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Chris Howard Obituary

HOWARD, Chris (Howie) - Age 49, of Toronto, died Monday, February 2nd, 2009 surrounded by love. Born to Bruce and Georgina on March 25, 1959 in Ancaster, Ontario. He married Mandy Ketcheson in 1997. They lived together with their daughter Kate, 10 and their 3 miniature dachshunds in Toronto. A graduate of the Radio and Television program from Mohawk College, Chris started as a colourist in video production, before being hired to work as an Electrician in the film industry. Chris' joy of life, empathy for others, and easy smile, as well as his hard work and dedication helped him rise through the ranks to become a celebrated Gaffer both in Toronto and across the country. There will be a memorial for Chris on Saturday, February 7 from 13:00 to 16:00 at Filmport Studios, 225 Commissioners St., Stage 3, Toronto (between Saulter St. and the Don Roadway). A fund has been set up through IATSE 873 for Mandy and Kate. To make a donation please go to their website at www.iatse873.com for further instructions. Mandy would like to say a very heartfelt thank you to all the Nursing Staff and Doctors in St. Mike's Neuro Trauma ICU for their incredible grace and kindness.

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Published by Toronto Star from Feb. 5 to Feb. 6, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Chris Howard

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24 Entries

Gary Douglas

February 9, 2009

Dear Mandy and Family,

I will, forever, remember Chris' smiling, happy face and his love
of playing on-set practical jokes.
My deepest sympathies goes out to you, Mandy, Kate and the rest of your family. The love for Chris
at his memorial was extremely touching and wonderful that will always be etched in my soul.

catherine Ashton

February 9, 2009

Hi Mandy & Kate.. Just wanted to let you know that I was so sorry not to attend on Sat. My Mom had to be taken in to hospital so I was not available. But my heart was with both of you... xo

Kathryn Buck

February 8, 2009

Mandy,
The size and sincerity of Chris' Memorial was so moving. So much love and respect! Take care of yourself.

Kate and Ron Hebdon

February 6, 2009

We did not know Chris well even though we live only a few houses east. What we do remember is his welcoming smile and variety of props at Halloween. We are thinking of you at this time.

Rita Picard

February 6, 2009

Mandy & Family -
I'll say it again both to you Mandy and the rest of Chris' family - I am so very sad that you all have to experience this untimely and very tragic loss of this special person.
He lit up a lot of lives. Though he be gone, may the light shine on.

Joan Grant

February 6, 2009

Robert and Joan Grant
Fred and Helen Bonner
Bob and Betty Learmonth
We are all thinking of you from Florida. Love To Mandy ..Katie and all the family

Bill Brown

February 6, 2009

To all the family and friends of Chris, please accept my deepest sympathy on his loss. Although I hadn’t seen as much of him in the last decade or so, as I did in previous years, I will miss him.
The Chris I knew had a marvelously generous heart. He displayed compassion and consideration for others in his actions. He presented an easy grace, which was often belied by an endearing, oddly self-deprecating sense of humor.
He was as low on pretense as anyone I have known. He was genuine, and I loved him.

Jeff Egan

February 6, 2009

To the family and friends of Chris.

Chris was gaffer on several New Line Cinema shows and I always found him to be of great support to me. I'm a studio safety person and sometimes am faced with crew members that are reluctant to follow the safety rules. Chris was always supportive of me doing my job and was the first to correct any safety concerns on the set; regardless if it were his department or not. He was a happy guy and I enjoyed talking to him while visiting the sets. He will be missed by the studios.

Sincerely,

Janine Skorupa

February 6, 2009

Dear Mandy,
Our hearts go out to you and Kate, and to the whole Howard family, he will be truly missed by everyone who knew him. God must have needed another great angel.
Chris you will always be in our hearts and our prayers.
Love the Mugfords
Janine Skorupa (Midland,Ont)

arthur rowsell

February 6, 2009

My heart felt sympathy goes out to anyone who knew this fine man, his presence, his smile, his humour and professionalism will be greatly missed.

Vann Gouweleeuw

February 6, 2009

Mandy and Kate, such a sad loss, we all loved Howie, but, i guess someone else needed him more, they always call the good ones home first! our thoughts and prayers are with you and your doggies.
love vann & bert

Barry Crean

February 5, 2009

Mandy, Kate, Georgie, Bruce, John and Patty
I found out from Marylou Flood only this morning. As a long time neighbour I remember Chris out back creating elaborate scenes with his GI Joe characters, perhaps foreshadowing his talented career in film! My deepest sympathy for your loss.

Barry

Karl Pruner

February 5, 2009

You get to work with all kinds of people in show business. You are closer to some than to others and often long periods of time go by before you see them again. But I've always felt welcome on sets and most at home when I find a friendly face from the past. I have worked with "Howie" off and on since ENG days. That cast and crew always seemed like family to me, the people who knew me when I was starting out. I can't spare any of them. So, Howie, if you're listening, I miss you. You made a difference to me and I'm glad I knew you.

Steve Dunn

February 5, 2009

My dear friend from Taylor Rd in Ancaster.Our childhood spent at At.Anns & Fr. Loftus, playing with Joel & Gary, Spring Valley, Tony's Variety, Food-a-go, Ancaster Bowling Lanes-your drawings were amazing.So talented,so kind, my dear friend.Pray for us, as we will for you.

Jaclyn Shoub

February 5, 2009

Dear Mandy; my thoughts are with you - please accept my condolences. Chris was a lovely person and I always enjoyed seeing him on set. It is a very sad loss to the film community of Toronto.

JR Melanson

February 5, 2009

Our deepest sympathies on your terrible loss. "Howie" was always great to work with and will be missed.
JR Melanson and Kris Kearns

February 5, 2009

Mandy and Kate,

Our deepest sympathies for your sudden loss. Chris was a wonderful artist, a kind teacher and a good friend. His is a light that shall never be extinguished.

God must be making a movie...

James Rait & Darlene Huba

Linda Daniels-Smith

February 5, 2009

Our deepest sympathy on the loss of a wonderful man. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mandy, Kate, Georgie, Bruce, John and Patty.
The "Kisslinger" Family from Ancaster

Kristie Sills

February 5, 2009

Dear Mandy,

My heart goes out to you and Kate. What a tremendous loss for you both, and all who knew him. And what a tragedy that such an exceptional individual was lost in his prime. However everyone is richer for having known him. May his legacy live on in his family and friends.

Sincerely,

Chris Chinnery

February 5, 2009

Mandy and Kate,
I can't imagine the anguish you two must be going through during these very difficult times. Keep the warm memories of Chris dear to your heart and time will heal. Know that he was dearly loved by many and you have family and friends to always support and comfort you both.

Donald Mowat

February 5, 2009

Dear: Mandy,
My heart goes out to you. Such a tragic loss is inconceivable. My deepest sympathy to you and the family.

Catherine Ashton

February 5, 2009

Chris had a way of making you never forget him. His smile was endless. I will never forget the many times we would stop and talk at the film studios parking lot. He always gave me an update on how his family was . His love for Mandy and Kate was something that just beamed out of him....His life was everything with them in it....A proud father and very much in love husband....God bless you dear friend ...light on. You will be forever with us.....

Mark Tataryn

February 5, 2009

Dear Mandy our deepest condolences
to you and your family
I was a workmate of Chris's

Fran Solomon

February 5, 2009

Dear Mandy and Family.
My condolences on your loss. My thoughts are with you.

Showing 1 - 24 of 24 results

Memorial Events
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