HOWARD PHAIR

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HOWARD PHAIR

Howard was born September 15, 1931 to Vera (Goforth) and William James Phair. The dirty 30's was a hard time, but Howard learned at an early age to be self sufficient. As a young boy he delivered newspapers, delivered groceries and worked for local farmers. He often boasted about working all summer long at a very young age to buy his mom a cookstove.

At age 15, Howard and his brother Richard left for Winnipeg. There he worked at a drugstore until better job opportunities presented themselves and off they both went to Toronto. It was in Toronto that Howard met and fell in love with Shirley French. They were married in 1952.

The country boy still wanted to return home, so with baby Tammy (1959) they moved back home and settled into the Phair homestead across from Howard's uncle Frank and Bernice Goforth. Many happy times were spent visiting and enjoying country life, which Howard talked about his whole life. Howard and Shirley welcomed two more children into their lives, Cathy in 1960, and Michael in 1963.

Howard and Richard purchased the hardware store in Pierson in 1961 from Jack Pitt, and thus Phairs Stores was created. Howard worked for 41 years, six to seven days a week, building a thriving business, which included hardware, lumberyard, sporting goods, liquor vendor and gas. During the early years of his business he purchased backhoes, and with hired man Harvey Jacobson, he plumbed houses throughout southwest Manitoba. Howard learned how to do this by reading it in a book and with help from Jack Pitt.

Howard purchased the Coop lumberyard, tore it down and replaced it with a brand new store. His store was his passion. Howard enjoyed sports, coaching Michael's minor hockey team for years. He was also an avid pool player.

Howard is survived by: daughter Tammy (Randy) McCannell, granddaughter Marcy (Grant) Duncalfe and great-grandchildren Daylan and Shayla, grandson Chad (Megan) McCannell and great-grandchildren Austin and Autumn. Daughter Cathy Phair (Kenn Forsyth), grandsons Colby Suski and Carter Suski (Alexis). Son Michael (Tracy) Phair, grandson Jared (Terra) Phair, granddaughter Abby Phair and great-grandchildren Rory and Laughlin.

Our Dad spent most of his social life with Mom, going on many trips, Sunday drives, visiting relatives, and attending many family sporting events. Dad was happy with the simple things in life, a good home-cooked meal, reading the newspaper, and watching the 10 o'clock news. Upon retirement Dad and Mom moved to Souris to be closer to Cathy and their grandsons. Our dear Mom passed away in 2009, and Dad later moved to Brandon and purchased a condo in the Village Green. It was there that Dad met June Lamont in 2013, and had her companionship and love for the past ten years. Rest in Peace Dad, we love you!

HOWARD PHAIR

Howard, 92 years, father of Tammy, Cathy and Michael, beloved grandfather and great-grandfather, special friend of June Lamont. Howard passed away at the Brandon Regional Health Centre on April 13, 2024.

Funeral service will be held at a later date. Notifications will be posted prior to the service. In memory of Howard, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.

Kowalchuk’s Funeral Home, Souris

in care of arrangements.



Expression of sympathy may be made at www.kowalchuks.net

As published in Brandon Sun on Apr 20, 2024, Apr 20, 2024, Apr 27, 2024