Howard Rowe Underhay

August 19, 1928 to March 27, 2022

Obituary

To view the funeral service for Mr. Howard Underhay from the Carnell Memorial Chapel on Thursday, March 31st at 2:00 p.m., please follow the link below:

https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/authorise.php?k=1648500389175206

Passed peacefully away at his home on March 27, 2022, Howard Rowe Underhay, of Heart’s Content, Trinity Bay, NL at 93 years of age. Predeceased by parents, Edmund Underhay & Elsie Underhay (Rowe); sister Dorothy Quanbury (Ernie) of Hagersville, ON; Twin sister Audrey Fairfull (Jack) of Bobcaygeon, ON; wife, Anastatia (Andrews), of Wesleyville, NL (New-Wes-Valley), and many other dear family members, colleagues, and friends.

Leaving to mourn, son, Vaughan Underhay and daughter in law, Olga Hitchen of St. John’s; Daughter Kimberly Ann Underhay of St. John’s; beloved Grandson, Andrew Hitchen-Underhay and his wife, Elizabeth Drover; the furry family members who live with them; and a large circle of family, friends, our friends, neighbours and colleagues.

Born in St. John’s on Winter Avenue and raised in Heart’s Content, Howard moved to St. John’s at the early age of 18 and worked at Purity Factories. In order to advance his position in life and financially, Howard enrolled in a trades college in Ontario where he became a welder and fabricator. Returning to NL and after briefly working as a heavy equipment operator, he went to work with McNamara Industries whose fabrication facility was located in Paradise at Octagon Pond. Acan Windows was the last company to work out of their old renovated building before the site was sold, remediated, and developed in to a modern retail complex as it exists today. While working at McNamara, he ultimately advanced to a managerial position and was chief estimator and site superintendent for the company. Many of the buildings, structures, oil storage facilities, hospitals, schools, paper mills, marine terminals and retail shopping plazas we drive by every day were constructed by Howard Underhay and his work crews. The Health Sciences, Confederation Building Annex, Avalon Mall, Churchill Falls Hyde Plant, Memorial University library, are landmarks that my father was instrumental in building.

Howard and Anastatia adopted two children, Vaughan and Kimberly Ann, raised and taught them strong family values, and gave them a home full of love and affection. After he had retired, Howard and Statia welcomed grandson Andrew and extended the same love, attention, adoration, and taught him many of the values that shape the man he has become. We were all blessed for having both of them in our lives but Poppy, as he was known at home, was a very special man. Anyone that met him, or spent any time in his company, instantly recognized love and positive energy pouring from him. He genuinely loved people. He loved the outdoors. Fishing, rabbit hunting, cod jigging, or just a simple boil up by a stream; as long as it was with friends and family, it was all he ever needed. He was never one to want to draw attention to himself, was very humble, and soft spoken. I never heard him ever raise his voice to mother in my entire life of 60 years. He was devout church going man and an avid listener of VOWR.

He loved sports; golf, hockey, baseball, soccer, curling…and he could quote you all the names, stats, standings, probable pitchers, rookie leaders, and whoever was at the top of the leaderboard or whoever just went triple bogey and tumbled out of the lead. He had a brilliant mind. Could recall anything from any period in his life. Many of our family and friends were blown away after conversing with him as to just how bright he was. After he retired, many companies would come calling as his experience and knowledge was unequalled in his field.

He encouraged and involved us in anything we showed interest in, provided the means to do it, acquired whatever equipment necessary, and then cheered us in victory or defeat. It didn’t matter. What matters was he made the most of his time with all of us. In his later years, we took him travelling with us. He visited France, Spain, Italy; walked the streets of old Barcelona, raced through Naples in a cab, walked to the leaning tower of Pisa, attended the Cannes Film Festival, visited Mexico, cruised the Mediterranean and Caribbean Seas. He truly was a man of the world. He made a difference in everything he did and to everyone he met.

The family would like to thank some very special people. Reverend Ettie Gordon-Murray who is conducting the funeral service. His friends and home care workers, Samuel and Mahdine, and the staff of TLC Home Care who made his last 60 days as pleasant and comfortable as they could. You guys truly have angel wings! To Paul and Renee, Emma and Taylor, at Lanes and the management and staff for providing a good environment for dad’s respite care and enabling him to recover and return home. To the medical team and nursing staff at 4 South A of the Health Sciences. You enabled him to beat the immediate challenges he faced and helped him give us a little more time. For that we shall be ever grateful.

Visitation will take place at Carnell’s Funeral Home, 329 Freshwater Road, on Thursday, March 31 from 9 am -11 am and 12 pm – 2 pm. Funeral service from The Carnell Memorial Chapel immediately following at 2 pm. The service will be live streamed and the link to the service can be found above.

Those wishing to attend the visitation and/or service are asked to wear a mask and maintain safe sociable distance, avoiding contact where possible. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to the Canadian Heart and Stroke Association, Canadian Alzheimer’s Society, or Beagle Paws. Three charities that he supported and were dear to him.

 

Schedule

Visitations

9-11 a.m. on March 31, 2022

12-2 p.m. on March 31, 2022

Carnell’s Funeral Home
329 Freshwater Road
View on Map


funeral

2:00pm, Thursday March 31st

The Carnell Memorial Chapel
329 Freshwater Road
View on Map

Those wishing to attend the visitation and/or service are asked to wear a mask and maintain safe sociable distance, avoiding contact where possible.


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My condolences to the Underhay family

Vaughan; Olga and Andrew, we are so sorry to hear of the passing of your father/grandfather. Our thoughts are with you and all your family.

I am so saddened by your loss. I pray that you find comfort in the assurance that your Dad is at peace, and waits to one day welcome you home. May you know you are surrounded by a never-ending Love. 💕

Dear Vaughan and Olga, we are so sorry to read your dad has passed away. What a wonderful age. Neil and I are away and send our love and condolences during this difficult time.
Maureen And Neil xo

So sorry to hear of your Dads passing our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Raymond & Sheila Wells

Deepest condolences to you and your family Vaughn, from me and my family, God be with you

Kim and the Underhay Family,
My thought’s and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Sending my deepest condolences and sympathies to you alnd your brother and your family .

We were not fortunate enough to have know your father/father-in-law but we know from reading his obituary what a wonderful person he was; a true inspiration to everyone who was lucky enough to have him in their lives. We send our sincere condolences to you and your family.

So long Pops! You were indeed a G.O.A.T.. (Greatest of all Time)when it came to fathers and friends. You were the best of both. I’ll never forget all you did for me, the time you spent with me, the places we went together, and the wonderful life full of great memories you left for all of us. Go be with mom and the rest of the families! Your’re even par, our MVP, an all star, lead stone, head coach, hall of famer, and the closer.. Time to hang ‘em up! With love…..

My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. You were blessed to have had him in your life for such a long time.. Lots of memories to console you at this difficult time.. May he rest in peace.

Deepest condolences Vaughan, Olga, Andrew, Kim and families on the passing of your father. I’m sure you all have many happy memories to cherish his long life. Use these memories to celebrate him and keep him close to your heart.
Susan & Stephen Pike

I would like pass on condolences to all Howard’s family. Fom the late seventies to the nineties, I spent a lot of time working for Howard. . Traveled around NL on a lot of different sites. even lived with him in different boarding houses. Howard knew every good trouting hole, rabbit trail and boarding housese on this island. I learned a lot from Howard and he gave me my first job as a foremen. .He was a great mentor to me. God Bless his soul.

Kim & Family : Sincerest condolences on your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time

Vaughan, I was so sorry to read about your father’s passing. I know this is a very sad and difficult time for you, Vaughan, Olga, Andrew & Elizabeth and Kim. You have our very deepest sympathy. We know how close you were to your father and what an influence he had on your life and Andrew’s.
We are both really sorry for your loss. Thinking of you all, Ramona and Gaetan

Vaughn, Olga and family,
Sorry for your loss,
Stay strong for each other. God Bless!

So sorry to hear of Howard’s passing, our sincere condolences to his family. I knew Howard through work, we worked on the Gander Airport Terminal together in the 70’s .I visited a lot of Howard’s jobs as a union representative and enjoyed a lot of conversations with him, a lot about the outdoors as well as work. He was a good man, may God bless him.

Vaughan,Olga ,Andrew and family ,
Vaughan…. Even though I didn’t know your dad I was deeply touched when I read his outstanding obituary as it truly captured the incredible person he was as well as his gifted professional talents. . His deep love, positive energy and encouragement touched your lives in such significant ways. Olga ( my cousin) often talked about her close relationship with him ,and how Andrew adored him.
You were indeed blessed to have your dad in your life for many years and he in yours. My hope is that the cherished memories and your close family connections will support you in your loss. Your dad was truly a precious gift in your life and you provided him with so much love , comfort and support in your home. He died knowing he was deeply loved and that is significant within itself. Thinking of you all.
Lark and Gerald Sullivan living in Victoria BC

Condolences to family & friends of Mr. Underhay—Special mention to Vaughn,/Olga-There’s been a number of years since i last spoke with them–BUT memories still there-The passing of loved ones-is always a very sad time-Our thoughts, prayers are with you.. Remembering-more happy past times–GOD Bless- Jim/wife Nelia Campbell ST. JHohn’s NFLD.

Kim & Vaughn. I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your father. My thoughts & prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Mr. Underhay was truly a wonderful man. He will be missed by all.

Vaughan, Olga, Andrew, So very sorry in hearing of the passing of Vaughn’s Father.. Our thoughts & prayers are with you.

Vaughan, Olga and your Family. So sorry to hear of your Fathers passing. My sincere condolences to you at this sad time.

Vaughan , Kim and family so sorry to hear of Howard’s passing our sincere condolences, In the 21 years I work at McNamara Industries my first job with Howard was building the oil tanks in Marys Town he was a good man.

Sincere condolences on the passing of your father.

Vaughan & family,
Deepest condolences from our family to yours

So sorry for your loss. Jenny & Dave Garland

Our thoughts are with you all members of you and your extended family.

Darryn and Katherine Cramm

Vaughan, Olga, Andrew and family.

Our condolences on your loss. A kind, gentle and accomplished man who made the most of life. Cherish the memories.

Bill and Donna Balsom

Very sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. I fondly selling him a new mustang many years ago. God bless you and Olga and family. Mary & Chris

Vaughan, Olga Andrew and family:

Our sincere condolences on the loss of your beloved Howard. That said, his legacy is alive and well in all of you. so we celebrate his life.

Vaughan, Olga and family, so sorry for your loss. He lives on in your hearts and minds, treasure the memories.

Rest in Peace Howard.

Vaughn, Olga and family so sorry for your loss .Remember all the good times and special memories .

Vaughan,Kim ,,and family, sorry to hear of uncle Howard’s passing, A great man indeed,always looked forward to their Summer visits to Wesleyville.Mom sends her condolences and will miss her visits with him..Hold on to the precious memories you have of him,and take care of one another. Your cousin,Barb ,Fred and aunt Inie.

Quite a life and quite a legacy, Vaughn and Olga. Our sincere condolences to you and your family on the passing of a great man.

Vaughan, Kim and family, we are so sorry to hear of Uncle Howard’s passing. He was such a caring and loving person. He will be missed but will always be with you in your heart and memories. Donna and Adrian

Condolences to your family.

I knew Howard through the Agnes Pratt home when his wife, your mom, was a resident there. During that time we had many of laughs and great conversations. He was a man that talked often about his family, especially, Andrew, his pride and joy. I know him and Anastasia are having a cup of tea and a cookie now.
Condolences to you Vaughn, Kimberly and the rest of your family. RIP Howard and may you fly with the Angel’s.
Remember, memories last forever.💕