Howard Augustus Abbott

After a long, laughter-filled life, Howard Augustus ABBOTT passed away peacefully on Friday, July 21^st, 2017. His final days will be remembered for non-stop family visits filled with song and storytelling. True to form, it was “Poppy” stealing the spotlight.

Now reunited with Cora, his devoted wife of 64 years, they are no doubt enjoying a cup of tea and a biscuit, catching up on the last 18 months and reminiscing about so many happy times together. Howard was blessed with three remarkable daughters – Karen Mackenzie (Scott Pilger), Dianne Nordheimer (Tony), and Donna Johnston (Derek) – who loved their Dad with a warmth and compassion inspired by their Mom.

Poppy’s jokes always got a laugh from his ten grandchildren: Kevin Mackenzie (Tracy), Kimberly Robertson (Graham), Jason Mackenzie, Corey Mackenzie, Breck Nordheimer (Lauren), Alex Nordheimer (Kerry), Samantha Nordheimer (Cam Coulter), Kyle Johnston (Maaike Brouwers), Coralyn Johnston (Jared Chapman), and Daniel Johnston (Carolyn Shaughnessy). And his eyes shone with a special sparkle whenever his five great-grandchildren were around: Morgan Mackenzie (Jericho Buwalda), Hallee Mackenzie, Jack Nordheimer, Andy Nordheimer, and Harper Nordheimer. Howard is survived by his younger sister, Phyllis Fry. He’ll be enjoying a heavenly reunion with older sister, Selena Abbott, and baby brother, Wilson Abbott.

A proud Newfoundlander, “Howie” left his Bonavista birthplace at the age of 17. He found work in Toronto, building stepladders for 40 cents an hour and living in a rooming house for $5 a week. His appeals to Cora eventually convinced her to make the same journey from “The Rock” and, together, they built a wonderful life in Ontario. Many of his favourite memories were from the annual summer visits back to Bonavista where he would wile away countless hours “down below” with the boys. Howie loved his sports and would eagerly engage in conversation about his beloved Toronto teams. Only three weeks prior to his passing, he was at Rogers Centre to cheer on the Blue Jays, smiling and chatting all the way through to the bottom of the ninth. Hard-working and loyal, Howard spent 41 years as a steelworker with John T. Hepburn Ltd. where he also served in leadership roles with the United Steelworkers of America.

Howard’s family would like to express a special thank you to the staff and volunteers at the Vera Davis Centre in Bolton and to the Care Team in the Dialysis Unit at the Headwaters Health Care Centre in Orangeville where Howie especially enjoyed the playful banter with the nurses from Newfoundland.

There will be a visitation on Tuesday, July 25^th from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. at Egan Funeral Home, Bolton, Ontario. A funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m. Howard will be laid to rest beside his beloved bride at the Morningside Cemetery in Palgrave.

In lieu of flowers, the family would be grateful for donations in Howard’s name to the Vera Davis Centre , 80 Allan Drive, Bolton, Ontario L7E 1P7 or the Dialysis Unit at Headwaters Health Care Centre, 100 Rolling Hills Drive, Orangeville, Ontario L9W 4X9. Condolences for the family may be offered at www.EganFuneralHome.com

At his request, Poppy’s family will be gathering to enjoy a traditional Jiggs Dinner where his legendary appetite, his razor-sharp wit, and his proud Newfoundland heritage will inspire much more laughter and song.