Ronald Francis Howell
June 19, 1954 to August 18, 2026
Obituary
The funeral service for Ronald Francis Howell will be livestreamed for those unable to attend.
Please click HERE for the link.
The family of Ronald Francis Howell is heartbroken to announce that he passed away on August 18, 2026. He was at home and holding the hands of those he loved.
Ron had a lot of time to reflect on his life in the months and weeks leading up to his death and would often say how grateful he felt for all the many good things that had come his way, how lucky he had been. A family who loved him, caring friends and the ability to travel all over the world.
He loved his wife and precious daughters very much and they were his focus. He did everything he could to make their lives better, safer and happier. He was so proud of the young women his girls had become and loved to tell about all they were up to. His cousins were also important to him, especially the Garland, Gladney and Hanlon families, who loved and treated him more like a brother than a cousin.
His close friends came by daily to sit, laugh, and cry while recounting their favourite old memories that had been told many times before but which cemented their friendship.
He loved to travel and remembered all the wonderful worldwide trips he had taken over the years including Australia, Venezuela, Jamaica, China, France, Italy and Greece, first with friends and then later with his little family of four and sometimes his in-laws who thought the world of him. In more recent years he enjoyed his retirement winters with his wife in Barbados and Vietnam and looked forward to many more. Unfortunately, that was not to be.
He didn’t fully realize the impact he had on the lives of others until they started expressing it to him before his death. He meant a lot to so many and he was very touched by their deep affection. He was kind, welcoming, fun loving, loyal, a devoted husband and father, a true friend and had a great sense of humour right until the end. He was one of the finest people you could meet. He will be so greatly missed.
Ron was predeceased by his beloved parents, Violet and Chesley Howell and his in-laws Baxter and Barbara Coles who welcomed him into their family with open arms.
Ron will be lovingly remembered forever by his wife of 33 years, Karen (Coles); his daughters Emily and Sarah; his brothers in-law Keith Coles (Dawn) and David Coles; his brother Bob (Terry); his nieces and nephews including special nephew Alexander Coles; his many cousins and cousins in-law and a big circle of dear friends.
Visitation at Carnell’s Funeral Home, 329 Freshwater Road, on Sunday 23 August from 2 – 4 PM and 7 – 9 PM. The funeral will be held at the Carnell Memorial Chapel on Monday 24 August at 10 AM with a reception to follow at 12 PM at The Republic, 379 Duckworth Street.
Schedule
Visitations
2-4 p.m. on August 23, 2026
7-9 p.m. on August 23, 2026
Carnell’s Funeral Home
329 Freshwater Road
View on Map
funeral
10:00am, Monday August 24th
Carnell’s Funeral Home
329 Freshwater Road
View on Map
Reception
12:00pm, Monday August 24th
The Republic
379 Duckworth Street
I just heard the awful news I’m so sorry!
I wish I had known so I could have been counted on the masses of people that had so much admiration and respect for Ron.
I’m thinking about you and sending ❤️
Sandra
We’re so sad to hear that Ron and his beautiful soul and wonderful humour has left us. We are glad for the years and adventures you had together as a family. His love will always be in you. Thinking of you with love. Take care.Dave and Ali xoxo
Karen, our hearts are you , Emily and Sarah. Ron loved you all so much. He was the best and will be missed by so many who were fortunate to have him as a friend. love Pam and Rick
Oh Karen, Im so sorry to hear about Ron. I know how close you were. Thinking of you all during this difficult time. Xo
Karen, Emily & Sarah, We were so very sorry to hear about Ron’s passing. He was always so friendly and kind whenever we interacted with the girls through the years. May you find some peace and comfort in all your wonderful memories as you face this difficult time.🤍
Karen, Emily and Sarah
I was saddened to hear about Ron’s passing. We didn’t know him well but I could tell he was a kind soul. Keep all the good memories close 💜
Karen, Emily and Sarah,
Please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of your amazing husband and father.
Ron was a friend from my past, and I will always remember his infectious smile and the warmth he brought to those around him. Unfortunately, over the years I didn’t have the opportunity to see him as much as I would have liked — my loss, for sure.
I will always remember Ron as someone who could light up a room and had a way of making everyone around him feel special. I know he will be remembered that way by so many others as well.
May all of your wonderful memories of Ron give you strength and comfort in the coming days, weeks, months and years.
My heartfelt condolences to all of the Howell and Coles families.
May God bless you all, and may Ron rest in peace.
Dale Guiney
So sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. I met Ron back in the early 80s, and he was always the life of the party. I can still see Ron and Al Evans going head to head with the comedy hour. Everyone in Ron’s presence always had a smile, and he was such a kind-hearted guy. While I have not seen Ron for several years, I know he will be missed by one and all. Our thoughts go out to Ron’s family and friends in this difficult time. God bless!
What a beautiful service and tribute to a man who touched the lives of so many. Ron had such a knack of making people smile and laugh. He could make any chore a fun way to spend time. His kindness, respect for others and his true love for his family would shine through in all he did.. His wonderful legacy is a gift to all who knew him. Condolences to Karen, Emily and Sarah.
Karen, Sarah and Emily,
We are so sad to hear that you have experienced the profound loss of your beloved husband and father. Ron was a wonderful and friendly man and we enjoyed opportunities to socialize with your family, especially when our children were younger. We are sending our sincerest thoughts and condolences to you. We hope that you find comfort in the many happy memories you have shared.
My most sincere and heartfelt condolences to you Karen, Emily and Sarah on the passing of your husband, and father.
I have just viewed the virtual service for Ron online through the Carnell’s web site, and I was deeply moved by the emotional memories of Ron captured so eloquently by Lee, Mike and Alan.
I share some of those memories with Ron and da’ boys, when disco at the ‘Steamer’ was a thing and house parties were frequent. Reflecting upon those memories of Ron he once again made me smile, as he always did. I am honoured to call him a friend.
His memory will live on, forever. Rest Well Ron.
Karen, Emily and Sarah,
When I got the news from Alan awhile back, I was floored to hear our dear friend Ron had passed. I remember Ron from many of the local hangouts we all gathered at back in the day. From camping weekends in Terra Nova Park to the parties they often had. Ron & Alan were always cosplaying something or other. I recall one camping trip when Ron & Alan were pretending to be at a fine restaurant deep in the woods. Ron gave Alan his order while Alan, with a garbage can lid for a tray and a white napkin over his arm took his order. Ron lit up a room with his smile and wit. I’ll never forget that about him.
Ron is at another gathering at the moment with all of those who have gone on before him. I imagine him lighting up the room with updates from all the family filling them in on all the goings on. He will be missed terribly by those who knew him. Rest in Peace💔
Karen, Emily and Sarah:
Such a beautiful service for such a beautiful man.
I am one of the many fortunate people to have know Ron as a friend.
The tributes from Lee, Mike and Al said it perfectly .
I am sorry for your loss.
You meant everything to Ron.
Karen,Emily, and Sarah,
My condolences on Ron’s passing. Ron and I started our career at Air Canada on the same day and I had the good fortune of working with him till his last day at Air Canada.
It was a great joy working with him . He had a way of making the shift go by easily and, with lots of humour . I remember the joy on his face when he stepped out of the aircraft holding Emily in his arms also, when Sarah came in..
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Ron will be missed by many..
Karen, Emily, and Sarah;
My deepest condolences to you on Ron’s passing. Last year when we saw each other by chance, I thanked him for the profound impact he has had on my life. I told him that after three times when he asked me 20+ years ago to become District Chairperson with the. CAW and me finally accepting it as a sign, Ron changed the trajectory of my career path. The glass was always half full with Ron and his love for the three of you was always evident. His smile, humour, and zest for life was contagious! God speed Ron, until we meet again.
Karen and Family,
So sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. Always had a smile. Glad I got to see him just a couple of months ago.. Sincere condolences at this difficult time 🙏
To Karen and family
So very sad to hear of Ron’s passing. Such a good man. Sending our deepest condolences for your loss at this most difficult of times. Godspeed Ron.
Pat Mooney & Cathy Tucker
Dear Karen & family,
So sad to hear this news. Ron was such a special man. I knew him in his younger years and he was always the same. Sweet, funny, witty and just an endearing man. Then I ran into him at a few dinners and parties in more recent years. I was so happy that you and he had found each other and built a wonderful life together . He was very proud of his little family. . His” girls”.
I am so sad that you did not have more time together. ..My sincere condolences to you.and all his family and close friends. Rest in peace dear Ron…
I have not seen Ron for a few years but remember him fondly from my relationship with his brother Bob on Quidi Vidi Rd.. Always had time for a chat and a smile.
Our heartfelt condolences to all his family .
Godspeed
Karen and family,
Our sincere condolences on Ron’s passing..
We are thinking of you at this difficult time.
Bernice and Dave Squires
Karen and Family,
So sorry to hear about Ron’s passing. Please accept our deepest condolences. RIP Ron.
Karen, Emily and Sarah so sorry for your great loss. I worked with Ron many years ago and it was always a pleasure to run into him over the years. You always left with a smile on your face ( there was usually a few belly laughs thrown in there too). Keep all your beautiful memories close to heart during this difficult time. Rest easy Ron.
Karen and family,
So sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. A warm, welcoming and witty personality like that is rare. Our condolences to the family.
I am so sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. He was a lovely person. My condolences to his loved ones.
Karen,Emily and Sarah..
My deepest condolences on the passing of your Husband and dad. There isn’t enough space to write a tribute. He was the very best. I adored him. We go way back to Barristers and then the airline. More importantly he adored you three. We all felt a part of your family over the years. His love for you was abundant. He was so proud of his girls Fly high Ron. Keep laughing and watch over your beautiful family. Our laughs and stories will bring me comfort.
Sincerely
Sandra Skeffington
To Ron’s Family we are thinking of you at this difficult time. He was a great guy and always had a perpetual smile on his face.
You would luv to see him on the gate at YYT, cause if at all possible, like Santa, with a wink and a nod up you went. He will be missed by all.
So sorry for your loss. A good person gone way too soon. I worked with Ron for a short while in YYT. There wasn’t a night that went by without a story about the girls or his wife’s family on the Northern Peninsula. He always shared those stories with such pride. Those were clearly special moments for him.
Thinking of his family and all those who knew and loved him during this difficult time.
There’s a saying…”he..she would light up a room”Ron Howell was the room with a full house every time…that he got the privilege to say good bye to Karen..Sarah..Emily was so deserving as they literally were his life..who can say I loved my in-laws..Ron did and they him…all losses so very difficult..our Ron one for the books…buddy when you get a chance my appmt needs a paint job……give me a call…talk soon ..Luvya weins❤️❤️
Karen, Emily, Sarah and all members of your family, Our hearts are broken as we learn of Ron’s passing. Please accept our deepest sympathies to you all at this time of tremendous loss and sadness. We will be keeping you in our prayers during this most difficult time. Ron was loved by everyone who ever worked with him or who ever was fortunate to meet him. He was always upbeat , funny, witty, compassionate, hard working and the finest man you’d want on your shift. He loved you all beyond measure and may all your loving memories help you through these difficult days and beyond.
John & Eileen Delahunty
Ron’s Family,
So sorry to hear of Ron’s passing, Ron worked with my husband at AC . I knew Ron at YYT but didn’t know he moved to Ed. until I saw his smiling face behind the AC counter in Ed. He got me two seats back home that night, saw him many times after that. So kind & helpful. Always had a smile for you! RIP
Karen, I am so sorry to see Ron’s obituary. I knew when I visited a few months ago that your time left together was short, but I was still taken aback when I saw the notice. I know you and your daughters are devastated. You have to be. He was such a lovely man and, as I told you when I visited, he was always like that even as a teenager. You and the girls were his life and saying goodbye was, I’m sure, the worst thing he ever had to do. Take care. I know you have your grandmother’s strength. That, along with your memories of Ron and your girls will get you through this difficult time and help you carry on.
To Karen and family
Sincere condolences on Ron’s passing, I to worked with him at AC in St John’s. When I worked a shift with him I knew it was going to be a good day. He called me mom, maybe it was because I am 10 yrs older than he was, but it didn’t matter he always called me mom and smiled mischievously.
He was well loved
and will alwayd be remembered.
Rest in peace my adopted son
Love from Zelma and Don Rixmann
Karen, Emily and Sarah
Sincere condolences from us to you on the passing of
your beloved Ron. Brenda and Ron were hired together
in 1988 by Air Canada and became great friends in the years that followed. I got to know Ron years later when he did a perfect job on painting the inside of our house.. He was a gentleman and will always be remembered as such by Brenda and Wayne. RIP!
It is with great sadness to learn of Ron’s passing and our thoughts and prayers go out to Ron’s Family and friends in this time of grief and reflection. Ron was a coworker and friend at City Hall and a delight to meet at the counter at YYT where reminiscing was always part of checking in. Ron always spoke with great affection of his wife and girls and everything was always good. Ron will be missed as he is truly one of a the good ones.
Dave Blackmore and Carol Kirkland
I’m in so much pain hearing this. I first met Karen and Ron when I was six or seven years old. For six years, I spent my summers with them. They were the perfect family. He was the perfect husband and he loved his children so much. Ron will always stay in my memory as the ideal husband, a man who deeply loved his wife and kids. They showed me what a real, ideal family is. And they will always be an example to me. I live in another country, and when I look at other couples, no one compares to them. To Karen and Ron. … My sincere condolences.
Karen, Emily and Sarah,
My sincere condolences go out to you all during this very difficult time. I worked with Ron for many years in YYT and he made shifts so much more fun with his humour and jokes. He was a ray of sunshine on days where we all needed it and he will be remembered by many with fond memories and stories that will always make us smile. I hope all the good stories help you all through the difficult times 🙏❤️
Dawn Bailey
A warm, engaging, welcoming and mischievous smile. Always a kind word and sincere ask about how things were going. Genuine kindness and helpfulness. A legendary razor-sharp wit and truly, one of the funniest people we have ever had the pleasure of being around.
All of this and so much more……. so much more. Although, we had not seen enough of him for a few years now, our memories are fond and our brief interactions spent with him from time to time always left us in a better space. A happier place. What a guy!
We will miss him dearly.
To his family and his close friends, our sincere condolences.
Karen and family, I was saddened to hear of Ron’s passing. As you know, I knew of Ron long before I ever met him. Friends and colleagues would return from the airport saying how they saw or met my brother and how we looked so much alike. Finally, on check in, I met Ron and he acknowledged that we are supposedly related according to many! . We had a laugh and I made some comment about accessing buddy passes with Air Canada. I don’t see the resemblance myself as Ron was far better looking.!!
May you all find comfort in the many wonderful memories you’ve made. Those happier days often help sustain us at times like this. Take care of yourselves and each other.
Sorry. To hear of Ron’s passing..I met Ron as my wife and Ron were childhood friends as well as were their parent Everytime we met Ron we always had a lot of laughs.Ron was such a great guy. And a true gentleman.My condolences to his family.
We are so sorry for you loss Karen, Emily and Sarah. Ron was a life long friend to us and we will always cherish our time together. It’s hard to find the right words in these difficult times.
Karen, Fred and Chelsea Doherty
Karen, Emily and Sarah,
So very sorry to read your sad news.
Ron was a wonderful person, decent, smart, witty and kind. He loved his life and more than anything, he loved his family.
Thinking of you all.
Sincerely,
Yvonne Manning
Karen, Emily and Sarah, I was saddened to hear of Ron’s passing. Although I never had the opportunity to meet you, I wanted to reach out and share how fondly I remember him.
I knew Ron as a teenager, and for many years our paths would cross at the airport, and whenever they did, we would always stop for a chat (sometimes for a half hour or longer). I enjoyed those conversations and feel fortunate to have known him. He was one of those people who always seemed genuinely happy to see you, so friendly, always had a smile on his face and was simply a joy to be around.
I know words cannot ease the pain of losing someone so dear, but I hope it brings a little comfort to you to know that Ron touched the lives of people beyond his immediate family and will be remembered with great affection.
My sincere condolences to you and your family. May the many happy memories you shared with him bring you comfort in the days ahead.
Dear Karen, Emily and Sarah,
Kevin and I are deeply saddened to learn of Ron’s passing. Unquestionably, all four of you lit up life for so many of the rest of us who tend to just plod along. All of you always seemed so well matched, so loving, kind, gentle and full of fun. You definitely brightened up and encouraged Châu and me on our long adoption odyssey, and if it were not for the Howells, we would have quit. Although I have not met Ron for several years, I imagine him exploring beautiful places in Southeast Asia and entertaining all kinds of new friends.. Kevin, Aiden and I feel privileged to have known Ron. We will think of all of you often and with great affection at this tender time.
Ron was part of our household growing up. He was like another brother to me.
I will miss his sense of humor and kindness.
My deepest condolences to the family..
My deepest sympathy to Ron’s family ,I’ve known Ron for many many years, although we haven’t seen each other in a long time,,always a sweet moment when we did run into each other, always a few laughs,you are missed my friend.
Karen, Emily and Sarah
I was so saddened to hear of Ron’s passing. He was a terrific guy, and I feel privileged to have known him. His wit and sense of humor could not be matched, when you entered a party, you knew very quickly that Ron was there just from his laugh. I met Ron back in the 1980’s at City Hall and every day was a comedy show, he was truly gifted, just seeing him walking towards you would put a smile on your face, that’s the kind of person he was. In recent years a group of us would get together once or twice a year for breakfast at Guv’nor’s Pub which was a great time to catch up with everyone, but the best part was listening to Al Evans and Ron battle for top spot in wit and jokes, I will so miss this. Even thought I have never met you all, I feel I have, from all the delightful stories Ron was so proud to share with us. Ron’s memory will live on forever in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. Our most deepest condolences at this time.
Gerard Ryan and Family
Karen Emily and Sarah,
So sorry to hear of Ron,s passing, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time ,our deepest condolences .May you find comfort in the wonderful memories you all have of the good times together.,take care, and may God bless you all,
Love from Miriam, Hubert, Glenn and Rex 🙏
Spaghett Man, the name given to him n Jamaica because the locals thought he looked Italian , will be missed.! A pleasure to work with and all-round funny, upbeat guy. Hold each other close and remember the good times. Jan Brien
So very sad to hear this news. When I moved here from Nova Scotia, he was one of the people that first befriended me. That was in 1982. He was the kindest, funny and caring person I’ve ever known. So many great times that I will never forget. It’s been awhile since I’ve seen him and did not know he was ill. My heart is broken for Karen and family. Such a huge loss and never could be replaced. Send my condolences to all who cherished and love him.
Karen, Emily and Sarah,
Sending huge hugs to you all. I have known Ron since way back in the days of Barristers, Terra Nova camping, Eastport Beach etc when we all hung out as a crowd and just had fun. I moved to Toronto for a year and when I came home Ron and Alan had a party at their house on Barnes Road. The house was jammed full and everyone knew everyone. I’ll never forget it. Ron was the kindest and funniest person I think I’ve ever known. When I would run into him in later years he would always talk about the girls and what was going on in their lives. I’m heartbroken for you all. May your memories keep him close in your hearts as you navigate the days to come.
Leslie Osmond (Anstey)
Karen & Family,sending our sincere condolences, we are thinking of you today ,we love you ,take care .love Albert & Rita..
Karen, Emily & Sarah,
My deepest condolences on the passing of Ron. He was definitely one of a kind. I worked with Ron for many years at AC in YYT and it was always a pleasure and a laugh to work along side of him. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you as you journey through grief and celebrate a life that was well lived.
Karen,Emily and Sarah, sending you our condolences about Ron’s passing. Ron was a very kind and generous soul with a wicked sense of humour. Mitchell remembers how kind he was when to him when we were last in Newfoundland . Ron invited us out for a ‘feed’ . Mitchell was 12 and Ron made him feel very welcome. Rory remembered being on a cruise with Ron in Sydney Harbour and the boat was rolling around uncomfortably.. Ron wanted to know who we could call to make it stop.. .. I mostly remember his contagious laugh filling the room at many parties over the years. A special human indeed.
Karen, we are so very saddened to hear of Ron’s passing. You and your girls are surely missing a best buddy.
In my experience with Ron he was ever bit the person that this beautifully written obituary describes. Ron was a true gentleman through and through and his sense of humor was unmatched. We were unaware of Ron’s illness.
You all need to cherish the memories that you have of Ron (your Dad)
RIP my friend
Karen, Emily, Sarah and all Ron’s family, I was so sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. He had the most wonderful sense of humour. He was a joy to have a conversation with. Sincere condolences. May he rest in peace.
To Ron’s family, our deepest condolences. We were neighbors growing up , his mom and our mom were very close . He was so good to his parents, always there for them. May he rest in peace.
Karen, Emily, and Sarah and other family and friends,
To say we were saddened by the news of Ron’s passing would be an understatement. We were shocked to hear this as we hadn’t known he was sick.
It has been a long time since we have seen Ron but he was the type of person that if you ran into him, it was like you were great friends who never lost touch.
It is hard to describe Ron as there are so many adjectives that suit him so well……gentleman, kind, helpful, smiling, empathetic, thoughtful, entertaining and of course extraordinarily funny. Those are just a few!
It’s hard to remember the time and place we met Ron but it seems we have known him forever. His dear friends, Alan, Mike and Fred and others were always in the picture too. So many downtown times at Barristers and then the Sundance and house parties galore. A particular one we remember was a Halloween party when the boys (not sure who exactly but Alan and Ron for sure) were dressed up as Kiss band members. Great costumes! So much fun!
Ron was a great person with so much kindness. I remember when he and Karen would sponsor a young girl from Chernobyl to stay with them in the summers so she could live in clean, fresh air. I was fortunate enough to meet her but have forgotten her name. They would send her home with a suitcase full of “stuff”.
We also remember running into Ron and family camping at Banting Park…..always having fun.
In ending we would just like to say that the world has lost a wonderful person. Our sincere condolences especially to Karen, Emily, and Sarah.
With love
Brenda and Bob Bursey
Dear Karen Emily and Sarah
Sending my love and thoughts to all of you as you say goodbye to a wonderful husband and father
I have many fond memories of Karen and Ron throughout the years during their visits with Carolyn and myself
Take comfort in your wonderful memories
Rest in Peace our friend
Karen and Family
My deepest condolences to you all . I worked with Ron here in YYT and his smile, laughter and jokes always had a big impact on me. One would never know what Ron was going to say next. I have many fond memories and stories working with him. I always looked forward to seeing him on his visits to the airport either travelling or picking someone up. He will be dearly missed. Hold on to those precious memories as they will take you through the good and bad days ahead. He will forever be in our hearts. He was one of a kind 💔
So sorry about Ron’s passing .My thoughts and prayers are with Karen and the family! We well all miss him dearly . He was such a joy to set and chat with.Always so kind and positive and a wonderful sense of humour. God have blessed him with eternal peace at last . Love and hugs to you all.💞