It’s with profound sadness and heavy hearts we announce the passing of Howell Garfield Marson, in a hospital named Lakeridge Health Oshawa, on Friday August 28, 2026 at 12:15am.
To honour the memory of man whom in the Winter of his life, lost his courageous battle to heart disease with dignity and grace … never asking for pity, but of peace, for a long life lived ….
Howell, is survived by his children Robert, Ronald and Robyn.
Grandchildren: Cara, Joshua, Ronnie, Shayne, Levi, Audrey
Great Grandchildren: Jaedann, Ella, Josh, Brianna, Madisyn, Olivia
Sister: Hilda Marshall
Eulogy
We are here today to remember and celebrate the life of Howell Marson — Who was born to Roɓert Alexander Marson and Eleanor Elizabeth Marson (Daly).
They had 10 children. Listed from Oldest to youngest: Albert, James, Doris, Denzel, Edna, Sydney, Mildred, Howell, Hilda, and A baby boy still-born on Dec 8th, 1937 nicknamed “Bonzo”.
Howell worked at Brown’s Chamois Products, down at Richmond Street West and John Street in downtown Toronto, around 1975 to 76. His job was leather cutter(a clicker). Hand-cutting and trimming chamois leather skins with sharp knives and metal patterns, shaping them into finished products. It was skilled, precise work, and it suited him.
He went on to work at Canada Post, eventually promoting to a Supervisor at Gateway location in Mississauga. Where he was know as “Howie”. Well liked, respected and loved by his employees for being a fair, firm boss.
A role he held until his early retirement in 1990, after surviving a life-threatening six+ car pileup on Highway 401. That accident changed the course of his life, but it never changed his spirit.
Outside of work, Howell knew how to enjoy life. He loved playing the ponies, watching boxing, golf, and sitting down for a good game of cribbage and cards with friends and family. If there were cards on the table and good company around it, Howie was happy.
To relax, he and his beloved Freda bought a cottage, then a trailer — places to retreat to in the summer months, to slow down, to be together.
And of course, there were the dogs. Howell and Freda had many dogs who were very much part of the family — Susie, Long-Choy, Christie, Crystal, Zoey and Peach. And it was Peach, that last dog, who rarely left Howell’s side. For 14 years she was his protector, his faithful furry companion.
But above all, Howell was Freda’s husband. On September 17th, 2026, they would have celebrated their 71st Wedding Anniversary. Joined together in the dust of the earth, where it all began. That kind of love is rare, steady, enduring, and true.
Howell taught us about hard work, about loyalty, about how to enjoy the simple things — a good hand of cards, a day at the track, time at the cottage, and the love of a good dog.
He will be missed deeply, remembered fondly, and carried with us always.
Cheers, Howell and Happy Anniversary to you and Freda!
Visitation will be held at Oshawa Funeral Home, 847 King Street West, Oshawa, Ontario L1J 2L4, on September 17, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, followed by the Service in the Chapel on from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. After family and friends are invited to the lower level for a reception.
A Committal Service will take place at Resthaven Memorial Gardens, 2700 Kingston Rd, Toronto, Ontario M1M 1M5, on September 17, 2026, from 2:30 pm to 3:00 pm.
