Ostrander, Howard Elmer

November 20, 1915 - August 3, 2004

Howard was born in Colbourne, Ontario the youngest of six children of Manly and Mary-Ann Ostrander. He was raised and educated in Southern Ontario and chose a rewarding career in the Canadian Air Force from August 1936 to November 1970. During WWII he spent two years with 6th Bomber Command as a member of the ground crew at Topcliff, England. He returned home in September 1945, to marry Janet Black in Ottawa. He then lived out his peacetime career from coast to coast in Canada as well as four years in Marville, France.

On retiring to Comox, a place he deeply loved, he spent his leisure hours on the water in the hunt for the wily salmon, and when the weather was too rough he played an amazing game of bridge. Howard鈥檚 family moved into their home on Strathcona Crescent where they lived from 1968 - until now; here they enjoyed thoughtful neighbors and friends.

Howard was a caring and gentle man who always found time to help others. He leaves to mourn his loving wife of 59 years, Janet, daughter Judith (David), and granddaughter Kristi (Dale). After a long and courageous battle with cancer and heart disease he is finally at rest. His grandson and constant fishing partner, Kent, predeceased him.

The tide recedes

But leaves behind

Bright seashells on the sand

The sun goes down

But gentle warmth

Still lingers on the land

The music stops

And yet it echoes on

In sweet refrain. . .

For every joy that passes

Something beautiful remains

The Rev. Maggie Enwright will conduct the service on Saturday, August 7th, 2004 at 2:00 pm at the Comox United Church. No flowers please; donations to DSRT Cancer Research or a charity of your choice in Howard鈥檚 name would be welcome. COMOX VALLEY FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM, 1101 RYAN ROAD, entrusted with arrangements.