Obituary of Douglas McEwen Howatt

It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Douglas McEwen Howatt at the Drew Nursing Home in Sackville, NB on Monday, February 20, 2023 at the age of 86. Born in Charlottetown, PEI on June 25, 1936, he was the son of the late Louis and Rita (McEwen) Howatt. Doug was predeceased by siblings Burt (Eileen), Bill (May), Lou (Vivian), and Joyce Constable (Bud).

Doug is survived by his wife, Winnifred (Win) of 59 years; Daughter Susan Wheaton (Colin); sons DJ and Paul (Cathy); grandchildren, Matthew, Rebekah, Jesse (Lauren), Tim, and Madi; great granddaughter Julia; as well as several nieces, nephews and extended family.

Doug joined the Air Force directly out of high school to become a radar technician and they soon shifted him into the officer training program to become a pilot.  After nine years with the RCAF, he joined McCain Foods in 1963 as their first full time pilot.  After a twenty four year career at McCain, he moved to Montreal in 1987 to take on the role of ground school and flight simulator instructor for the Canadair Challenger at FlightSafety International where he spent fourteen years until retiring at the end of 2001.

Doug was an avid reader and had a variety of interests including camping and boating, downhill skiing, magic, logic puzzles, and computers (back when they seemed like magic). He was always supportive of his kids interests and ensured they had the tools necessary to pursue them, whether that was a piano, a unicycle, or a computer. If his kids had an event and he was in town, he was always there to cheer them on.

The family would like to thank Dr. Dysart and the compassionate Staff of Drew Nursing Home and Autumn Lee Sackville which was home for most of his last nine years.

In keeping with Doug’s wishes, there will be no visitation or formal funeral service. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Campbell’s Funeral Home, Sackville, NB.

For those who wish, remembrances may be made to The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada or the Canadian Cancer Society.