Donald E. HOWES

1948 - 2022

Donald Earl Howes passed away on May 17th, 2022 at home in the arms of his beloved wife Alice. In the last few months of his life Alice tirelessly devoted her time to his care and comfort, rarely leaving his side. Don was a force to be reckoned with in life and remained strong and courageous until the end. Don was born July 5th, 1948 in Dodsland Sask. and he grew up on his parents farm in Laporte Sask.
Donald is survived by Alice, his wife of 46 years, his chosen family Tracy, Mike, Eva and Max Johns, brother Doug (Pat) Howes, sister in law Tina Dryhorub, several nieces, nephews and cousins, his special girls Miss Abby and Miss Emily, and many others that loved him well. He is predeceased by his parents Bill and Carrie-Lou Howes, grandparents William Sr. and Hazel Howes, aunt Betty Sear, Parents-in-law Tina and Joseph Nimalovitch, William Dryhorub, Mike and Julie Kurchirka, William Nimalovitch, several cousins and his special animals including Miss Scarlett, Blackie, and Mr. Cat.
Don comes from a political family and he was forever involved in both local, federal and world politics. Don was a candidate for the Social Credit party in Forest Lawn Calgary. Don was very knowledgeable and could hold his own with anyone in a political debate. Don took his welding training in AB and then moved to Victoria to work as a welder in the dockyards. Then he turned to farming in Three Hills Alberta. He moved back to Victoria in 1983 and the opportunity arose to start his own company.
Don was the president and owner of Wasteline Containers, a tremendously successful company that he built out of a hobby. Don cared for his employees and customers and designed his containers so that they would work best for those working in the waste industry. He was not afraid to roll up his sleeves and work alongside his crew. Don worked hard and often had many projects on the go. Sometimes it seemed that he was the ringmaster of a three-ring circus. Don requested to be buried in his work shirt and favourite blue jeans with a peanut butter and jam sandwich for the road.
In addition to his success in the container business, Don was a farmer first. Don loved the land and the animals and they loved him back. Much of his life was spent cultivating and growing plants. His beautiful garden was meticulously planned, planted and harvested and was a source of pride and pleasure for Don. Don was a former member of the SNSYC. He loved spending time on his yacht, the Sea Major, and spent many happy hours on the water fishing and cruising up to Alaska with Alice and Miss Scarlett. Don loved good food and good wine and could often be found enjoying both at the Deep Cove Chalet.
The family wishes to thank Don's doctors for all their care and compassion. Don will be honoured with a private family viewing and graveside service next week. There will also be celebration of life for all his friends and family on his birthday, July 5th 2022 in his beautiful backyard garden. Condolences can be left at www.firstmemorialsaanich.com