Howard Valenova Walsh

Passed peacefully away, surrounded by his loving family, after a courageous 10-year battle with cancer.

Howard “Howie” Walsh, age 75.

Predeceased by his parents, Alice and Bill Walsh; brothers Frank, Harv, Owen, Dennis, Jerome, and Larry (“Lar”); parents-in-law Helen and Ross Sweetapple; and his beloved fur buddy, Rex.

Leaving to mourn with broken hearts are his loving wife and best friend of 43 years, Dawn (née Sweetapple); his son, Colin (Vanessa); and his cherished grandsons, Nixon and Jesse, whom he loved beyond words. Also left with many treasured memories are his sisters, Gail and Heather; sisters-in-law Paula Rowe and Noreen Walsh; brother-in-law Doug Sweetapple (Barb); as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Howard was an avid sports fanatic, especially when it came to the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Toronto Blue Jays. He took plenty of good-natured teasing about the Leafs from his fellow breakfast buddies at A&W, but proudly wore his Toronto Maple Leafs attire every Saturday morning. He played in the Mount Pearl Men’s Slo-Pitch Softball League for many years and never missed a game until his illness took him off the field.

He loved watching his boys play softball, baseball, soccer, bowling, and basketball, cheering Colin, Nixon, and Jesse on from the bleachers. He was incredibly proud of them.

Howard treasured his weekend sleepovers with Nixon and Jesse. From pitching tents in the living room, watching movies, doing puzzles, playing games, and even colouring together, those moments meant everything to him. His grandsons were his world, and the boys cherished every moment spent with their beloved Poppy “on the Corner.”

Howard and Dawn were inseparable. They spent their lives doing everything together—from road trips to Florida, lunch dates, and concerts to simply enjoying each other’s company. Their love story began more than 50 years ago and remained steadfast throughout every season of life. Side by side, together forever. Maybe separated by distance now, but never by heart.

The family would like to extend their sincere and heartfelt thanks to Dr. Ahmad and the staff of the H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Centre, as well as the Community Health staff, especially nurses Vicki and Simone, for the kindness, compassion, and exceptional care they provided to Howard and Dawn throughout the years, months, and weeks of his journey. A very special thank you is also extended to Betty Mercer for her unwavering friendship, compassion, and the incredible support she gave Dawn during Howard’s final days.

As per Howard’s wishes, cremation has taken place, and there will be no formal service.

In Howard’s memory, donations may be made to Beagle Paws Rescue NL.

Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure. You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.

Howard, you were one in a million. You’re once in a lifetime.

“See ya bumbye.”