Peter John Howard

HOWARD, Peter John
It is with great remorse that we announce the passing of Peter John Howard, in his 71st year. On Saturday September 25th 2021 Peter peacefully transitioned while surrounded by his family at Ross Memorial Hospital in Lindsay. Peter is survived by his wife, Sharon Elizabeth, his two sons & Daughters-in-law Matthew James Howard, Leighanne Mary Howard (Burke), Scott Andrew Howard and Samantha Louise Howard (Kennedy). Peter also leaves behind his grandchildren Elliott William, Alexander Peter, Cameron Joseph, Colby Brooks & Blayke Elizabeth who were his whole world. Peter was born on July 13th 1950 in Peterborough, Ontario to his father Harry Howard & mother Sadie Howard (Dempsey). He was the eldest of three children Penny Copeland (Howard) & Kelly Emery (Howard). Though born in Peterborough, Peter spent his childhood at the family house on Evergreen Side Road in Midland, Ontario. After navigating his childhood & adolescent years he obtained his high school diploma and subsequently pursued a career as a teacher by first attending teachers college then completing his degree at Trent University majoring in Anthropology. Immediately after writing his final university examination he found a small posting pinned to a cork board outside the examination hall for an entry level teaching position with the Victoria County District School Board in the tiny community of Bobcaygeon. Upon securing this new job he began his career in education in 1971. As an educator within our community Peter has had the privilege to have had an impact on the development of many people within Bobcaygeon and the surrounding area until his retirement in 2003. As all his close friends & family can attest Peter’s artistic & creative mind was always active. However, his talents shined most when it came to writing & specifically poetry. One of which has been included below:

ALMOST HOME

And now before sunset, green amber the leaves
Adorning the branches of aged maple trees.
Still are the waters, dark hued in last light
As the day yields to dusk and the coming night.

Far off in the distance, the call of a loon,
The sun going down, the rise of the moon.
Silver now rules the darkening lake.
Moondrops bead on the paddle, disappear in my wake

Slipping silently onward, I turn toward home,
Where the dockside lies waiting; I won’t be alone.
My children will greet me with laughter and noise,
Tales of found treasures – my adventurous boys.

And she who waits softly, my lady, my life.
I’ll draw her close to me, this woman, my wife.
There!
In the distance, the dark now unfolds
From the glow of the lantern she faithfully holds.

I pick up the tempo, double my pace,
Dip... pull on the paddle: I’m now in a race.

Almost, almost... home...
Home, so tender and fair;
In my longing heart, I’m already there.

Peter Howard

As many lives as Peter has touched, whether they are family, friends or students he would say that it was not about the contribution or impact he had on anyone’s life but rather the impact others made on his.

In keeping with Peter’s wishes there will be no general service or celebration of life. Donations may be made in his honour to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Canadian Diabetes Society.