Obituary of Donald Bell Howatt

Donald Bell Howatt, affectionately known as "Bush" to his friends and family, passed away peacefully on March 28, 2025, at the age of 92. Born on July 18, 1932, in Tryon, PEI, Donald's journey took him from the wild woods and fields of his birthplace to the industrial heart of Hamilton, ON, where he lived and worked most of his days.

Don was a proud steelworker and entrepreneur, operating several businesses over the years. He was known for his tireless work ethic and seemingly superhuman strength to get the job done and provide for his family. His burly hands were rarely still, forever tinkering, fixing or transforming discarded odds and ends into (mostly) functional treasure. Beyond his workbench, Bush's love for the outdoors was infectious. Whether he was tending to his garden, walking the dog or heading off on annual hunting trips, he was most at home in nature.

He leaves behind his devoted wife, Margaret Howatt (née Patterson), a woman of saintly patience who supported their business endeavours and shared his life for more than 70 years. Donald made regular trips back to PEI to visit family and stay close to his roots. He was predeceased by his parents Victor and Marguerite Howatt, his brother, Morley, and sister, Elizabeth “Betty”.

The Howatt home grew quickly with the addition of his six children: Maggie, Anne, John, Michael, Leslie, and Martha, later followed by twelve grandchildren: Christopher, Allison, Jordan, Rachel, Courtney, Neil, Paul, Sarah, John, Joseph, Samuel and Colleen, and then 22 great-grandchildren. It was in his role as “Pa” to his grandchildren that he created some of the most cherished family memories.

As we say goodbye to Donald "Bush" Howatt, we celebrate a life well-lived, with many gardens well-tended, no junk pile left un-turned and a crowd of family and friends who will carry his spirit with us on many more walks to come.

Visitation will be Thursday, April 3rd from 12:00-1:00pm at Donald V. Brown Funeral Home, 36 Lake Avenue Drive, Stoney Creek, with a service to follow. Interment to follow at White Chapel Memorial Gardens Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the SPCA. Notes of sympathy and condolence may be left at www.donaldvbrown.ca