Obituary of Howard Joseph Rotchford

December 5, 1946 – St John’s, Newfoundland

February 6, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Howard Rotchford, beloved husband of Mary Ann Rotchford, of Calgary, AB, passed away on Tuesday, February 6, 2024, at the age of 77 years.

Howard was born in St. John’s, NL, on December 5, 1946. He moved to Calgary, AB, in 1984. Howard later married Mary Ann in 1995.

He was a man of faith and would often spend a few hours each day devoted to praying and reading the Bible. As a family man, he loved spending time with his children and spouse, playing card games (although he often forgot the rules), watching shows, or going for walks by the river. Howard also loved playing and walking his two dogs, Buddy and Bandit, and he enjoyed playing WWII games on his Xbox. He was also a handyman, fixing things around his own house and his children’s. He loved to “fiddle” in the garage and take things apart. He owned his own painting business and took great pride in his work.

Howard’s favourite verse was 2 Corinthians 5:8; “Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord”.

He will be most remembered for his joyful nature, thoughtful actions, selfless giving, and love for the Lord. He enjoyed singing almost constantly, often getting his wife Mary Ann caught up in his enthusiasm, letting them sing together.

Besides his loving wife Mary Ann, Howard is survived by his two daughters, Joanne and Karilynn; two sons and one daughter-in-law, Shawn, Cory, and Sierra; as well as four grandchildren, Rowen, Ripley, River, and Rhodes.

Howard is also survived by his brothers William (Billy), Stephen, and Paul; his sisters Lorraine, Dianne, and Irene; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Howard was predeceased by his parents, Stephen and Madeline Rotchford.

A Celebration of Howard’s Life will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street N, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6) on Wednesday, February 14, 2024, at 2:00 p.m.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Howard’s family here.

In living memory of Howard Rotchford, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-276-2296.