Howard Dudley Meakin

1945 - 2025

Howard Dudley Meakin
March 28, 1945 - April 30, 2025

Howard Dudley Meakin passed away peacefully on April 30, 2025, at Lionsgate Hospital in North Vancouver, at the age of 80, surrounded by family. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, Howard lived a full and vibrant life marked by deep faith, unwavering determination, and a generous spirit.

Born in Vancouver, BC, on March 28, 1945, Howard's life was defined by ambition, vision, and purpose. He graduated from Magee Secondary School and later pursued his education abroad, earning a degree in physical education from Fredensborg College in Denmark. Upon returning to Canada, he became the youngest graduate from the University of British Columbia with a Diploma in Urban Land Economics - the foundation for what would become an extraordinary career in real estate and commercial development.

For more than 50 years, Howard made an indelible mark on Western Canada's urban landscape. Known for his creative vision and entrepreneurial drive, he acquired and redeveloped over 100 diverse properties - including offices, warehouses, retail centers, and residential complexes - across Vancouver, Burnaby, Langley, Nanaimo, Ladysmith, Powell River, and beyond.

Howard played a pivotal role in the restoration of Vancouver's Gastown Historic Area during the late 1960s and early 1970s. His work transforming 14 heritage buildings into vibrant studios, offices, and retail spaces, along with award-winning projects such as "The Mews" at Maple Tree Square, "The Courtyard," and "LeMagasin," helped revitalize the iconic neighborhood and preserve its legacy for future generations.

While Howard's professional accomplishments were many, his heart was always with his wife, family, friends, and faith. He began each day with devotionals, and his Christian faith remained central throughout his life. Friends were profoundly important to Howard - he nurtured lifelong relationships with warmth, loyalty, and genuine care. Whether sharing a laugh, offering encouragement, or collaborating on commercial real estate projects, he treasured the community of people around him and had a remarkable ability to connect with others.

He is deeply missed by his loving wife Katherine; his children Keith (Laureene), Rebecca (Adam), Michelle (Tom), and Elisa (Axel); and his granddaughter Ella. He is also lovingly remembered by his sister Beverly (Bill), brother Brian (Maria), and a large extended family.

Howard's days were rich with activity - he never stopped moving, always working on a project, full of ideas and optimism. He loved cross-country skiing with family in Whistler and Alberta, mastering the pool as a lifelong swimmer, and power boating in Mexico and along the coast of Vancouver Island. He went to the gym regularly and, every Friday, enjoyed a simple tradition - sharing a McDonald's ice cream cone with his loyal dog, Noah, who used to accompany him to the office daily.

Kind-hearted, quick-witted, and deeply connected to everyone he met, Howard's beautiful blue eyes were truly a window to his soul.
His legacy lives on in the family he loved, the countless lives he touched and the many buildings he shaped.

A memorial service to celebrate Howard's life will be announced at a later date.

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