mrshojo: TO MY VALENTINE


Our wedding day, July 23, 1966

Our last family picture, March 2012

Last year I did a blog of pictures of my valentine, Howard. This year is another of those firsts without his presence. He was great to quote people so I am going to share some quotes, not from him, but about him. These were shared by people after Howard's passing, some by email and most in cards and letters of sympathy. These personal notes meant even more than the cards. I won't list any names, but some you may figure out. I couldn't list them all and just quoted parts of some. Each one is a treasure to me whether it's on this list or not!. I wish Howard could have read them too. He was quick to give compliments but found it hard to accept them. It seemed a fitting tribute to my valentine today. Thanks to all or you who shared your thoughts about him with me and our family. They are so precious and we cherish each one.

Howard was a wonderful man. He was always so kind, always asked about A.

I always enjoyed chatting with Howard. He will be missed.

We remember Howard as a man of faith and a true gentleman.

What a wonderful friend Howard was to us always. We will miss him. We look forward to the day when we can sing with him in glory.

We have such good memories of Howard, friend and neighbour. I enjoyed having him a part of our choir at Torquay. B always enjoyed visiting with him about farming.

We always admired his musical talent - singing solos and beautiful duets with you.

The heavenly choir has another beautiful singer. "The song is ended but the melody lingers on."

We will always remember the wonderful man with the beautiful voice who was always interested in where D was.

We know Howard will be missed as he was such a caring person. He had a wonderful way of building people up and remembering details of other people's lives.

Both K and I respected and loved a very precious Howard.

I'm glad we have your CD so that we can still enjoy Howard's singing.

We'll remember Howard's gracious nature. He never hesitated to complement when he saw fit. We'll remember his beautiful singing voice as you harmonized together.

I really enjoyed Howard, especially our visits down east (Hamar land). I'll miss him.

I will always remember the fact that he always cared about our family and genuinely cared each time he asked how they were doing.

We alway enjoyed visiting with Howard. G remembers playing with him at community functions when they were kids.

Your dad was a fine man to visit with who was always kind and well thought of.

I have many fond memories of our trips together to hockey games. We had lot of laughs.

Howard was a real friend of mine.

Howard was a joy to look after. He will be missed. (staff member at St. Joe's)

Have lots of good memories of Howard from school days, coffee shop visits and at your farm.

We will always cherish the great memories that were made spending time with your family. Howard was a wonderful man and will be missed.

He was one special man, always interested in us.

He was a great man and someone who I have respected all my life. I will never forget growing up on the farm with "the Johnsons" as close neighbours. He will be truly missed.

I really enjoyed getting to know Howard. He was such a sweet man and very easy to get to know.

Howard's kind and gentle nature was a witness to me.

We'll never forget his thoughtfulness and concern for others and his gift of music which he shared generously.

Howard was such a nice man and always so friendly. It was an honour knowing him.

We have many fond memories of your visit to Oregon years ago.

A most beautiful voice has been stilled here on earth and has now joined the heavenly choir to sing praise to the Lord for all eternity.

Howard's faith will always be a comfort to you as you know you'll see each other again.

I have lots of good memories about visits with him. He was always special to me.

Howard was such a nice man. I have so many great memories of growing up that include such warmth from you all.

Howard was a fine and decent man. I have many good memories of him from over the years. We had many good visits.

We enjoyed our friendship with Howard and the fun times at choir. Our memories bring smiles to our faces.

Howard was a great person. We will miss him and his kind ways.

He was a wonderful friend and we too will miss him. I know R counted it a privilege and blessing to visit him and pray with him.

Howard will be remembered by many as a fine friend. W's fondest memories are of times on the farm when Howard would take time to drop in for coffee and a visit. Howard's many wonderful qualities will live on through your beautiful family.

We'll never forget his thoughtfulness and concern for others and his gift of music which he shared generously.