Obituary of G. Howard Scaife

G. HOWARD SCAIFE December 8, 1927 – July 17, 2015 It is with much sadness we announce the passing of our dad, Howard Scaife, on Friday, July 17, 2015 at the age of 87 years. Dad is predeceased by his wife and the love of his life Joan in 2007; brother Finley; sister Marguerite; brother-in-law Geoff; parents, Bill and Mary; and niece Liz. He is survived by his daughters, Lynn (Bob) Bidney of Bon Accord, AB and Susan (Brian) Kefford of Regina. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Ian (Cerena), Roxanne (David), Jason (Shanna) and Dana; four great-grandchildren as well as one more expected in September; sister-in-law Kay; and several nieces and nephews. Dad was born December 8, 1927 in Brandon, MB. His family moved to Winnipeg a few years later, where Dad completed his education and began his career with Imperial Oil Ltd. In 1952 he moved to Regina and while working here he met Joan. Mom and Dad were married July 16, 1955 and were transferred to Moosomin in 1957. Their family was completed with the birth of their two daughters within a few years. Another career move took them to Saskatoon in 1965, where they made their home until 1974, when a final transfer took them back to Regina. Dad retired from IOL in 1982, having been a loyal and dedicated employee for 30 plus years. In addition to his lifelong hobby of photography, Dad began restoring cars in his retirement. He completed a 1941 Chev Special Deluxe Club Coupe and a 1964 Buick Electra 225 convertible. The Chev was donated to the Reynolds-Alberta Museum in Wetaskiwin, AB where it is still on display. The Buick was used in several parades in Regina – Dad always took the time to shine it up and proudly displayed the Canadian and Saskatchewan flags. Dad struggled with dementia during the last years of his life, but his personality never changed because of it. Right up to his last few weeks Dad was still the polite, reserved, quiet-spoken, consummate gentleman he had always been. He possessed remarkable diplomacy, a trait that we could all learn from. He was a man of immense knowledge, and could always be counted on for his guidance and support. Lynn and Susan will be forever grateful for his help, whether it was his mechanical, plumbing, electrical, painting, gardening or carpentry skills that were called upon. He was a devoted husband and loving father and grampa. We will miss Dad’s quiet sense of humor, his dry wit, and the stories of days gone by that we have grown to love. We take comfort in knowing that Dad’s daily struggles are now over and he can be reunited with Mom. Rest easy Dad, your life was well lived and we’re very fortunate and proud to have had you as our father. Susan and Lynn would like to extend special thanks to Dr. Stewart McMillan for the compassion shown to Dad and to us during his illness, and for ensuring that Dad’s final days were comfortable and peaceful. You not only were Dad’s long time family doctor, but also a trusted friend to the family during some difficult times over the years. Thanks also to the management and staff at Brightwater for the care and respect given to Dad during his time there. Your kindness and understanding is appreciated more than you know. At Dad’s request there will be no service. A private family interment will take place at a later date. Flowers are gratefully declined, but those so wishing can make donations in Howard’s memory to the Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan, 301 – 2550 12th Avenue, Regina, SK S4P 3X1 or the Regina Humane Society, Box 3143 Stn Main, Regina, SK S4P 3G7.