoyed a great game of hockey, playing his harmonica and accordion, fishing and spending time with his family and friends. His smile would light up a room and in his last years he was often referred to as the “smiling gentleman”.  His sense of humor and his one liner come- backs were a part of his charm. He loved to dance and his 80th birthday was spent with his family and friends laughing, dancing and singing to Sheila’s uncle, Don Hibb’s music.
 
Howard will be missed by all of the people whose lives he touched throughout the years. A service and a celebration of the wonderful man he was will be held this summer in Grand Bank, Nfld. 
 
Many thanks to the staff at Fairview Mennonite Home who work tirelessly caring for the seniors in our community.
 
Memorial donations can be made to the Alzheimer Society of Canada or a charity of your choice   
19 Comments
Patricia MaDore
2/7/2018 04:00:51 pm

Sheila and family....I am so sorry to hear of Howards passing. I have many fond memories of him in Sarnia. Fly with the angels Howard.

Reply
Vince and Dot Baker
2/7/2018 07:09:58 pm

We are so sorry to hear of Howard's passing He was a really nice man and will be missed. Let us know when the service will be in Grand Bank

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Ed and Marjorie Thornhill
2/7/2018 09:34:20 pm

We are feelinfg a great loss in Howard,s death . He had a good life and leaves many good memories , God Bless all of his family .
with love from Marjorie and Ed

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kelvin and bruce feltham
2/7/2018 09:55:43 pm

really sorry to hear the pasting of howard was one great person and always a smile we well miss u my friend god bless tell we meet again

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Ken Mansfield
2/7/2018 10:34:19 pm

Howard Thornhill was a great brother-in-law and a good man. My fondest memory (I have many) was many years ago going on a camping trip with him to Grand Bank, Newfoundland and surrounding area. He was an excellent tour guide of his homeland and I had a great time. We ended the camping trip with a 2-day house party at David Noseworthy's cabin...

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Wayne & Linda Klufad
2/8/2018 02:26:19 am

Sheila & the Thornhill family
So sorry to hear if Howard's passing. We enjoyed visiting with him during our trips to NL. Cherish your memories and may God comfort you during this time

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Darlene lee
2/8/2018 06:31:08 am

So sorry for your loss Howard was a wonderful man and a great friend he will be sadly missed I will keep my memories of a great friend in my heart farewell my friend

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Patsy Burry (Handrigan)
2/8/2018 06:38:54 am

Roeann, so sorry to hear of Howard's passing, I have good memories of spending time at your house. Mom always talked about Howard.

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Roeann LaGuff
2/8/2018 09:48:17 am

Thank you Patsy, he was dearly loved by many.

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Douglas & Barbara Edwards
2/8/2018 07:56:30 am

We used to love when Howard & Sheila would come to Michigan every year to visit us. He was so much fun, and a very loving, loving man. We will really miss him. Love to all of his family & friends.

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Marilyn Stagg
2/8/2018 03:29:54 pm

In honour of Howard I would like to say a few words on behalf of Sheila's family
Jean,Claretia, Elaine,Marilyn and Ken:

Howard was a man of interigty and showed compassion to his family and friends.. He wore his heart on his sleeve and was there to help family and friends in a moments notice. He loved to entertain at family functions playing his guitar and his accordian.He had a quick wit and great one liners. Above all this he was a great father, grandfather and Sheila's "HOWARD".
May your memories of Howard bring you comfort at this time and realize you were blessed to have had him to share in your life.Rembering him will be easy missing him will be the heartache...

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Elaine Rise
2/8/2018 04:05:15 pm

Sheila, Mom and I are saddened to hear of Howard’s passing. Keep all of the happy memories close to your heart; they will help you heal. Condolences to you and all of the family. RIP Howard.

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Clarence &Betty Morgan
2/9/2018 02:36:26 pm

Sheila, please accept our sincere sympathy on the passing of your friend and husband, Bob. We have some fond memories of him Many years ago when he was part of our family. Our thoughts are with you. Kind regards.

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Helen Millen
2/9/2018 09:46:19 pm

My sympathy to you Sheila and family. Have known you for a few years now since you moved into the apartment here in Cambridge, Ont. Enjoyed our talks and laughs and your company. Friends are forever!! Take Care. God Bless. Helen Millen

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Beverley Matthews
2/10/2018 10:34:49 am

So sorry to hear of Howard's passing. Take care.

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Sherry Logan
2/11/2018 09:34:40 pm

So sorry for your loss Sheila & family. Howard was a wonderful man and he certainly will be missed. Hugs & prayers to you all...RIP Howard you are now free from all pain <3

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Sandra and Guy Lapix
2/12/2018 06:29:34 pm

So sorry to hear of the passing of Howard, Sheila. He was such a gentle person. So pleasant and easy-going. You must be devastated.
Sinceres condoléances de Guy et moi. Bisous!

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Harold Grandy
2/13/2018 10:00:17 am

So sorry to hear of Howard’s passing. We were neighbours growing up in Grand Bank and our mothers were good friends. Condolences to all the family.

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Allan Stoodley
2/15/2018 06:35:58 pm

Sheila and the Thornhill family

So very sorry to hear of Howard's passing. Our relationship with him
goes back to our teenage years in Grand Bank. He always had such a great, warm personality.
Cherish your memories, they are so important.
Please accept our very sincere sympathy.

Bea and Allan Stoodley

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