It is with great sadness that the family of Michael Edward Howell announces his passing on Thursday, July 29, 2021 from cancer. He is lovingly remembered and forever missed by his parents, Les and Dale Howell; his wife, Myra and children, Caden and Alexandra; his older brother, John (Kim) and nephews Dylan, Owen and Carter. He also lives on in the hearts of his many brothers & sisters in-laws; nieces and nephews; aunt, uncles and cousins.
He graduated from Gulf Islands Secondary on Salt Spring Island in 1988. As an intrepid 18-year old, his need for adventure led him to experience a 6-month long trip with Dean, who became his lifelong best friend, down to Mexico and Central America in a 1967 Dodge van.
After deciding to become a journeyman electrician, and a great one at that, he gained experience in the industrial/commercial field. With a subsequent addition of a computing certification, he acquired the knowledge that was valuable in troubleshooting programmable controls and enjoyed the challenge.
During this time, he met Myra in 1992 as a first-year electrical apprentice doing contract work at BCIT. They married, had two wonderful children and settled in New Westminster, BC.
He worked in the latter part of his career as an Electrical Foreman for Neptune Bulk Terminals before making his final move to Westshore Terminals in Roberts Bank.
How he lived is a tribute to who he was:
He liked absorbing knowledge. He was intuitive and smart.
He cared about his work and the quality that went into it. Doing jobs properly from the beginning was important to him. His organization and attention to detail was a blessing and a curse, depending on who you talked to. As a Foreman, he acknowledged those that worked hard and did their best because it was no less than what he expected of himself. He pushed if he thought one could do better but did it with fairness. He communicated effectively, whether it was through words or his hard hat. He guided others during his career because he wanted them to succeed in their life goals. He inspired loyalty and gained good friends along the way. He took his responsibilities seriously and acknowledged his mistakes.
Mike was a loving, caring husband and dad. Family was his biggest priority. Before he was diagnosed, he began teaching Caden how to drive and gave him the confidence to do it well. He nurtured Alexandra’s artistic abilities that stemmed from his own. While hosting large family parties, he was affectionately one of the life-of-the-party “drunckles”. He also had rhythm! He really gave the best hugs and looked a lot less fierce when giving a dimpled smile. He also had a wicked sense of humour with his one-liners. We’ll miss his laughter.
Life isn’t always fair. He struggled at times with depression. Sometimes, it would colour his perception of himself. When he wasn’t working, daily tasks could become insurmountable. It hampered his ability to enjoy life fully. He never thought he was brave but he was. It takes courage to be the person other people want to see while hurting on the inside. He wished to help shine a light on an issue that is difficult to talk about but felt by many. For himself, he tried his genuine best in life and in his passing, he wanted to support those that feel the same struggle. It matters.
From his first diagnosis in November 2020 to his final day, he chose to keep moving forward by strength of will, inner fortitude and humour. He would say “every day is like Father’s Day … breakfast in bed, watch TV and chill.” He wanted to set an example for his kids that no matter how tough life got, you couldn’t just give up. You had to give it your best effort.
He never wanted to be a burden and he never was. He was a tribute unto himself. If there was anything to be thankful for during COVID, it was the extra family time. If there was anything to be thankful for during his illness, it was the chance for him to see how much he was liked, loved and respected. He appreciated that.
Our heartfelt thanks to our families, friends, co-workers and neighbours for all of their love and incredible support during Mike’s journey.
Sincere thanks also go to all of the doctors and nurses involved in his care at Royal Columbian Hospital in New Westminster, especially 4 North; as well as those at BC Cancer (Vancouver). Thank you also to the Fraser Health New Westminster Home Support service, including the Palliative care team and a special thanks to Alex Leroux with the Neuromotion Physiotherapy team (Surrey).
A celebration of Mike’s life is being planned for the afternoon of August 31, 2021. Details will be provided through family and close friends. Condolences can be expressed at kearneyfs.com/obituaries/ as can fond memories for those not able to attend.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation for Mental Health.
The journey continues…
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Michael Edward Howell November 14 1970 July 29 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Vancouver, Province: Colombie britanique