Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
May 12, 1925
DIED
November 26, 2018
FUNERAL HOME
Howard Petch Obituary
Howard, age 93, of Victoria, BC, died on Monday, November 26, 2018 at the Victoria General Hospital with his beloved wife of 42 years, Linda, their son, Jeremy, and granddaughter, Jennifer, by his side.
Born and raised in Scarborough, Ontario, Howard trained as a navigator-air bomber in the RCAF. He studied at McMaster University (BSc 1949, MSc 1950) and the University of British Columbia (PhD 1952) before joining the faculty at McMaster where he was Chair of the Department of Metallurgical Engineering (1957-1961), Director of Research (1961-1963) and Principal of Hamilton College (1963-1967). In 1967 he moved to the University of Waterloo where he served as Vice President Academic, Acting President and President.
From 1975-1990, Howard served as President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Victoria. He led it on a program of growth and development, which laid the foundation for the university to become one of Canada's outstanding universities. He also played a wider provincial role by promoting greater access, particularly for rural young people, to postsecondary education; by advocating for science, engineering and the high tech industry; and by fostering better working relations among the Province's postsecondary institutions. Howard also served on the British Columbia Arts Council, Asia Pacific Foundation, Victoria Foundation, Premier's Summit on the Economy (BC), and Seniors Advisory Council of BC.
Despite his many personal and career achievements, it was Howard's family that brought him the greatest joy and pride: his first wife Rosalind Hulet (d.1975), and their children Stephen (Sue Fraser) and Tricia Cook; his second wife Linda Schlechte, and their son Jeremy (Suzanne Turner); and his grandchildren Michael (Vanessa Lamb), Jennifer (Michael van Hardenberg), Katherine (Christine Taylor), Clara and Henry. He is also survived by his three siblings: William Petch, Naureen Brodie and Donald Petch.
A celebration of Howard's life will be held on Sunday, December 16, at 3:00 pm, at University of Victoria's Cadboro Commons, 3800 Finnerty Rd, Victoria (use Parking Lot 5 off Sinclair Rd). Memories and condolences: www.earthsoption.com
Born and raised in Scarborough, Ontario, Howard trained as a navigator-air bomber in the RCAF. He studied at McMaster University (BSc 1949, MSc 1950) and the University of British Columbia (PhD 1952) before joining the faculty at McMaster where he was Chair of the Department of Metallurgical Engineering (1957-1961), Director of Research (1961-1963) and Principal of Hamilton College (1963-1967). In 1967 he moved to the University of Waterloo where he served as Vice President Academic, Acting President and President.
From 1975-1990, Howard served as President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Victoria. He led it on a program of growth and development, which laid the foundation for the university to become one of Canada's outstanding universities. He also played a wider provincial role by promoting greater access, particularly for rural young people, to postsecondary education; by advocating for science, engineering and the high tech industry; and by fostering better working relations among the Province's postsecondary institutions. Howard also served on the British Columbia Arts Council, Asia Pacific Foundation, Victoria Foundation, Premier's Summit on the Economy (BC), and Seniors Advisory Council of BC.
Despite his many personal and career achievements, it was Howard's family that brought him the greatest joy and pride: his first wife Rosalind Hulet (d.1975), and their children Stephen (Sue Fraser) and Tricia Cook; his second wife Linda Schlechte, and their son Jeremy (Suzanne Turner); and his grandchildren Michael (Vanessa Lamb), Jennifer (Michael van Hardenberg), Katherine (Christine Taylor), Clara and Henry. He is also survived by his three siblings: William Petch, Naureen Brodie and Donald Petch.
A celebration of Howard's life will be held on Sunday, December 16, at 3:00 pm, at University of Victoria's Cadboro Commons, 3800 Finnerty Rd, Victoria (use Parking Lot 5 off Sinclair Rd). Memories and condolences: www.earthsoption.com
Published by The Times Colonist from Dec. 1 to Dec. 3, 2018.
Memories and Condolences
for Howard Petch
2 Entries
Tetje Thistlethwaite
December 5, 2018
Linda, was so sorry to hear. Such a lovely man. My condolences. I used to work for Dr. Bullock.
Liliane Morgan
December 1, 2018
Linda and family,
I was saddened to read of Howard's death. He was a true gentleman and it should give you comfort to know that he was admired by many people. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. Liliane and Lance Morgan
Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results
Memorial Events
for Howard Petch
Funeral services provided by:
Earth's Option Cremation and Burial Services5 - 831 Devonshire Rd., Victoria, BC V9A 4T5