Obituary of Walter Colston "Peter" Howell

Dr. Walter (Pete) Colston Howell, BSc, MSc, PhD Died suddenly on November 16 while traveling in Perugia, Italy, at the age of 82. Son of the late William and Dorothy Howell. Loving husband of Dr. Helene Polatajko-Howell. Beloved father of Peter of Toronto, Alison (Alex Kohner) of Los Angeles, Lesley (Chipman Purdom) of London and Fraser (Ellen) of Toronto. Survived by his parents-in-law, Miroslaw and Theresa Polatajko, sisters-in-law, Theresa Hryshko (Ted), Elsa Lobos (Jack), predeceased by his siblings, William Ivor Howell, Jack Leslie Howell and Alice Joyce Mason. Gramps will be deeply missed by his grandchildren: Mackenzie, Madison and Sawyer Howell; Charlotte and Daisy Kohner; Alex, Andrew and Brooke Purdom; Colston, Tate and Piper Howell; and his many nieces and nephews. Born and raised in London, Ontario, Pete developed a keen interest in science at an early age. Following extended studies at the University of Western Ontario he received his PhD in Chemistry in 1955. After postdoctoral studies at the University of Nottingham, England, he returned to a long teaching career in the Chemistry Department at UWO. Pete was also active on the administrative side of academia, serving as the Assistant Dean of Science and later as Secretary of the Senate. In retirement he enjoyed traveling the world with Helene and stayed active curling, golfing and playing hockey up until his death. Pete was a well-loved and life-loving man who laughed often and laughed well. Friends and family will be received at the Logan Funeral Home, 371 Dundas St., London, on Sunday, November 20, from 7 to 9 PM and Monday, November 21, from 2 to 4 PM and 7 to 9 PM. A funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Georges Roman Catholic Church, 1164 Commissioners Road West, London, at 11 AM on Tuesday, November 22, with a reception to follow at the London Hunt Club. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of your choice, or please consider the Drs. Walter (Pete) Colston Howell & Helene Polatajko-Howell Student Travel Fund held in the Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto. Please contact 416-978-0811 for further information. Online condolences can be expressed at www.loganfh.ca. Services: Service Date Tuesday, November 22, 2011