John Forman Howes

John Forman Howes 1924 - 2017

HOWES, Prof. John Forman 1924-2017

Noted Canadian/American scholar of Japanese history and dedicated railway enthusiast John departed on his last train February 4th. Preceded by his beloved wife of 46 years, Lynn, he is survived by his two sons and their families; Christian Howes and Cathy Noyes, and Forman and Jasmine Howes, and grandchildren Faith, Keegan, Ian, Finnegan and Anais. John died peacefully in his sleep.

Over his 35 years at UBC and at Obirin University near Tokyo John introduced generations of students to Japan. As a scholar of Japanese history he was a leading biographer of such influential Christian figures as Nitobe Inazo and Uchimura Kanzo.

Born in Chicago, Illinois to a family with a long missionary history in India and China, John enrolled in the U.S. Navy School of Oriental Languages in 1944. Service in the postwar U.S. Occupation of Japan made him a life-long 'Japan hand.' Yet from 1960 when he joined the faculty at UBC, Vancouver was always home. Many thanks to the staff of Cavell Gardens and Dr. Sue Turgeon who helped him to the end. A memorial service is scheduled for 2pm Saturday, 18 March at Christ Church Cathedral, Vancouver. In lieu of flowers please donate to the John Howes Lecture in Japan Studies at The University of British Columbia.