Richard Howard

1932 - 2017

Richard Howard obituary, 1932-2017, Sault Ste. Marie, ON

Richard Howard

1932 - 2017

BORN

1932

DIED

2017

Richard Howard Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Apr. 17, 2017.
HOWARD, Richard - Passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 16, 2017 surrounded by his very close friends. Richard was married for 32 years to internationally acclaimed Russian actress, Lila Kedrova, who won an Oscar for the motion picture Zorba the Greek and a Tony for the Broadway musical production of Zorba. As a theatre director and acting coach, Richard worked in over 50 communities in Ontario alone, as well as many cities throughout Canada, U.S.A., England, France, Germany and Australia. During his 65 year career, Richard received over 200 special recognitions for his creative and innovative approach to his work. Some highlights include awards for his Outstanding Contributions to Theatre from the City of Toronto, Province of Ontario, Arts Council of Ontario, Sault Ste. Marie Community Recognition Award and Theatre Ontario's Maggie Bassett Award. He was also the founder and creator of Pull Chain Theatre where over a hundred works from Shakespeare and Chekhov right down to Broadway musicals were performed at both the Purple Lantern and the Windsor Park. At Richard's request, there will be no funeral service, celebration of life, nor gathering of friends to mourn. Those who desire may give contributions in his name to the Sault Ste. Marie Humane Society. Richard would also be grateful if you smiled at every nurse, Doctor and support worker you meet belonging to the remarkable medical teams at Paramed and Sault Area Hospital. Arrangements entrusted to the Arthur Funeral Home & Cremation Centre 705-759-2522.

To quote from one of Richard's earliest short stories –
"Silently I came into this world and silently I leave it but in between the two of them I had a helluva good time!" Thanks, guys!

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Richard Howard's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

October 27, 2025

Lelah Bender Ferguson posted to the memorial.

April 29, 2017

Elizabeth Tamietti posted to the memorial.

April 21, 2017

Deane B Stinson posted to the memorial.

8 Entries

Lelah Bender Ferguson

October 27, 2025

i grew up in Sault ste Marie and was one of the kids back in 1964 or 65 who had the great privilege of taking part in Richards Theater classes for kids in Saults Art and ceramic workshop space where the Unitarian fellowship held their Sunday school and congregation services .What a wonderful theater teacher he was..we did so many interesting theater exercises and games and then at the end one of the girls recited by heart a long monologue from Czechov' s Cherry Orchard. Richard was surprised and delighted ..He was such a cool artist and i think he really gave us all so much at an important time in our lives that stayed with us forever. What a difference one wonderful person can make in this world..And in a small town in Northern Ontario on the cusp of the 60s to the 70s it made the difference between survival and truly living and experiencing creativity , art and meaningful interaction between people..Will never ever forget him..He gave A L O T...and helped us understand life .

Elizabeth Tamietti

April 29, 2017

A couple of years ago when my mother died, it was Richard I called for comfort. He and my mom had been friends since their early 20's. When I was 12, I was disparaging my 6th grade school picture saying how ugly I was and it was Richard who said, "no, my dear, this picture is a promise of beauty" and asked for my autograph. When a baby bird I was taking care died unexpectedly and I ran out to cry on the front lawn, it was Richard who followed me out to help me and let me literally cry my heart out on his supportive shoulder. My world, if now smaller, is better for having known Richard Howard. He will be truly missed.

Deane B Stinson

April 21, 2017

Richard Howard was a genius who made the Soo a centre with terrific theatre
and the envy of Canada. He made amateurs into professionals and will be missed by one and all
Heaven has drafted a STAR

Ann Scott

April 18, 2017

Richard you taught me so much about the world of theatre and all the hard work that was required for staging a production by mentoring me in the 'behind the scenes' skills of lighting and stage managing while at Pull Chain. You then took a chance and let me 'cross the line' to actually be on stage. I never looked back. My personality began to evolve and my level of self-confidence rose. A seed had been planted by you. My love of theatre grew steadily.

Thank you for all you did for me. Thank you for your ingenious, creative directing of so many fine local productions. Thank you for making theatre come alive in the Sault.

Good-bye. Rest in peace, Richard.

Carol Rowland-Vas

April 18, 2017

In memory of Richard,
Life beats down and crushes the soul and art reminds you that you have one Stellar Adler

Bonnie Maltman

April 17, 2017

my mentor, someone who believed in me and showed me that I also had something to offer to the theatre community, so grateful to have known and loved you Richard

Brent Running

April 17, 2017

It is with a heavy heart I say good-bye to someone I learned much from.

Kelly Graves Barnes

April 17, 2017

May you soar with the angels and be free.I am glad you had a hell of a good time along the way! I still have the rings.You know what I am talking about.
Love,
Kelly

Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results

Arthur Funeral Home

492 Wellington Street East Barton & Kiteley Chapel, Sault Sainte Marie, ON P6A2L9

Make a Donation
in Richard Howard's name

How to support Richard's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services., and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Richard Howard's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Richard Howard's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

October 27, 2025

Lelah Bender Ferguson posted to the memorial.

April 29, 2017

Elizabeth Tamietti posted to the memorial.

April 21, 2017

Deane B Stinson posted to the memorial.