It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Howard (Howie) Blair Whatman, in Winnipeg on April 21, 2021 at the age of 70.  Born in Winnipeg, he grew up in River Heights and graduated from Red River Community Collegiate.

 

Howie married Marilyn Sneyd in 1977 and worked in the automotive industry the majority of his career, living in Brandon, Thunder Bay and moving back to Winnipeg (Westwood) in 1982. He was a member of the Assiniboine Chamber of Commerce for many years.

 

Howie was a devoted husband, and dad and friend to two sons, and was actively involved in their many activities growing up.  He loved to downhill ski, and cherished his summers spent at their trailer at Falcon Lake and Hilly Lake over the past 33 years.  He was affectionately known as the “Mayor of Hilly Lake”.  He had a great personality and always had a dad joke ready.

 

Howie is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Marilyn; sons, Trevor (Rose) and Kevin (fiancée Cheries), both of Winnipeg; mother-in-law Norma Sneyd of Fredericton; along with several brother and sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews. He was a chosen grandfather to Dylan, Brooklynn and Zayden, who will affectionately remember him as Harry. He is predeceased by his mother Joan; father-in-law Neil Sneyd; and his beloved grandmother,

Elona Taylor, who helped raise him.

 

During the last weeks of his life, he was in CancerCare Manitoba’s in-home palliative care program.  Special thanks to his nurses Trish and Angela. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution, in Howie’s memory, to the CancerCare Manitoba Foundation.

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In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place and, at his request, there will be no funeral service. Howie's family hopes that you will consider sharing your own photos and/or sharing your own memories and stories using the comment section on this page.