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Peacefully at the Golden Plough Lodge, Cobourg, on Sunday, October 18, 2020, in his
94th year, ending his long journey with Alzheimer’s Disease.
Beloved husband of Janice Howieson (nee Frossell). Loving father of Joseph (Susan), Alix (Noel DoHarris), Iain (Susan), Andrew (Leeanne) and Angus (Wendy). Cherished grandfather of Jamie (Karen), David (Laura), Lindsay (Shyam Maharaj), Colin (Kyle), Joseph Cameron, Graeme (Lee), Ethan, Evan, Caileigh, Emma, Allison and Kirstyn. Dear great grandfather of six great grandchildren, Nathan, Selina, Tristan, Nolan, Lidia and Kelsey.
Born in Edinburgh, Scotland, the second of six children for Joseph and Janet Howieson, Joe received his education at George Hariot’s School; Edinburgh University (BSc Eng); and Cranfield Aeronautical College (MSc). He spent two “wasted” years of mandatory service in the army with the Royal Irish Hussars.
Emigrating to Canada in 1951, Joe joined A.V. Roe to work on the design of the Iroquois engine to power the Avro Arrow. He was joined by his fiancé in 1952 and they were married in Toronto. In 1953 he joined Atomic Energy Canada Ltd. in Chalk River for five years, then back to Toronto in charge of fuel design. During this time he was fortunate to join other Commonwealth scientists on a tour of nuclear plants in the U.K., culminating with a visit to Balmoral Castle to lunch with the Queen and other members of the Royal Family.
Joe became Senior Engineer for Canadian Westinghouse Nuclear Fuel Plant in Port Hope which then transferred to Hamilton where he developed welding and brazing processes for fuel rods. His career ended in Ottawa with the Federal Government as Advisor on nuclear waste disposal.
At weekends, Joe built a cottage, played golf and swam, or curled in winter.
Once retired to Cobourg, Ontario, life began in earnest. Energetic and adventurous he sailed the Atlantic as crew on a small yacht, joined an archeological dig in Peru followed by a hike up Machu Picchu. He planned a 3 month round-the-world trip with his wife, including 6 week tour of New Zealand with a camper van.
Now living in apple country it was natural to turn his attention to making cider, having imbibed and enjoyed it in his youth. “Scrumpie Cider” became the first hard cider outlet in Ontario.
Joe and Jan travelled extensively, from the Canadian Arctic to South America, and Newfoundland to Victoria and the Galapagos Islands, Joe becoming the guide having read and absorbed destination details. At age 84, accompanied by his daughter and son-in-law he walked 150 km on the Camino de Santiago trail in Spain.
Blessed with a deep bass voice Joe sang with many choirs and participated in musicals humming his way through life to the end.
Our family want to express our most sincere gratitude to Joe’s other family, the staff of the Golden Plough, particularly Blacklock Cottage, who have cared for Joe over the past three years and kept him safe and content. Always the gentleman and well liked, it was not always easy but they used humour and gentle persuasion to get him to follow instructions. A huge thank you.
As per Joe’s request some organs have been harvested and a family celebration of life has taken place followed by a ‘green’ burial in Union Cemetery, Cobourg, in a plot overlooking the golf course.
If you wish to make a donation in memory of Joe please consider the Golden Plough Lodge or the Alzheimer Society.
Dear Joe My condolences on the passing of your father. Sounds like a wonderful, interesting person. Imagine walking the Camino at his age. What an accomplishment. Look after yourself & stay well. Best, gini
joe--i offer my condolences on the death of your father. he certainly lived a long and very interesting and exciting life.
I met Joe when he came out to India in 1971 to help us resolve some problems with the fuel bundles supplied by Westinghouse for the RAPP 1 reactor. I was so impressed with the very professional yet gentle way he treated the Indian fuel engineers. He was such a very nice person. Peter and Jennifer Richinson
Our deepest sadness and condolences for the loss of this great nuclear professional. Our prayers are with the family for the all mighty to bless his soul and give courage to the family to accept his loss. Suzee & Shami Dua
My fond memory of Mr Howieson Sr goes back to a nice round of golf I played with him as my partner in an ACRA Golf Tournament. Being a friend of Joe Howieson Jr., I introduced myself as such and the rest of the golf day was wonderful discussing a wide variety of subjects. For a "senior staus" person that he was, I was awestruck by how down to earth and friendly he was! My his soul rest in peace.
Very sorry to hear of Joe's passing! A pioneer and Past President of the Canadian Nuclear Society! Sincerest condolences to the whole Howieson family.
So sorry to hear of your loss Joseph Junior. My deepest condolences to the Howieson family.
Dear Angus and family, I was saddened to read of the loss of your father in the Ottawa Citizen last weekend. I will always remember the stories you told me during our lunches of the great times you spent with your father and family - particularly on the golf course. Although I never met your father, I learned from your stories so many wonderful things about him.Thank you for sharing those stories with me. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Take care and best wishes, Christopher MacDonald
What a fantastic life Joe had. He was such a nice person
Iain and family, Please accept my deepest condolences for your family's loss. Joanne
With condolences to Jan and all the family, remembering Joe with affection, and happy memories of wonderful parties on New Year's Eve in Cobourg. A truly remarkable life.
In memory of a donation has been made to the Golden Plough Lodge
My only encounters with Joe was in the early 90s when we did shows together with the Victorian Operetta Society. Having just read about his life adventures I am envious of the many things he did and accomplished. My condolences to your family.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland County - Golden Plough Lodge
Dear Jan & Family, Thank you for sharing about Joe's vast travel adventures, expansive engineering career and general love of life. Clearly a man of dynamic talents and abilities. May you find this life transition eased by the power of positive memories and your warm and caring family. We will continue to think of you in the days to come, Jane & Dan Kline
Jan and family, We only knew Joe the teensiest wee bit via the theatre, but we extend to you our sympathy at your loss. Reading about his FULL life makes me full of awe! What amazing adventures from a man full of spirit! Anne and Paul Burnham
A life well lived ! Condolences to you & the family Jan ! Russ