Howard Edward Strang

Howard Edward Strang passed peacefully on Sept. 13, 2021 in the Dauphin Personal Care Home. He was born in Dauphin, MB on Dec. 20, 1926 to Gavin and Eileen Strang. He was predeceased by his parents, brother Allen, wife Ann, and other relatives. He is survived by his 2 sisters Betty, Edith, and sister-in-law Vicki, children Karen (Jeff), Gordon (Nadine), Brian (Carla) and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was the oldest child with 1 brother and 2 sisters. Howard finished his grade 12 in Dauphin and was a member of the air cadets.  At age 18 he enlisted to serve in WW11 and was stationed overseas. His calling was aircraft engine mechanics in the Navy. He also studied and trained in radio operation. After the war he returned home and worked with his father who was a partner in a road construction company. They built roads in MB, SK, and AB. Howard was an equipment operator and mechanic. Howard married his wife Ann on Aug. 3, 1951. They had two children, Karen and Gordon, both born in SK in 1955 & 1957, and were blessed with their third child Brian born in 1966 in Dauphin. In 1962 the road building came to an end and Howard and Ann moved back to the family farm of his parents in Dauphin. Howard pursued his mechanical abilities and gained employment with Kane Eqpt, a Heavy Equipment Dealer, selling and servicing IH construction equipment. Howard was a field mechanic for numerous years serving central to northern MB. The 2 kids were growing up, wife was lonely, and it was time to come back to his roots and the family farm.  Howard farmed with his father for years and took over the farm when his dad retired. Howard got a full-time job with MB Gov't Highways Dept as a heavy duty mechanic. He obtained his red seal journeyman status, which he was very proud of. A tragic farm accident caused the loss of his left arm. He quit his gov't job and farmed full time. With always a positive attitude, he persevered with one good arm and a prosthetic limb. In time there wasn't much he couldn't do. Son Brian was to be the next grain farmer in the family and is still farming at present with his son Adam. Howard loved his wife, family, friends, the land, animals, and especially his 2 house cats Boris and Maggie, which moved into his home after his wife passed in 2013. Howard lived in his original home until his health started failing in the winter of 2019. He then lived in the Dauphin Personal Care Home until his passing. After some adjustment, he was quite content in his new home. The staff always found him to be a character and quite interesting. Howard had gradual hearing loss over the years and eventually no hearing. It could be a challenge, but with a dry board and erasable markers, conversation went on.  A big thanks to staff at PCH for caring for dad. RIP dad, we love you and will miss you, but mom has been waiting for you. 

If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made in Howard's memory to the Royal Canadian Legion - Branch 20, 309 Main St N, Dauphin, MB R7N 1C5. 

DAD:
As we look back over time
We find ourselves wondering. . .
Did we remember to thank you enough
For all you have done for us?
For all the times you were by our sides
To help and support us,
To celebrate our successes,
To understand our problems,
And accept our defeats?
Or for teaching us by your example,
The value of hard work, good judgment,
Courage and integrity?
We wonder if we ever thanked you
For the sacrifices you made
To let us have the very best?
And for the simple things
Like laughter, smiles, and times we shared?
If we have forgotten to show our
Gratitude enough for all the things you did,
We’re thanking you now.
And we are hoping you knew all along.
Love,
Karen, Gordon, Brian & family

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