We joyfully celebrate the life of Howard Piggott. Over 99 years ago he was born on a farm in Saskatchewan; sadly he lost his mom when he was four. He left school in 1930, helped his dad on the farm until 1935 when he started jumping the freights to find various jobs across the prairies, BC and Ontario. He recalled having many freezing rides in the boxcars and the long, cold waits between trains.
In 1941, he joined the army and was in the military police before being deployed to Italy. There he was a dispatch rider on the Hitler line. Before returning home he saw much of Europe and visited relatives in England.
Back home he started working in the sheet metal business, and in 1957 moved to BC and was partner in Salmon Arm Sheet Metal. Every fall they put a memorable float into the parade. His homemade wine won many ribbons at the fair, and it was greatly appreciated by family and friends.
Howard was a volunteer S.A. fireman (1960 – 1980) and served as a fire chief. He made many lasting friendships through this and also through curling.
His rink started entering the BC Plumber’s bonspiel when he was 50 and he continued to participate for the next 45 years. The Plumber’s parties were legendary. Right, Jerry?
He was predeceased by his two lovely wives; Vi (1977) and Marion (2006). Also, by his brother Doug (Bug), stepdaughter Delores, niece Clio, sister-in-law Pat and stepmother Ivy.
He is survived by his brother James (The Kid), sister-in-law Dot, granddaughters Vivian and Diane, nieces Gale, Charm, June, Darla and Ann. Nephews Bill, Wes and Howard. Two great grandchildren, 22 great nieces and nephews, and 32 great-great nieces and nephews.
Besides the dirty 30’s and war, Howard survived being shot in the head at 20, a serious logging accident in BC, and falling down the stairs at 93. He never had a broken bone.
Howard was always optimistic and lived very much in the present. He was generous with his time and skills. He enjoyed physical activities and swam every morning for the last 35 years. Love of cats was the one constant in his life.
We would like to thank the volunteers at the Stroke Recovery for including him in their meetings for so many years, it was the highlight of his week.
The day before the stroke, you may have seen this independent man, with the long white hair, sitting on his scooter near Tim Horton’s uptown, watching traffic and enjoying the hot sun.
We miss him.
Email condolences may be sent through Howard’s obituary at www.bowersfuneralservice.com