Gilbert HOWEY Obituary

The family of Gilbert Edward Howey announces his peaceful passing, in his 91st year, on June 10, 2024, at Lee Manor in Owen Sound. Born on the family farm near Massie, Ontario, on July 28, 1933, Gilbert was the son of the late Frank and Mattie (MacInnis) Howey; and brother to Florence Smith and Jean Perdue. Gilbert grew up in a loving family that valued family, faith, education and music. These became the cornerstones of Gilbert's life. Gilbert was a remarkable person who used the gifts he was given to contribute to this world and the lives and communities around him. Gilbert loved to learn. The first eight years of his formal education began at the one-room schoolhouse in the Hamlet of Massie. Grades 9-12 were completed at Chatsworth Continuation School, followed by Grade 13 at Owen Sound Collegiate and Vocational Institute. The fall of 1952 brought Gilbert to Victoria College, University of Toronto. The journey at U of T continued as Gilbert completed his B.A., M.A., plus a year of make-up sciences before entering medical school, ultimately specializing in psychiatry. Gilbert loved music. He began to sing for others as a young child and would go on to participate for many years in the Owen Sound Kiwanis Music Festival. As Gilbert moved on to Toronto, he enjoyed singing in the Hart House Glee Club, the choir of Timothy Eaton Memorial Church, the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir and the choir of Yorkminster Park Baptist Church. Gilbert sang in several other choirs over his lifetime and his vocal solos were requested over the years for various weddings, celebrations and funerals. Over the years Gilbert practised psychiatry in both Toronto and Owen Sound, eventually retiring from his Toronto practice in 2001 and returning to his birthplace on the family farm. Gilbert enjoyed his retirement in the greater Owen Sound area, soaking up the country, singing, gardening, berry picking, baking, participating in the Golden K's and the Kiwanis Club, an active church member, and as always, reading countless books. Gilbert loved birthdays and rarely missed sending a card to mark them or other special occasions. Life took a significant turn in December 2015 when Gilbert was in a car accident. The injuries from this accident resulted in incomplete quadriplegia, marking the start of a defining chapter in his life at age 82. Following an extended period of medical treatment and rehabilitation, Gilbert moved to reside at Lee Manor in Owen Sound, but always looked forward to coming home to the farm for family time and just being in the environment of the place. Gilbert was not defined by his accident, and through his hard work and tenacity, as well as the care of numerous people, he returned to many of the activities he had previously enjoyed. Notably, Gilbert continued to share his gift of singing solos after his accident and his connection with music never wavered. The family wishes to thank the staff of Lee Manor, whose unbelievable and often unseen and unsung contributions are being sung here, as they make a positive difference in so many lives every day. Special thanks also go out to Gilbert's local team that contributed greatly to his quality of life for over eight years, specifically, Carly, Melissa, Debbie and Deepha. Gilbert is survived by his children, Heather Rayne (Vlad Orovic), Toronto, ON, Kevin Howey (Adrienne Galway), Toronto, ON, Ian Howey (Susan Tingley), Fredericton, NB; his grandchildren, Shannon Rose, Jonathan, Angelina and Kate; his sisters, Florence Smith and Jean Perdue. He will be fondly remembered by his nieces and nephews and other treasured family. Besides his parents, Gilbert was predeceased by his brothers-in-law, Jarvis and Bob; and niece, Diane. A small family funeral took place on June 17th at Massie United Church, with long-time friend the Rev. Dr. J. Peter Holmes. Following the service, an interment was held at Greenwood Cemetery, Owen Sound. A Celebration of Life for Gilbert is in the early planning stages, tentatively set for September at Yorkminster Park Baptist Church in Toronto. Gilbert was known to have said: "there is only one way to send off a chorister, and that's with song." Music will therefore be the focus of this celebration. If you are interested in finding out more about the Celebration of Life for Gilbert, please visit: www.gilberthowey.com for future details. Condolences can be mailed to any of the family at: P.O. Box 201, Chatsworth, ON, N0H1G0, or may be sent through the website. If desired, donations in lieu of flowers, can be made in honour of Gilbert to any of the following organizations: Victoria College, Lyndhurst Hospital (Spinal Cord Research), OSHaRE. Links to these organizations or mailing details are posted on the website. www.gilberthowey.com