CORNFOOT, Howard (Howie) — It is with deep sorrow, and profound love that we announce the passing of Howard (Howie) Cornfoot on Friday, July 18, 2025, in his 80th year, at home surrounded by his family. He is survived by Honey, his wife of 56 years; his daughter Terri and fiancé Jeff Kechnie; his son Scott and his grandchildren, Evan, Bennett, and Liam. Howie was a huge presence in the lives of his children and grandchildren: cheering them on at every game, recital, and figure skating competition, knowing their friends, championing their dreams and weaving himself into the very fabric of their worlds. He is lovingly remembered by his sister, Carol, who had a special bond with him. They shared many years of laughter and sometimes of sorrow. In his final months she helped us to give him steadfast care and guided the family through our hardest days. His brother Don (Leslie) will remember with a loving heart the carefree times they spent together as boys enjoying baseball and hockey and as men playing in the Old Timers leagues. Especially missed by brothers-in-law Skip Foster and John (Noelle) Foster who highly respected Howie and loved him so much, as he did them. Always remembered with love by cousins Judy Cronmiller, Jeff Peets, Donna Gormley and extended family. Howie will never be forgotten by his beloved nieces and nephews and their families as a fun uncle who they could always trust to give sage advice and wise counsel. Howie was loyal to the many fine friends he has made over the years, especially to his best friend Bert and the rest of the canoe trip “Gang.” Howie was known as a man with high principles and strong moral values. His friends will miss the fun times and the support he gave so freely. Born in Brantford, Ontario, Howie graduated from North Park Collegiate then went on to Conestoga College where he graduated with a degree in Recreation. In 1968, Howie began his career at Sprucedale Youth Centre in Simcoe as a recreation officer. Over the next 30 years he climbed every rung of Ontario’s correctional system before returning to Sprucedale to retire at 51 years old. “We’ve got the best staff in Ontario,” he would say, proud to lead the Sprucedale team that he deeply respected. He then launched his own renovation and construction business, doing what he loved, using his hands, strength and knowledge. Howie’s love extended to four-legged family members Cleo, Friendly, Pepper, Tilley, and his “granddogs” Petra and Ellie. Many in Port Dover will remember him cheerfully babysitting Ellie at the dog park or greeting neighbors on long walks with Ellie bounding along the trails through Hay Creek Conservation Area. A devoted hockey fan and player, a football player in his youth, a skilled baseball player, and a knowledgeable fan—he was like an encyclopedia of sports facts and stats. Of all the sports, he loved golf the best. He drove the ball farther than many men half his age and treasured rounds were par for the course with friends Kent and Brenda, Willy Mac, Mike, Jake, and Randy, sharing laughter and practical advice on every fairway. Just the day before Howie’s passing, he and his beloved wife, Honey, celebrated 60 years since first meeting at a dance at the Highlands in Long Point. Honey was truly everything to Howie, and he, in turn, was her unwavering anchor and greatest joy. Their connection was built on a lifetime of love, shared laughter, sometimes tears and an enduring partnership. They were lucky enough to travel to many places across our great and wonderful nation as well as to Japan, Greece, Wales, Ireland, England and most recently Portugal. Their home for 35 years, Honey Locust Farm, was a fulfillment of their shared dreams, filled with ongoing home renovations, family gatherings, children, and then grandchildren, parties, friends… so many memories to enjoy for life. Canoe trips were a lifelong tradition. Years before his children were born, Howie paddled waterways from Algonquin’s Kiosk Lake to the French River and Killarney. The trips continued throughout the pristine northern Ontario lakes for 20 more years with all the “Gang” in tow, sometimes with as many as 25 people in our group. So many adventures to relive again and again—what fun we had! Howie was always the trusted trip leader. Fair winds and calm waters, Howie. We will keep paddling in your wake. Cremation has taken place. SERENITY BURIAL & CREMATION SERVICES INC., 361 Main Street, Port Dover, (226) 290-9093 have been entrusted with the arrangements. We would like thank Dr. Bill Wynveen for his uplifting support to Howie in his time of need. Nurse Joanne on 3rd floor medical at NGH was our Florence Nightingale—nurturing, smart and oh so wise. Nurse Shannon from CBI Home Health was just the angel we needed when Howie came home—bright, cheerful, practical and a strong advocate for doing the right thing. A private interment will take place in Springvale Cemetery at a later date. According to Howie’s wishes there will be no Celebration of Life. For those wishing to make a memorial donation in memory of Howie, they are asked to consider the Norfolk Haldimand Community Hospice, P.O. Box 658, Port Dover, Ontario, N0A 1N0 would be greatly appreciated. Our community is in dire need of this service. Online condolences can be left at www.serenityburialandcremation.com.