Howard Paish

PAISH, Howard Born in Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire, England, March 8th, 1930 died peacefully in his sleep, April 21st, 2011. He is survived by his wife Sylvia, children Cathryn, Susan (Brad), Martin (Crystal) and Gillian (Mike), eight grandchildren and his brother Clive. For 81 years Howard told stories, made us laugh, cringe, swear and look at things in a new way. He was an accomplished runner before an injury ended his elite athletic career. He then discovered hunting and fishing and his life changed forever. In 1954 Howard came to Canada with his new bride, Sylvia after being recruited to teach in rural Saskatchewan. They arrived at the railway whistle stop, Junor, climbed into a horse and cart and were taken to Pearl school. The school had no electricity or plumbing. Undeterred, they brought their British "stiff upper lip " teaching to Canadians, although we know that his upper lip was nowhere nearly as stiff as Sylvia's! In 1955 they arrived in the Kootenays where Howard expanded his love of the outdoors. In self-defence Sylvia joined him. It was here that Howard shot the Boone & Crocket world record mountain goat and Sylvia bagged the record mule deer. The family memoirs are full of hunting tales, including the time that he arrived at the hospital covered in blood and dirt after cleaning his latest creature, only to be told that the "false alarm " had evolved into the arrival of his first child. The family moved to the lower mainland where Howard became the Executive Director of the BC Wildlife Federation. In 1970 he established Howard Paish & Associates. For the next 40 years he and his colleagues helped forestry, fisheries and government organizations understand the importance of environmental management and co-operative approaches. He was a pioneer, providing advice and warnings about the impacts of development, commercial harvest and government policy on precious natural resources long before current regulatory frameworks were on the radar. He pursued his love of the outdoors when he and Sylvia purchased an outfitting territory in the Spatsizi Plateau where they worked with First Nations communities developing sustainable tourism for sports fishermen and hunters. Howard always loved fishing and hunting. In October 2010 he netted coho during the Stamp River run. His last hunt was Boxing Day when he and Sylvia bagged pheasants in the Hidden Valley. While there were many and varied wildlife that crossed Howard's path, his most prized catch was Sylvia, his wife of 58 years. They retired to Nanoose Bay in 1996 where they enjoyed gardening, beachcombing and visits from friends and family. His children and, grandchildren Colin, Rachel, Diana, Kyla, Alexei, Nadia, Simon and Jenna kept him proud and entertained to his final day. Howard's love of this country and all that it offers was unparalleled. He appreciated the riches of his adopted home more than we will understand. He gave more than he took, and that is one of his greatest legacies. He was a visionary environmentalist, a teacher, protector, creative cook, lousy housekeeper and a great Dad. The woods and streams will be quieter now, but they have lost one of their best friends. In lieu of flowers Howard wanted donations to the BC Wildlife Federation Building Fund, or the Salvation Army. A private family service was held beach side at Sylvia and Howard's home. A celebration of his life for colleagues and friends will take place later in the spring. YATES FUNERAL SERVICE & CREMATORIUM (1-877-264-3848) in care of arrangements. 624608