Obituary and Service Information for Howard William Griffith, Former Deputy Chief, Kincardine Volunteer Fire Department

Howard Griffith

Howard "Howie" William Griffith

Monday, September 20th, 1948
~ Wednesday, August 23rd, 2023


Howard William Griffith born to Willa Cote (nee MacKlem) and Lawrence Griffith on September 20, 1948, in Kincardine Ontario passed away August 23 2023 with his family by his side. Howard attended the "Chickie School", WE Thompson and KDSS before he met a city slicker named Phyliss Clubb when she came to spend the summer of 1967 in Kincardine. After almost 55 years of marriage Phyliss had to say goodbye to Howie after a devastating illness. Howard was a tough guy to the end.

Howard is survived by his four children Craig (Rosemary) Griffith, Jason (Ethel) Griffith, Sabrina (Steven) Chaves and Danah (Jason) Loney. He was a well-loved Pops, Papa Turtle and Grandpa to Lloyd & Siobhan; Grace & Kate; Vivienne & Marielle; Griffith & Pearl who will dearly miss his jokes, songs and especially his stories.

Howard leaves behind his cherished younger brother Marc Cote and his wife Donna who hosted Howie's favourite holiday, Thanksgiving, which he looked forward to every year.

Howard is predeceased by his mother Willa Cote (nee MacKlem) his father Lawrence Griffith, his much loved Grandparents Lloyd (Hopper) and Gladys MacKlem and his dear sister Pamela McLean.

Howard's first job was as a dishwasher at the Sunset restaurant as a teen. While he was starting his family in the late 60's, he worked as a welder at Forenta, at Brewers retail and was Kincardine's cab driver. Howard also enjoyed his time working at the OPP station where he was in charge of maintenance. In the early 70's he moved to Bruce Power where he grew his career ending as a Front-Line Manager and a proud Society member. However, Howie was most proud of his work with the Kincardine Volunteer Fire Department, a long-standing family tradition. For many years he was a dedicated member of the Bruce County Mutual aid, holding positions such as secretary/treasurer. He was also an active instructor teaching Ice Water Rescue to fellow firefighters and was instrumental in the Kincardine Canada Day Fireworks Celebrations. Howie spent his leisure time coaching hockey when his boys were young and later in life started wood carving as a hobby.

His family will forever be grateful to Dr. Gary Gurbin, Dr. Damian Gunaratne, Huron Shores Hospice and the invaluable nurses and support workers involved over the years. Words cannot express the magnitude of our thanks.

The family will receive friends at the Davey-Linklater Funeral Home, 757 Princes Street Kincardine on Saturday August 26, 2023 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.. A Funeral Service to honour Howard’s life will be held on Sunday August 27, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. in the Davey-Linklater Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral Celebrant Ann Maycock. Reception at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch # 183, Kincardine.

Interment Kincardine Cemetery

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to Huron Shores Hospice or to honour Howard's commitment to the Kincardine Volunteer Fire Department please consider donating to the Municipality of Kincardine/In Memory of Howard Griffith, to purchase equipment for the Fire Department in Howie's name. Please contact the funeral home for further information.

Portrait and memorial online at www.daveylinklaterfuneralhome.com

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