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- Howard, CD, CM Libbey, Chief ERA, R.C.N.
Howard, CD, CM Libbey, Chief ERA, R.C.N.Howard, CD, CM Libbey, Chief ERA, R.C.N.
Passed in: SYDNEY, Nova Scotia, Canada
Passed on: February 8th, 2012
Howard Wolfe Libbey, 94, “crossed the bar” on Wednesday, February 8, 2012 in Cape Breton Regional Hospital, a resolute navy man to the end.
After high school, Howard began work as a machinist at Sydney Steel. Owing to his love of the sea, Howard then went to Halifax and enlisted in the Royal Canadian Navy in 1941. Over the next 24 years, he served on 16 ships in war and peace, retiring as Chief Engineer First Class, the White Chief of the East Coast.
Howard and Jenny shared a full and active life for 60 years, making their home in Dartmouth, Mount Uniacke, and finally in Sydney. After a brief first retirement from the navy, Howard joined the NSEIT, which later became CBU, as chief stationary engineer, retiring again in 1978.
Retirement? Not really a word used when speaking about Howard. Howard was a man of self-discipline and routine, and a figure of mechanical ingenuity for many.
Together with his wife Jenny, they did extensive travels throughout Atlantic Canada and the New England States. Howard and Jenny also traveled to many parts of the world that he had visited while in the RCN – Londonderry, Venice, Cuba …
Howard’s service with the Royal Canadian Legion was recognized with their highest award, the Palm Leaf. Additionally, he was proud to be declared “a letter-man” by CBU. In 2006, he established the Howard and Mary Genevieve Libbey bursary at CBU, awarded annually to aid an engineering student.
Music also played an important part of Howard’s life.
Eldest son of Oscar Elmore Libbey Sr. and Bridget Marie (Wolfe) Libbey.
Besides his parents, Howard was predeceased by his wife of 60 years, Mary Genevieve (Martin) Libbey; brothers, George (in infancy); Oscar Jr.; John (in infancy); Paul and Frank; sister Rhea O’Connell
Howard is survived by brother, Teddy (Mamie) Libbey, Sydney, NS; sister-in-law, Kay Libbey, Halifax, NS; sons, Ian (Sandra), Maple Ridge, BC; and Keith (Ann Marie), Sydney, NS; daughter, Rhea (Kirby Coolen), Stellarton, NS; nephew, Michael O’Connell, Turks and Caicos; grandchildren, Robert (Kerri) Libbey, Pitt Meadows, BC, Jennifer (Greg Lazar), Maple Ridge, BC, Craig (Sabrina) Libbey, Cochrane, AB, Stephanie (Ryan Power), Kentville, NS, Charles (Jennifer) Coolen, Antigonish, NS, Ian James (Shelley) Coolen, Kentville, NS; great-grandchildren, Oscar, Milo, Bryce, Gabe, Matteus, Eowyn, and Sophia; many nieces and nephews.
The family gratefully acknowledges the special care given to Howard by niece, Judy O’Connell, and caregivers, Theresa Robichaud and Diana O’Quinn, and to all those who had a hand in Dad’s care.
At Howard’s request, there will be no visitation prior to the service, or following the service at the family home. In lieu of gifts of food to the family, gifts to your local food bank would be appreciated.
The funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Monday, February 13, 2012 at Immaculate Heart of Mary, Mira Road, Sydney with Father Conrad Edwards officiating, and a reception to follow in the church hall. Interment will be in St. John’s Cemetery in the spring.
Memorial donations may be made to VON, Palliative care, or a charity of your choice.
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West & Park Family History
1917 - 2012 (94 years)
