Obituary of Noel Ray Murray Howland

Noel Ray Murray Howland

December 25, 1946 – July 2, 2023

It is with great sorrow that the family of Noel Howland announces his passing on July 2, 2023 at his home in Leduc, Alberta.

Noel spent the first four years of his life in Meadow Lake, until the family moved to Prince Albert.  He attended public and high school in Prince Albert.  Noel was active in Cubs and Scouts and later joined Air Cadets.

After high school Noel worked for a few years in various aspects of the construction industry.  In 1969 he started work at the PA Pulp Mill as a first aid attendant and security guard.  In 1976 he decided to go back into the construction industry and obtained his interprovincial journeyman red seal carpentry certificate, which served him well for the rest of his life.  In June of 1980 he went to work for the Federal Government at Saskatchewan Penitentiary as a custody officer.

Noel enjoyed hunting, fishing, travelling and family.  He will be remembered for his great sense of humour and the wicked little grin he would get when he was playing a prank on someone.

He had many hobbies, one of which was making knives.  He made hunting, filleting and household knives.  They were works of art and those he didn’t give away were sold far and wide.  For a time he also had his own knife sharpening business.

Noel has three children: Ray Murray, Feb. 1, 1975, Brian Andrew Nov. 6, 1977 and Annette Denise Jan. 12 1981.

In 1992, Noel married the love of his life, Judith Marie Peters.  Later Noel adopted Judy’s son, Douglas David Joseph, July 12, 1982.  They built a new house on an acreage near MacDowall, where they lived until they moved to Saskatoon.  

They won the Aberdeen Cabin Lottery.  Noel’s carpentry skills went to work again and expanded the cabin into a more spacious home.  After they retired, this Candle Lake cabin became home. 

Noel is survived by his children Ray (Meghan), Brian (JoAnn), Annette (Geoff) and Douglas (Megan); his grandchildren Ryker, Francesca, Gage, Cole, Logan, and Lucas; and his sister Gail and her son Arnie; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his wife Judy, and his parents Mac and Dorothy Howland.

The family is greatly appreciative of the loving care given to Noel by his longtime nurses Michelle Jane Divino and May Camiwet, and all his other caregivers.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association, Saskatchewan Cancer Agency or the Heart and Stroke Foundation.          

Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 14, 2023 at Gray’s Funeral Chapel, 575 28^th Street West, Prince Albert, SK. Family and friends unable to attend the funeral service may view https://funeraweb.tv/en/diffusions/77002 . Interment will follow at Prince Albert Memorial Gardens.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care of Gray’s Funeral Chapel, (306) 922-4729, Paula Hanson, Funeral Director.