Obituary of Donald Michael "Don" Howard

HOWARD: Donald Michael "Don" "Buck" - A lifelong resident of Chatham, Don Howard passed away on Saturday, May 28, 2016 at the age of 80. Born in Chatham, Don was the son of the late William and Mary (Pelkie) Howard. Beloved husband of 38 years to the late Barbara Jean Howard (nee Skipper). Dear father of Maureen (Bob) Lugg of Dover Centre, Mike (Susan) Howard of Chatham, Ron (Shelley) Howard of Belle River and Paul Howard of Chatham. Proud Grandpa of Amanda (Mark) Sheehy, Jocelyn (Matt) Deschamps, Brady (Daniela) Howard, Wyatt Howard and Michael Howard. Great-Grandpa to Savannah and Riley Sheehy and Mayden and Declan Deschamps. Brother to Robert Howard and companion Nancy of Chatham. Predeceased by his brothers John "Boomer", Bev, Pat, Doug, Fred "Petie", Lloyd "Polkie", and Bobbie. Don will be greatly missed by his border collie Daisy. Also missed by many nieces, nephews, friends and extended family. Don retired from Siemen's after 30 years of service. He enjoyed classic cars, particularly his 1929 Model A Ford. He was a longtime Chatham Maroon's fan, and loved spending time at Dresden Slots. Special thanks to Don's neighbours for their friendship and compassion and always being there for him. Family will receive friends at the McKinlay Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham on Tuesday from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m and 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Joseph Catholic Church at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 1, 2016 with Rev. Matt Kucharski celebrant. Interment to follow at Maple Leaf Cemetery, Chatham. Donations made in memory of Don to the Friends of the New Animal Shelter (Cheques to Municipality of Chatham-Kent) or O.S.P.C.A Chatham-Kent or the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated. Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com <iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/168655265" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen></iframe> <p><a href="https://vimeo.com/168655265">Donald Howard</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user27484248">McKinlay Funeral Homes Ltd.</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>