It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Joel Andre Howard. Joel passed suddenly at the age of 55. Cherished father of Jacob Howard (Kayla), and Eve Howard. Loving son of Mary Howard and the late Peter Howard. Dear brother and brother-in-law of Julie Stuifbergen (Anthony) and Peter Howard. Adored by his nieces and nephews; Mariana Kacperski (Darek), Michaela Simmers (Troy), Katherine Kolkman (Thomas), Mary Deneau (Jordan), Joseph Judickas (Roni), Micheal Judickas (Molly), Meghan Stuifbergen, Lauren Stuifbergen, Alyssa Howard (Matt), and Braedan Howard (Taylor). Treasured by his aunts and uncles. Fondly remembered by Jacob and Eve’s mom, Tina-Marie (Van Boxmeer) Howard.
Joel was an avid fisherman, with a tremendous love for the outdoors. He was also a passionate and devoted teacher to his students at St. Joseph’s Highschool, in St. Thomas. He loved playing, coaching, and watching various sports throughout his life, always providing fun yet helpful insight to those around him. Joel was a fantastic chef, well known for his fire steaks and blooming onions. He will be deeply missed by his friends, family, and community.
A celebration of Joel’s life will be held at the Lucan Community Memorial Centre, 263 Main Street, LUCAN on Sunday, May 24th from 3 – 5 PM. A private family interment will be held at St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery, London.
Donations to Ronald McDonald House Southwestern Ontario in Joel’s memory would be appreciated by the family.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Pat Kelly
My condolences to the Howard and VanBoxmeer Families
Angela
Growing up my mother always taught me there’s always room for one or two more people at our table. This came in handy for the “strays” that found their way to RLDHS, whether it applied to our family gatherings for holidays when they could make it back to theirs, a card game on weekends with friends, long phone conversations that replaced therapy, and road trips and activity where we would laugh for hours. The hardest part with all of this is saying goodbye when they find your way back home, but we knew the pull back was to be with your children who were your whole world.
People gathered today to celebrate your life, and I can guarantee the place was filled with all of the people who you impacted over the years of your existence. The impact you had in the five years of your time in Red Lake makes losing you that much harder for all.
Today, I stand here in the very same spot where my last shot in cornhole counted six and we beat you and Tinney by one to win the game. As you are quite aware of the lengthy trek from here to there, I’m sure you understand why I’m celebrating your life here, in the quiet of the north, a place where you fished daily and only taking 10 steps away from home, trying so hard to catch the one that taunted you for years, watching sunrises and sunsets that you probably never imagined living in the big city, and the place I joked you would always make it back to. Cheers to you, Howard.
Our condolences to Jacob, Eve, and the rest of the family. I am hoping the memories of Joel will help you get through this difficult time.
SJ
Our family came to know “Howard” when our oldest had the privilege of having him as her shop teacher each year during her high school years. He was more than a teacher, he was her mentor. He was the most compassionate, caring, and witty individual. He had a special way of guiding his students through the stresses of life. But he also celebrated their accomplishments. He made such an impact on so many lives and will be greatly missed. Our sincerest condolences to his family and friends.
Mary Cahalan
I offer my condolences to Mary and family. It was with deep shock I read of Joel’s sudden death. The family is in my prayers. I remember Joel as a beautiful student at St. Mary’s School and know that as an admired teacher, he will be deeply missed by his school staff and students. Rest in Peace, Joel.
Anonymous
I had the blessing of being one of Mr. Howard’s students for a few years during high school. Howie was my favourite teacher, he helped me through the hardest parts of high school and made it seem worth it. Howard was loved by everyone, I can’t name one student or teacher that didn’t like him. He made such an impact on our lives. He would always bring Tim Horton’s or Starbucks for those whose day was a little worse than others just to make them feel seen, when people had arguments or were just too tired for school he would let all students into his classroom, joke around with them, make them laugh, and give advice. He wasn’t just a teacher to us, he was a friend. Even though I’m not there anymore, I know the staff and students of St.Joes will never be the same without him. From the girls on his rugby team, to people who were never even apart of his class, he will be severely missed. My deepest sympathy to his family and friends.
Carlos Paiva
My deepest condolences to Joel Howard’s family during this incredibly difficult time. Joel was more than a friend to me — he was like a brother. We grew up together and spent so much of our younger years side by side, whether it was on the basketball court or working together at St. Peter’s Cemetery. Some of my best memories in life were shared with him.
Joel was one of the hardest-working, most honest, and kind-hearted people I have ever known. No matter who needed help, Joel was always there without hesitation. That was just the kind of man he was — selfless, loyal, and genuine.
I will forever be grateful for his friendship, his laughter, and the countless memories we shared through the years. Losing him leaves a pain that words cannot truly express.
Rest in peace, my dear friend Joel. You will never be forgotten and will always hold a special place in my heart.
Lisa Howard Cerone
Sending prayers for peace and comfort to my cousin Joel’s family, students and friends. It’s a comfort to read about the meaningful connections he made with his students.
Dave & Shannon Manders
Sorry for your sadness and loss. Thinking of you with deepest sympathy.
Mary & Kevin Concannon
I was shocked to read of Joel’s passing. Gone far too soon. I got to know all the Howard family many years ago while working at the Cemetery. May your wonderful memories give you strength and comfort at this devastating time.
Andrew Wills
I can’t call him Joel, he will always be Mr. Howard to me. He was my highschool woodshop teacher and I’d say he was the best teacher I ever had. The best lessons I learnt from him didn’t have anything to do with class. As a teenager struggling to figure out how to navigate life he always went out of his way to help me understand how to deal with some of those issues. Those are the lessons that stick with me and it never fails to make me smile when I think of him. Though I never got the chance to say it to him I appreciated his caring efforts so much and I still do.
I’m very sad to hear of his passing and my heart goes out to his family in this time.
Debra Howard
Dear Jake, Eve and Tina,
I am so sorry to hear of Joel’s passing. I have fond memories of many family gatherings. I especially remember how Joel would take great pleasure in clapping as loud as possible right beside my ear to startle me. He got me every time!
May he rest in peace,
Gary, Arlene and Olivia Van Boxmeer
Jake and Eve,
We’re so sorry for the loss of your father , may you find comfort in the love and support of family and friends at this difficult time.
Sam Van Boxmeer
Eve, Jacob and Tina,
We are so sorry for your loss and share our heartfelt condolences. We are thinking of you at this time and sending so much love.
Marc, Sam & Owen
Samantha Palmer
Mr. Howard was my daughters favourite teacher and honestly she wouldn’t be where she is today if it weren’t for him, he seen the potential in my daughter and encouraged her to be the best version of herself. He will be missed by all who had the pleasure of meeting him. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.
The Bassos
Jacob and Kayla
So very sorry to hear about this tremendous loss. We will be thinking of
you during this very difficult time.
Maria
I’m sorry about your loss he was friends with my son Tony Fernandes that passed away July 23 2023 it’s very hard the pin never it’s all ways there now they’re together in heaven with God waiting for us give Tony a hug for me Maria Fernandes Tony’s mother
Wilcox Family
Our sincere condolences to the Howard family and friends. We are deeply saddened to learn of Joel’s passing.
Kristina, Tracy and Emily
Shelley Roath (Campbell)
Mary Lou, Julie and Peter,
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Joel! I have such fond memories of him growing up next door. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time!
Wayne Hall
Jacob & Eve, My condolences to your family at this difficult time. Cherish the memories you had together. So sorry for your loss.
Nuri Warzecha
So beautifully you’re always talking about your children. I’m profoundly grateful for your friendship. I’ll deeply miss you.
Nuri Warzecha
Dear Joel:
You were the kindnesst, friendly, trusted, loving gentleman I saw walking down our st. JOE’S hallways. Always with a gentle smile. Responding to my questions and taking time to a brief conversation. I was so shocked! I’m still. But, happy knowing you’re not suffering.
Enjoy heaven! We will always love you and miss you at Joe’s.
Mary Cahalan
To Joel’s Family:
My deep , heartfelt sympathy to all the family.
Joel was a splendid student in my Gr.6 class at St. Mary’s Choir School. I was shocked at hearing of this sad loss.
May he rest in peace.
anonymous
Mr.Howard was a great teacher i had him this semester and was very upset to hear he had passed away he had a way of making every room light up. and make anyone feel comfortable. he was loved by so many students and we will miss him a lot .
Donna Howard Anglestad
So very sorry to read of Joel’s death. It is easy to see that he was an incredible teacher. Although we are related distantly, he was and always will be, part of my family. I believe that he is now with his father, a favourite cousin of mine, also taken far too young, talking football and rugby, and probably joining in on those boisterous Howard card games in heaven. May you rest in peace, Joel.
Mikayla Allen
Jacob, Eve & Kayla,
We are so sorry for your loss. We know you will miss him more than we can imagine. Thinking of you daily.
Mikayla, Pat & Karter Van Boxmeer
Harry and Dawna Van Boxmeer
Jacob, Eve and Tina
We are so sorry for your loss. Joel was taken from you too soon. May your memories of him bring you peace and a smile to your heart. Thinking of you at this sad time.
Pauline & Justin Fidler
Howie, Eve and Kayla…so sorry to hear of Joel’s passing. He was much to young. Thinking of you all at this sad time.
Amy
Howey, as my son called him was an amazing teacher and mentor to my son. He arranged lunch with himself and his son who was attending Fanshawe for a trades so my son could learn more about the different options. Howey was often talked about at the dinner table and you could see the fondness in my son’s expression when talking about him. My son will miss him and the daily chats. Rest in peace Mr. Howard
Shawn Jacques
My condolences, I had the pleasure attending high school with Joel and playing sports with him. Many laughs and tears, rest in peace my friend.
Jeannie
My deepest condolences.
You were the best coach, father, teacher, and mentor. Every rugby game was filled with positivity, laughter, and happy memories because of you.
Your energy, jokes, huge smile, and constant encouragement will forever hold a special place in my heart.
Rest in peace, Mr. Howard ❤️
– Bam Bam
LK
My deepest condolences to the family of Mr. Howard, He was the secondary math teacher in my 9th grade math class back in 2019.
Often times it would be so difficult for me to understand id almost be in tears in class, but Mr. Howard always sat and explained it to me till i understood it. He made that math class bearable and was an amazing teacher and person.
I’m so sorry for your loss.
Spencer Vinet
Joel was a major catalyst for bringing rugby to St. Joes, even though he was not a rugby player growing up, he gave the team everything he had. He was so loved by the students, you could see it every year with the amount of girls he had convinced to give rugby a try, and he was a large part of why they would choose to stay. The culture he created with the team is something I will never forget, he would always go the extra mile trying to make it a fun experience for everyone, setting up team dinners and building a scrum machine that was put to good use. Joel loved to laugh and have a good time, his energy made every practice, game and tournament something to look forward to. I am incredibly fortunate to have had a hand in building the team with him and coaching with him over the years. He will be extremely missed and his impact on the community will be felt for years to come.
Jackson Coles
Although I never had him as my teacher personally, he always knew how to put a smile on my face. He was the type of man that could point out who needed a hug and who needed a laugh. Always one for fun banter and always one that will take the time to listen. God bless. Rest in peace, Mr. Howard.
Christina Fowler
I’m so sorry Jake and Eve, Your Dad was so proud of you both.
We have had so many conversations over the years, it didn’t matter if we were at the beach, walking around the park or over a beer you were always a topic of conversation.
He had a heart of gold, Im lucky to have called him a close friend. His conversations, bear hugs and cooking will be missed.
Anonymous
Joel you will be sadly missed by your colleagues and students rest in peace
Michelle, Chloe , Jacqueline and Chris Van Boxmeer
Our condolences to Joel’s family and friends – Eve and Jake, I know you will miss him. He was way too young to have to say goodbye..
Vikki Underwood
Jacob and Eve..I am deeply sorry for your loss. Your Dad was so proud of you both. You were always the topic of conversation and his face would light up every single time he spoke of you.
If you were fortunate enough, Joel was your number #1 fan. He was in his element in helping students and his friends. If you needed anything, he was there. I am blessed that we were colleagues, and had a continued friendship of many laughs and great conversations.
You now have an angel above, and I know he is there walking beside you and always will be.
Heather Martin
Our sincere condolences to all who loved Joel. We had the honor of Joel living with us for several months in Lakefield. The drawing card was the Trent waterways near by for fishing. He did say my cooking was pretty good 😊 Joel touched our hearts, a beautiful human. God bless you Joel Andre Howard xo. Love Kit n Heather
Debby Timmermans
Eve and Jacob
We are thinking of you both in this time and sending love to you.
Bert, Deb, Peyton and Arron
Carol Ann
To Joel’s family I would like to send you my condolences I am so sorry for your loss . Joel was fun to work with I will miss him .
Unknown
Although I never had the chance to have him as a teacher and maybe never would have I heard many good things about him from my friends. Many students adored him and he usually let students hang around in his classroom while he taught. He even brought students Starbucks and all kinds of other treats. I was a current student at St. Joesphs at the time of his passing and I know my teachers were very affected by his loss. Many tears were shed for him and many prayers sent up for him. The whole atmosphere of our school changed in the following days. Teachers push hard just to show up to school and you could tell they were just trying to hold themselves together, but they still smiled and laughed along with us as they held back tears and quivered voices that faded into silence that nothing could fill.
Jennifer Johnston
My deepest sympathy to all of Joel’s family. I worked with him as an EA in his tech classes over the past 5 years. We shared some great laughs and he always was a kind and caring man to our students. He will be missed by many students. We are all blessed to have spent time with Joel.