HOWARD WILLIAM "HOWIE" GRIFFITH

August 23, 2023

Howard William “Howie” Griffith of Kincardine, died Aug. 23, 2023, with his family by his side. He was 74. He attended the "Chickie School," W.E. Thompson Public School 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, following 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 and Siobhan; Grace and Kate; Vivienne and Marielle; Griffith and 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. Predeceased by his parents, Willa Cote (nee MacKlem) and 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 ‘60s, he worked as a welder at Forenta, at Brewers Retail and was Kincardine's cab driver. He also enjoyed his time working at the OPP station where he was in charge of maintenance. In the early ‘70s, he moved to Ontario Hydro (now 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 such positions 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, Saturday, Aug. 26, 2023, from 2-4 p.m. The funeral will be held Sunday, Aug. 27, 2023, at 1 p.m., in the Davey-Linklater Funeral Home Chapel, with celebrant Ann Maycock. Reception at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 183, Kincardine. Interment, Kincardine Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are appreciated to Huron Shores Hospice or to honour Howard's commitment to the Kincardine Volunteer Fire Department, consider donating to the Municipality of Kincardine/In Memory of Howard Griffith, to purchase equipment for the fire department in Howie's name; arrangements entrusted to the Davey-Linklater Funeral Home. Portrait and memorial online at www.daveylinklaterfuneralhome.com.