Obituary of William Mark Howdle

Bill passed away at home with his family by his side in his 72nd year of life after a valiant fight against cancer.

Survived by his loving wife Violet of 27 years, he was the cherished father of Billie (Rob) and Shauna (Jake); and stepfather of Robert (Regan), David (Kelly), Michael, and Lynelle (Jason); Grandpa/Papa to Sage, Emery, Malieka, Urijah, Arielle (Bryan), Stefan (Samantha), Dawson (Charlotte), Carter, Tofino, Sadie and Seth; Great Grandpa to Aiden and Levi. Bill will also be missed by a large extended family including many beloved cousins.

Born and raised in Swan River, Manitoba, Bill was born to William and Lillian Howdle. He graduated from high school in Dauphin, after which he was quickly hired by the Bank of Commerce. Promoted to manager at 28 years old, he enjoyed a successful career in banking which eventually brought him to Thompson, where he met Violet.

Bill was always community minded, serving as a volunteer paramedic and member of the Kinsmen Club. Arguably the biggest impact he made was with his blog “The Dying Man’s Daily Journal”. At age 51, having recently been diagnosed with a brain tumour, he was told that he had congestive heart failure and was given 2 years to live. After some time to digest this, he felt a calling to put his thoughts out into the world. Despite limited writing or computer skills, he jumped into the relatively new blogosphere with the hopes that by sharing his voyage, he could help others dealing with the same issues. And help he did! Bill quickly built a huge following of readers who found both love and community within his “ramblings”. Writers and producers from around the world contacted Bill to hear his story. A producer for the Oprah Winfrey show even interviewed him! We know that the loss was felt by many when he struggled to find the energy to continue with it. However, he really did prove that doctor wrong!

Upon retirement, Bill and Vi moved to Winnipeg. An endless stream of visitors were almost always greeted by Bill sitting on the front step of their home. In fact, for multiple Google Maps updates, different versions of Bill could be seen sitting on his front step. Everyone was welcome, especially if they were up for a game or two. Bill was a games player. He participated in multiple chat streams where he would share his daily Wordle, Connections, and Strands results. He made a number of online friends in his Words With Friends games. However, his favourite was always a good game of cribbage. Bill died as the Howdle family “Official Champion of the World” in crib. Knowing that no one can take that from him now would have given him a good chuckle!

Bill’s legacy truly lies in his love for his family. Never has a man loved his children and grandchildren more than Bill did. The pride and love he felt for his family was on constant display; especially when he let them paint his nails! He will forever be missed.

The family would like to thank everyone whose love and support have been offered and delivered over the many years of Bill’s illnesses.

A special thanks to Lynelle and David who both provided a very real and present support to Bill and Vi over the past year.

Perhaps the greatest thanks goes to Shauna, who dropped everything to come and be a live-in caregiver to Bill over his final months.

Bill Howdle, A Dying Man’s Daily Journal –

“What is my request? Perform one random act of kindness. By this I mean specifically look for an opportunity to do something that can be done from the goodness within your heart… Just think about our world and how much better it could be if everyone did one act of kindness. With the ripple effect of kindness who can ever know how far and wide these wonderful acts can spread. Far and wide…I can only hope.”

At Bill’s request, cremation has taken place.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.