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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.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.sydneymemorialchapel.ca or email sydneymemorialchapel@ns.sympatico.ca.
Condolences
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Ian and family, I am sorry for your loss.
“I am thinking about you out here Manitoba.
David and Renee Libbey” -
CBU Engineering Department
“We wish to express our sincere condolences to Mr. Libbey’s family and friends.
We were saddened to learn of Howard’s passing. He had been a very good friend to Cape Breton University in its varying guises over the years, and in particular to the Engineering Department. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by our members.
Engineering Department
Cape Breton University
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So sorry for your loss.....
“Please accept our sincere condolences on the loss of your father and grandfather, all our love thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this most difficult time. Lord, please be around the family near and far and may he rest in peace.”
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Condolences
“Keith and AnneMarie Ian and Rhea - so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers.”
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Deepest Sympathy
“Sorry to hear of Howard's passing and thinking about you at this time of great loss.
We will have a shot of Smuggler's Cove in honour of our friend and cousin, Howard.” -
Deepest Sympathy
“Rhea, Kirby and Family: Colleen and I convey to you our deepest sympathy on the passing of your father. We'll be keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.”
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Sincere condolences to the families
“Sorry to hear of Howard's passing. My deepest condolences to the family, Rhea, Keith, and Ian. Howard will be greatly missed by all that came in contact with him. He was a witty character and enjoyed life.”
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“Sorry for you loss Keith. He soiunds like he was a great man”
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Condolences
“Ian, Kieth, Rhea. My heart felt sympathy from Mt. Uniacke. ”
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the loss of a friend
“Rhea, Ian, Keith and families, in recent years, when I needed a father and friend your father was there for me. Through phone calls, emails and a visit we developed a friendship. I opened my eyes to notice things I could talk with him about. He made me alert to my own happiness, surroundings and memories. I love him. I miss him.
The Chief's visit to our Ontario home in 2005 is fondly remembered by many relatives here. Several have spoken about how he was such a fine man and how much they enjoyed conversations with him. Scott is proud to be nicknamed Ace. Larry remembers him as a friendly man with lots of interesting stories to tell. We remain amazed at his use of solar panels and the windmill.
I know he has been welcomed into heaven by many special people.
Love Mary & family” -
“Rhea, Ian, Keith and Family,
So sorry to hear of Howard's passing. May you find comfort in all the special memories. With much love and sympathy, Denise and George Maclean” -
“Rhea...I sure remember lots of good times that I shared with you at Lewis Lake (the cabin) and that your Dad taught us how to sail. So sorry to hear of his passing, I have wondered all these years where you were and what you were up to....your old buddy, Leone”
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NSEIT
“I offer my sincere condolences on the passing of Howard. A very approachable and dedicated man, knowledgeable & always busy at his work, but always had time to share his busy day for a friendly word and advice when sought. He kept the 'ship NSEIT' working well! A good man.”
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Deepest Sympathy
“Keith, Ann Marie, Craig & Stephanie - Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.”
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Condolences
“Dear Ian,Keith,Rhea & Family, My Sincere Sympathy In The Passing Of Your Father.God Bless, Wendy(Cooke)”
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