HOWITT, Robert

Rob was born April 24, 1955 at Canadian Forces Base Shilo, Manitoba and
died July 23, 2021 in Guelph, Ontario. Rob is the much loved husband of
Dolores Ferraro and father of Nicholas (Haley), Ann (Jeremy) and
Stephanie. Grandad to Lily and Cedrus, brother of Chris and Uncle Rob
to many.

We have been saying a slow goodbye to Rob these past 10 years as he
struggled with a form or young onset dementia, frontal-temporal lobe
dementia. We will continue to miss him desperately.

Before FTD took hold, Rob packed a lot into the first half century of
his life, most of us couldn’t keep up with him. He had a life-long
career with BMO that took him around the world and gave him and his
family an opportunity for two postings abroad. He played in the Guelph
Mens Slo-Pitch League for 25 years and held executive positions with
Muskies Canada for years. Rob was extremely witty and had impeceble
timing in delivering his dry sense of humour. He was a true and loyal
friend who had friends far and wide but those nearest and dearest were
those from his teenage years. He was the most honest person you could
ever come to know. Rob’s soft, sparkling blue eyes touched many
especially in the years when he was no longer able to speak. We are
sure that his love of loud music will be remembered by anyone who has
ever been a neighbour of ours.

An avid fisherman, duck hunter and outdoorsman. Watching Rob fly fish
was like poetry in motion. Through the years Rob became very concerned
with the destruction of our wetlands especially those on his beloved
prairies and became a proud supporter of Ducks Unlimited Canada. From
about the age of 12 onwards Rob spent at least part of every summer at
the family cottage on the French River where he relaxed but more
importantly to him was where he brought the outdoors and respect for
nature as well as a sense of adventure to life for his children.

Thank you to every single staff member at the Elliott Community who ever
had any involvement with Rob during his nearly 4 years with you. Your
kindness and compassion will not soon be forgotten. Many thanks to Dr.
Will Ruddock for your quiet, steady care of Rob.

“Time it was, and what a time it was, it was
A time of innocence, A time of confidences.
Long ago, it must be, I have a photograph
Preserve your memories: They’re all that’s
left you.”

Bookends
Simon and Garfunkel.

As per the families wishes cremation has taken place. There will be no
service but a small family memorial is planned to be held at a later
date. In lieu of flowers, donations to Ducks Unlimited Canada would be
greatly appreciated by the family.