HOWARD, Gregory Anthony
May 22, 1949 - December 12, 2020
It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of “Tony” Howard. Tony passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his sons and wife on Saturday, December 12, 2020, in his 71st year. He is reunited with his loving parents Giles and Gwynneth. Beloved and devoted husband to Karen (Drouillard). Referred to affectionately as “the Old Man” or “Pop”, he was a best friend, role model and hero to his three sons Michael (Katherine), Bob (Renee) and John (Whitney). Adored and loving stepfather to Sherri (Michael) and Jason (Meghan). Granpapappy “Pappy” will forever live in the hearts of his grandchildren Isabel, Ruby, Giles, Emmett, Elijah, Antoine, Ben, Cooper, Drew and Lucy. The Old Man was larger than life, despite his stature. A truly selfless husband, father and friend. His free spirt and legacy will live on for generations to come.
The eternal optimist, Tony’s entrepreneurial spirit saw opportunity in the seemingly impossible. He was a risk taker, change maker, rule breaker that always reminded his close friends and family “if it’s meant to be it’s up to me”. An avid go getter, his hard working ethic helped him build an impressive resume of successful companies over the years that is only outshone by the amazing friendships and bonds formed as a result.
Tony played as hard as he worked. A well-travelled fisherman, his stories are that of fishing lore. From king salmon on the famed Kenai River, halibut in the Gulf of Alaska, trout in the Great Lakes, tuna in the Gulf of Mexico, to perch and pickerel in the Thousand Islands of Ontario, he caught and cooked them all. There was never a fish too big (or too small). His love of life and those around him was immeasurable. An avid golfer, proud Hooker, and self-proclaimed “6 time non-pga champion”, he especially loved finishing a round with euchre and cribbage at the 19th hole.
A passionate humanitarian and philanthropist, he was always looking for a way to make a difference both locally and globally. Many are familiar with the annual Fish Fry event that raises funds for the construction of wells in Ghana. It all started in 2010 in Tony’s backyard when he enlisted a number of volunteers to help cook and serve Halibut caught by Tony (and friends, he wasn’t THAT good a fisherman). This founding event raised enough funds to build the first well. His passion for the cause drove him to continuously push to grow the event and surpass the previous year’s fundraising. In partnership with the Rotary clubs of Windsor and Essex, the event has now built 26 wells providing clean water to communities in need.
At Tony’s wish, cremation has already taken place. A testament to his personality, he did not want a traditional funeral, as he never wanted the friends and family he cherished to gather in sadness on his behalf. Instead, he requested a party that would bring everyone together to celebrate a life well lived and share smiles, laughs, stories and hugs with one another. An enthusiastic story teller, there is nothing he would appreciate more than for his story to live on and be shared. A celebration of life will be scheduled later in 2021 when we are able to make his wishes possible.
An online happy hour will be held on Sunday, December 20 at 2 p.m. EST. His family will also be building a well in his honor so that his giving and selfless spirit will live on to continue to help others in need. Please visit windsorchapel.com for details on how to donate and register for the happy hour.
“Life is good” - Tony Howard
Arrangements entrusted to Windsor Chapel (Banwell Chapel) 11677 Tecumseh Road E, 519-253-7234