It is with sadness and profound hope that we announce the passing of Howie Verity of Sylvan Lake, Alberta, on January 14, 2023, after a short battle with cancer. Howard (Howie) George Verity was born on January 17, 1953, in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, to Cecil and Ethel (nee Saunders) Verity, the youngest of seven children. After the passing of his father, Cecil, in 1955, Howie was raised by his mother alongside his older brothers and sister. As a child, he enjoyed summers at his grandparents in Fort Qu’Appelle, Saskatchewan, raising pigeons in their backyard with his brother Roy and swimming in the Moose Jaw River. Howie attended Prince Arthur elementary school and A. E. Peacock Collegiate, where he played football and was student body president in his senior year. Howie pitched on local fastball teams for over twenty years and still holds Memorial Field records.
After graduating, Howie attended the University of Regina and received a degree in Education.
At a young adult’s event at his local church, he met Wendy Klassen. They were married on July 17, 1976, and had two boys, Jeremey and Chad. From the moment they met to the very last day, Wendy was the love of Howie’s life. His boys were a wonderful source of pride, and his grandchildren gave him so much joy.
Howie and Wendy raised their family in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. Howie taught for 32 years at Rouleau School, Empire School, Westmount Elementary School and Palliser Heights Elementary School before retiring in 2006. After retiring, Howie and Wendy pursued their love of travelling and spending as much time as possible with their grandchildren. They eventually moved to Sylvan Lake, Alberta, in 2017.
Growing up and living in Moose Jaw for 64 years made Howie a lifelong Saskatchewan Roughriders, Moose Jaw Warriors fan, and an avid fisherman and golfer. Once they moved, Sylvan Lake quickly became home and the source of many dear friends. Howie’s love for Jesus was fanned into flame through their church family at the Alliance Community Church.
Howie is predeceased by his mother and father, Cecil and Ethel Verity, his brothers Earl Verity and Edwin Verity, and his sister Arlene Anderson. He leaves behind his wife Wendy; his children Jeremey (Wendy) Verity and their children Tyler, Andy and Jake; Chad (Stephanie) Verity and their children Emmy, Eleanor and Madelyn; and his brothers Rae (Linda), Gary (Carol) and Roy (Pat). He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Howie was greatly looking forward to seeing his mom and brothers Earl and Edwin, and sister Arlene and for his first conversation with his dad and for never having to wait for a tee time.
Howie’s life was celebrated at Alliance Community Church in Sylvan Lake, Alberta, on Saturday, January 28, 2023, at 1:00 pm. A recording of the service is available at www.howieverity.com. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Red Deer Hospice Society.
