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Howard Ronald Howie Hornby
October 7, 1934 - October 1, 2014
Tribute
Howard Hornby passed away peacefully on October 1, 2014, just before his 80th birthday. Born in Asquith, Saskatchewan, Howie’s love for hockey began as a young boy, skating under the huge prairie sky on his father’s flooded backyard rink. He played junior hockey in Saskachewan and subsequently joined the Nelson Maple Leafs when the decision was made to move to Nelson, BC. At the height of his career, he was chosen by the Trail Smoke Eaters to represent Canada in the World Cup. This was a very proud moment in Howie’s life.
In the early years of his career, Howie was employed at Sterling Home Furniture. As the family grew, he made the decision to purchase the business. His parents, Ruby and Kenneth, came to Nelson to retire, with Kenneth helping out at the store which was later bought by Howie’s brother, Lyle. Howie went on to have a successful 30-year career as a realtor.
Howie lived life fully as a local citizen, businessman, and athlete. He gave generously of his skills and of his time, coaching hockey, teaching skiing, and promoting Nelson as a community. At Whitewater Ski Resort, he spent time teaching handicapped skiers. This included his blind friend, John Neville, who knew when to make a turn by Howie ringing a Swiss cow bell.
Some realtors and residents may remember Howie disguising himself as a woman, in order to crash a competing real estate company’s public meeting. He looked just like Robin Williams in the movie Mrs. Doubtfire!
In his last years, Howie could be seen buzzing around Nelson on his electric scooter and at the rink teaching young children to skate. In the evenings he spent time at the Hume Hotel, as he loved to engage people in interesting conversation and storytelling.
Howie will be remembered for his passion for life, love of music, and his endless energy. His tenacity knew no bounds, which challenged us and made us love him even more.
He dearly loved his family: his two daughters, Karen and Brenda, his sons Mark and David (Hyun au), and grandchildren – Brie, Larry, Steven, Claire, Abigail, Alex, and Sean. He was deeply admired and loved by his one surviving brother, Lyle (wife Judy and their children, Grant and Kerri). Howie will also be remembered by Margaret Hornby and Rob Sproule, who joined his daughters to sit with him during his final days.
Condolences
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From: Thompson Funeral Service Ltd. Staff
Thompson Funeral Service Ltd. Staff send our condolences to family and friends.

From: Mike McClenaghan
Relation: friend
So sorry to hear about the loss of Howie Hornby. I remember how hard he played as a Nelson Maple Leaf. Rest in Peace. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families.

From: Susan Kermociev
Relation: friend of Karen
We are sorry to hear of the passing of Howie. Our condolences to Karen, Mark, Brenda, David and Marg. I have lots of happy memories around the Hornby household in our growing up years. I also have happy memories of your grandparents. You are all in our thoughts and prayers right now, love Susan and family and the Lindsey family

From: Colleen Driscoll and Robin Cherbo
Relation: friend
Our hearts go out to all of the family…He was a true example of someone who gave to his community…Nelson is a better place because of him…

From: dan sullivan
Relation: friend
Lots of memories and laughs when i think of Howie. R.I.P. Sully
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
Date & Time:
October 16, 2014
Beginning at 3:00pm
Location:
Nelson United Church
602 Silica Street
Nelson, BC Canada
A reception is to follow at the Hume Hotel in the Hume room
602 Silica Street
Nelson, BC Canada
Memorial Gifts
The family has not designated a preferred charity at this time.
Thank You Notice
Send Flowers
Floral Tributes may be ordered directly through our supplier. Please have the name of the deceased, the funeral date, the address and phone number of the delivery location for handy reference:
BELLAFLORA STUDIO
621B Herridge Lane, Nelson, BC V1L 7B3
Phone: (250) 352-5592
http://www.bellaflorastudio.com
GEORAMA GROWERS
2870 Georama Rd, Nelson, BC V1L 6Y7
Phone: (250) 352-3468 / Toll Free: 1(800) 712-6797
https://www.georamagrowers.com/
POSIES
Flowers & Yoga Studio
513 A Front Street, Nelson, BC V1L 4B4
(250) 505-5222
https://www.posiesnelson.com/
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Send Condolence - For Howard Ronald Hornby
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