For Posterity's Sake         

A Royal Canadian Navy Historical Project

 

In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar

 

Howard Gordon Nuttall

 

RCN / C.A.F.

 

Died: 12 Sep 2019, Halifax, Nova Scotia 

 

NUTTALL, Howard Gordon - 89, of Lower Sackville, NS passed away peacefully with his loved ones by his side at the QEII hospital on September 12, 2019. Born in Montreal, Quebec, he was the eldest child of the late Gordon and Clara (Wagner) Nuttall.

Howard will be forever remembered by his five children, Sandra (Sandy Colville) of Northport, NS; Steven (Cathy) Nuttall of Calgary, Michael Nuttall of Lower Sackville, NS, Beverly Holmes of Halifax, NS and William (Bill) (Karen Oatway) of Lower Sackville, NS; his siblings Reg (Ruth) Nuttall, Bryne Nuttall, Gary (Donna) Nuttall all of Ottawa, ON, Donna MacEachern of NWT and Glen Nuttall of BC; his ten grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.

Howard was predeceased by his dear wife Jean in February of this year. He was also predeceased by his parents, sisters Dorotheen Scott, Gayle LaBrosse, brother Ron Nuttall and his infant grandson Robert Douglas Wellwood.

Howie, as he was known by his family and friends lived a very full life. He began his working career as a bicycle courier in Ottawa during the war years. In 1950 Howie joined the Royal Canadian Navy travelling the world and Canada for the next 24 years. He loved the navy life especially the trips to England. He took to the sea like a duck to water and was never seasick from the first time he stepped foot on his first ship.

While stationed in Halifax, NS Howie met and married his dear wife Jean in 1952 who shared his love of travelling. There are many a story of their trips across Canada with a backseat filled with their young children.

Howie love sports and was an excellent athlete who won many trophies in every sport he was involved in be it hockey, baseball, broomball and bowling. His great love was hockey. He played on many navy leagues during his career. Give him a bit of ice and he would organize a hockey game with whoever was around. Howie was a very faithful Montreal Canadians fan and was very proud of the fact that his parents named him after the great Montreal Canadian player Howie Morenz. Hockey Night in Canada was a tradition in our home growing up complete with hotdogs and coca cola. Howie formed his hockey pool the Jockstrappers which met for thirty years ending in 2009.

Howie could be a stern taskmaster but he was also all about his family. He was always there for each and everyone of his children. He was their dad, mentor, coach, sometimes doctor and above all his children knew he would always have their back. He was their rock.

In keeping with Howie’s wishes, there will be a celebration of his life on Friday October 4th from 11 until 12 at Donald K. Walker Funeral Directors, 11 Akerley Blvd. Ste 800, Dartmouth, NS with internment to follow for both Howie and Jean at the Gates of Heaven cemetery in Lower Sackville, NS. Please bring your favourite “Howie” stories to share. Howie was not a party goer but he loved a gathering where there was good food, laughter, family and friends. No flowers by request but if you wish you may make a donation to the charity of your choice.

 


 

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