Remember David Howes the right way

Yes, the name Dave Howes must be remembered in St. Catharines, for all the right reasons. But hold the phone for a moment. He did so much for us all, in his understated, determined and visionary manner. The list of his accomplishments and contributions would be too long for this letter, and is better left for another day. Dave never let meaningful traditions die in committee, or visionary ideas whither on the vine. If he determined to complete a project, he rallied the troops, and they reached so many finish lines.

Dave was an early and frequent lead donor, of his time and his money. Quietly, he made so many things happen. Always sartorially elegant, and quietly eloquent, he would have a few well timed chats with the right people, and make a few discreet and pleasant phone calls until the project was moving in the right direction.

With respect, I submit the name Dave Howes should not be displayed on an outof-the-way street that so very few Niagarans use.

City councillors, please open up your minds and do Dave proud.

During the intermission of Wednesday evening’s Concert to Celebrate the centenary of the Casavant Freres organ at Knox Presbyterian Church, a few of us got wound up about this issue. We offered a few suggestions. How about renaming Market Square, with an appropriate display and plaque? Or an appropriate installation in Port Dalhousie, near the old Lincoln Fabrics building where Dave, his father and their teams laboured for so many years? Let’s hear more ideas.

Dave Howes was a great man. We are lucky he proudly called St. Catharines home. He accomplished so much, up at Brock University, the new hospital, the golf club, our sports hall of fame — Dave’s fingerprints are ubiquitous.

He helped many of us. I was fortunate to have him as a pal.

Let’s take our time, deliberately and thoughtfully, moving like he would move. Let’s do something great to remember Dave Howes. Ross Robinson Niagara-on-the -Lake