Howard Lewis Gilbert

GILBERT….
Howard Lewis (Howie) in London on Friday December 15, 2006, at the age 84. Predeceased by his wife of 50 years, Barbara (2000). Survived by his children Robert and Kim of Oakville; Janice and Gordon Banting of London, and Susan and Andy Hincenbergs of Toronto. Grandpa to Dane Gilbert of Oakville, Jessica Banting of Queensland, Australia, and Kate Banting of Toronto. And Poppy to Jack, Luke and Walker Hincenbergs. Also survived by his dear Scottish lass Kathleen D’Arcy of Toronto.

Howie enlisted in the Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve in 1940 and served in both the Royal Canadian Navy and the British Royal Navy for the duration of the war. He took part in the North African Invasion, the Battle of the Atlantic, the Russian Murmansk Run, and transported our POW’s home from Hong Kong after V-J Day; receiving his discharge in Vancouver in 1945.

A Licensed Class A and Class B mechanic, he was owner/operator of Howie’s Collision Service Inc. for over 30 years. He was a long time member of the Business Club of London, Ontario Apprenticeship Committee, London Chamber of Commerce, Royal Canadian Legion – 501, The Royal Canadian Naval Association – London, London Shrine Club – Mocha Temple, and the Canadian Power and Sail Squadron.

For over 50 years he and Barb, and more recently he and D’Arcy, spent summers boating and cottaging in Port Franks; and their winters in Venice, Florida. He was a wanderer and a roamer, always curious – exploring and meeting new people. He loved the sea and greatly enjoyed going on cruises, keeping a bag packed just in case a good deal should come up.

But most of all he was a solid, supportive and loving family man.

Friends will be received by the family from 1-4pm on Sunday at the A. Millard George Funeral Home 60 Ridout Street South, London where the funeral service will be conducted in the chapel on Monday December 18, 2006 at 11am. He will join Barb to rest in the Veteran’s section of Mount Pleasant Cemetery. A Royal Canadian Legion Service under the auspices of Lambeth Branch No. 501 will be conducted at the funeral home at the beginning of the service.

As expressions of sympathy donations may be made to the Candian Cancer Society 123 St. George Street, London N6A 3A1. Online condolences accepted at www.amgeorgefh.on.ca