14th Dec 1959 – 5th May 2024 (64)
3 PPCLI
With heavy hearts and a halo of enduring love, we sadly said goodbye to Neil Evans Howk. Neil passed away at home holding the hands of his family until his last breath. Neil leaves to mourn his wife Tracy, children Lucas (Brianna Horton), Troi (Joseph Mooney) and cherished granddaughters Ivy and Annie Mooney. He also leaves behind his brother Eric and sister Anita as well as very loved nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends that were considered family from across Canada and beyond. He was predeceased by his parents Herbert and Rhoda Howk who we know are opening their arms and welcoming him home.
Neil was born in Fernie, BC. His early beginnings were full of adventure travelling from post to post throughout British Columbia while his father served in the RCMP. Neil’s Mom cared for the home and family and was a big part of the reason Neil loved the outdoors-he was often shooed outside to play. He was sent to his Aunt and Uncles in Calgary for a few summers as a teen where he learned how to swing a hammer under his Uncle Rods tutelage-he became smitten with building and it became his way of life.
Neil joined the military in 1985 to answer the call of his country. He spent ample time overseas with various tours to Germany, Bosnia Herzegovina, Italy, Haiti, Golan Heights and also served time in Iqualit, Nunavut and Masset, Haida Gwaii. We were lucky to have postings in Chilliwack, BC, Cold Lake, AB, Gagetown, NB and Calgary, AB (residing in Longview, AB). He was an accomplished member of the Canadian Rifle Team and a carpenter extraordinaire. If asked, he would always say, he was a soldier first. He was so proud to have served and he loved this country called Canada.
Neil retired from the military in 2005 and became his own boss after testing a few options-he was never shy to say he was tired of taking orders. Neil ran his own company successfully until due to health, he stopped in 2022. If it was up to Neil he would still be measuring twice and cutting once, making all the projects in his mind come to life.
In 2017, Neil was diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. He was brave and courageous in navigating this life limiting condition. Neil’s focus changed from running his business to spending more time with family and winding down his life.
On behalf of Neil, we would like to thank Dr. Tara Lohmann, Veterans Affairs (Allison), the Palliative Care Team (Melissa, Megan and Dr. Loftus) for their tremendous efforts in journeying with us to the end.
Funeral service will be held at the Snodgrass Funeral Home (200 Woodgate Road, Okotoks AB) on Thursday, May 23, 2024 at 2:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, please support the Veterans Food Bank of Calgary or just lend a helping hand to someone needing a pick me up.
Neil will be dearly missed.
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