Obituary of Douglas "Doug" Howat

A memorial folder from the funeral service may be printed under the "Memories" tab, then choose "Memorial Program". Doug passed away in Regina at the Pasqua Hospital with his family at his side. He was 90 years of age. Predeceased by his parents, Samuel and Emily, 2 brothers and 5 sisters, sons Lyle (1993) and Rod (1991) and grandson, Devin (2003). He is survived by his beloved and cherished wife of 63 years, Helen, daughter Judy (John) Paslawski of Regina, Merrilyn Renkas of Winnipeg, daughter in law Henriette Howat of Regina and Judy and Keith Rourke of Regina. Grandchildren Ben and Becky Renkas; Matthew, Luke and Meagan Paslawski, Nicole (Howat) and Mark Janeczko, Randene Meyers, Jodie Pooler and Roxanne Rourke and many other extended family members. Brother Don (Barrie) Howat of Campbell River BC and Deanna (Tom) Clinton of Red Deer AB. Doug was born on the farm near Canwood, SK into a family of 10 and took his schooling in a one room school. As he told it, he walked barefoot, summer and winter, uphill both ways. As a young man he played ball for Canwood and worked when it didn't interfere with ball or curling. In January of 1941 Dad and Pat Millard left Canwood by train for Prince Albert to enlist with the Canadian Army. When it was Dad's turn to sign up, the enlisting officer told him to walk around the block a couple of times and have two more birthdays. That being done, he was enlisted and the next day was shipped off to Regina for uniforms and supplies, then back to Prince Albert for basic training. He was with the 3rd Canadian Division of the Regina Rifles and did his training in Shiloh Manitoba. He was then sent by troop train to Halifax and left Canada on the Empress of Japan for Grenouch, Scotland. Because he had an Army Driver's License he was then transferred to the New Brunswick North Shore Regiment. He arrived in Cannes, France and fought throughout most of Europe. He travelled to Belgium and Holland. Doug was in Nijmegen NL and fought for the Waal Bridge in September 1944. On December 24, 1944 the back of Doug's Bren Gun Carrier hit a landmine and luckily he was not injured, later that day his best friend, Lyle McIntosh was killed by a sniper as he sat beside Dad. Their first son was named after him. Dad was in Holland for the Liberation of that country in May 1945. He marched past a young boy that day, who would later become his friend many years later in Ituna SK. Throughout the war he was promoted to Sergeant and when WWII ended he volunteered to stay for 5 years to help rebuild Holland. He was discharged on June 10, 1946 and returned to Canwood. There, he met the new school teacher, Helen Ogenchuk and they were married on November 19, 1950. Dad started as a grain buyer in Canwood then in Aberdeen SK with his final posting to Ituna in October 1956 with a wife and 3 kids. He was involved in the community for close to 60 years. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, a founding member of the Ituna Credit Union, Member of the Wheat Pool Board, he coached hockey, started the first chapter of AA in Ituna, Board member of the Ituna Coop and the President of the Ituna- Kelliher Legion Branch #219. In 2000 Dad and Mom traveled to Holland for the "Thank you Canada" celebrations. He again marched over the Waal Bridge in Nijmegen NL and visited his best friend's grave in Groesbeek NL. His life was in Ituna with mom who he loved so dear, but he missed his boys everyday. He cherished all of our visits and loved to hear from all the grandchildren and their accomplishments. He worked hard all of his life and now it is time to rest. We will miss you and always love you. Service Information Friday, March 28th, 2014 7:30pm, St. Stanislaus Roman Catholic Church Details: Service Extra Info 7:00pm ~ Rosary led by Knights of Columbus will precede Vigil. Saturday, March 29th, 2014 10:30am, St. Stanislaus Roman Catholic Church Interment Details Ituna R.C. Cemetery