Howard Bouey

Howard Bouey

1920 - 2017

Howard Bouey ended his distinguished passage on this earth November 25, 2017.

He leaves his loving family: Douglas (Elaine) Calgary, Jane (Wayne Biggs) Saanichton, Nan (Bob Jacobson) Auburn, California, grandchildren, great grandchildren and many nephews and nieces.

Born and raised in Regina by Jane and Charles with siblings Lois and Robert, he studied at U of Saskatchewan, then enlisted in the RCAF in 1940. He trained in the Commonwealth Air Training Program.. . Before being sent overseas to fly bombers in WW11, he courted and married the remarkable Grace Toombs, the love of his life. Howard flew many tours as Flight Lieutenant with the RCAF Coastal Command patrol off the west coast of Scotland and east of France..

After the war, he enrolled in architecture at the U of Manitoba, graduating as "Senior Stick" (class president) in 1949. Following graduation Howard became partner in a major Edmonton firm, later joining his brother Robert in founding Bouey and Bouey Architects. Their practice focussed on infrastructure projects including hospitals, churches and schools.

He served as President of the Architects Association of Alberta [AAA] and of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada [RAIC]. Howard finished his architectural career with flourish adding Century Place and the Cross Cancer Institute to the firm's legacy. Throughout his career, he remained active in Kiwanis, Children's Aid Society and Grace United Church and supplemented his career with wonderful contributions as an accomplished soloist and choral baritone.

Howard enjoyed a full and happy life with his beloved family and friends in Edmonton. Moving to Vancouver Island in 1984, he and Grace started a new chapter filled with good times and interesting adventures. He got even more serious about sculpture, taking courses at Malaspina College and creating inspired work. He joined the Malaspina choir in Nanaimo, and St. Stephen's choir in Qualicum Beach.

Alas, poor Grace was overcome by dementia. Howard lovingly devoted a decade to her care till she passed in 2002.

Howard designed a new home in Qualicum Beach complete with sculpture studio and fulfilled his promise as an artist. He then moved to his final and comfortable home at the Gardens in Qualicum Beach where he continued to hold forth as poet laureate until his passing. His Friday mens' lunch group bonded their shared by experience caring for spouses at Eagle Park, sustained him for many years.



Our family is immensely grateful to the fine staff at the Gardens. We are particularly thankful for Marcella and Cilla - Howard's faithful caregivers - who gave his later years dimension and joy.

Grandkids Dan, Stephen, Jane, Evan, Kallee and Stacey remember him fondly. With them are great grandchildren Gavin, Nicholas, Mariella, Charlotte, Emma, Georgia and Emmylou.

Howard was predeceased by his mother Jane, father Charles, sister Lois, brother Bob and wife Grace.

A remembrance of Howard is planned for St. Stephen's United Church, Qualicum Beach at 11 am January 20, 2018.