Dave Howes, left, in November 2014 with former Board of Trustees chair Rudi Kroeker, centre, and current chair John Suk.
Dave Howes, left, in November 2014 with former Board of Trustees chair Rudi Kroeker, centre, and current chair John Suk.
Brock University joins the St. Catharines-Niagara community in mourning the loss of David S. Howes, a longtime friend and passionate supporter of the University, who died on Jan. 12 after a lengthy illness.
Probably more than any individual in Brock’s history, Howes was a symbol of the bond between the University and its host community.
A successful businessman who shunned the spotlight, Howes had a legendary reputation for supporting his local community by funding and serving on a wide range of boards and organizations.
In the case of Brock, Howes developed a relationship that saw him significantly guide and support the University through an era of major growth. Besides spending 12 years on its Board of Trustees as a trustee, chair and immediate past chair, his personal support helped create, expand or improve facilities and events that enriched the student experience.
Brock President Jack Lightstone said the loss is immeasurable.
“Dave Howes was a giant,” said Lightstone. “He lived and breathed Brock University in every aspect of his being. His commitment to Brock over many years has been a constant, and it will live on as long as there is a Brock University.
“It is impossible to quantify the full impact he had and the difference he made for so many people. He obsessed about supporting students and their experience, and he was adamant about honouring our history and our relationship with the community.”
John Suk, Chair of Brock’s Board of Trustees, said Howes put an indelible stamp on the University.
“Dave was an inspiration whose values every one of us should follow,” said Suk. “In so many ways that most people never saw, he was a relentless advocate and leader for this institution.”
The connections between Howes and the University run deep.
The David S. Howes Theatre on campus bears his name in recognition of a gift made through his company, Lincoln Fabrics.
In 2012 he received an honorary degree from Brock for what Lightstone called his “commendable community leadership and commitment to our University, our students and our history.”
In 2013 he made a major gift to fully underwrite the cost of a bronze sculpture of University namesake and War of 1812 hero Maj.-Gen. Sir Isaac Brock. The sculpture by renowned Canadian artist Danek Mozdzenski is expected to arrive on campus in the coming weeks.
Each spring Howes would chair the President’s Golf Tournament, which has raised more than $900,000 for bursaries and scholarships that have helped more than 1,000 student athletes.
He founded General Brock’s October Soirée, a fundraising gala held every autumn to commemorate the University’s namesake. Now in its seventh year, the Soirée has raised more than $400,000 to support student initiatives and scholarships.
One legacy was particularly important to Howes himself. He was the driving force in creating the Spirit of Brock medal, presented to students who best embody the spirit of Sir Isaac Brock – leadership, courage, innovation, inspiration and community service. Lightstone said these values are why Howes himself was the only person to ever receive the medal who was not a graduate of the University.
“Dave believed that since the University had taken the name of Major-Gen. Sir Isaac Brock, then it must live up to Brock’s legacy and embody the traits for which the General is remembered.
“I know that Brock University lived in the heart of Dave Howes, and Dave will live on in the heart of Brock University.”
Born and raised in St. Catharines, Howes received his primary education in the city’s schools. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Western Michigan with a major in History and minors in English and Political Science.
In 1983, he became the second generation to lead the family business, Lincoln Fabrics, which was founded by his father A. Stewart Howes in 1955. He became President & CEO of the company in Canada and the United States, which produces technical fabrics for high-performance and life-critical applications, including automotive, defence and emergency services products.
His fingerprints are all over the community. At various times he chaired or served on the Business Education Council; the Wise Guys Charity Fund; the Niagara Health System’s North Niagara Campaign Cabinet; St. Catharines Community Fund Development Team; St. Catharines Sports Hall of Fame; St. Catharines Athlete and Sports Person of the Year Selection Committee; and chair of the Joint Executive Committee steering the downtown Academic and Cultural Arts Centre – a joint venture between the City of St. Catharines and Brock University.
He was a past board member of the YMCA of Niagara, Past President of the St. Catharines Sports Council, Past President and Board member of the St. Catharines Golf and Country Club, and a past provincial appointee to the Niagara Parks Commission.
Howes was also a generous benefactor of the Niagara Community Foundation, United Way and Walker Family Cancer Centre.
The University is still awaiting details about funeral arrangements, and will publish this information when it becomes available.
Although I did not know Mr. Howes in person, I was certainly affected by his support of the university as one of the Spirit of Brock medal winners. I was also among thousands of students who sat in the David S. Howes theatre many times during lectures and special events. Mr. Howes truly left a legacy that will continue giving to the University for many years to come.
I had the privilege of getting to know David Howes while working with him over the past few years on the Sir Isaac Brock memorial which he initiated and to which he dedicated his time, and all the funds.
He had a generous personality, committed to a great vision for Brock University.
It was a pleasure to work with him and to get to know him through this project.
I was devastated to recently hear the news of David Howes’ passing. We met through the Sir Isaac Brock Commemoration Project a few years ago – David’s sharp mind, keen wit and passion for Brock University and the community became immediately apparent. Throughout the selection process David exhibited that rare ability to combine pragmaticas with principles along with a dash of idealism – always with strength and humility. His spirit and strength will be a powerful legacy.
Shelley Falconer
President and CEO
Art Gallery of Hamikton
I, too, had the privilege of working with David on the Board of Trustees. What a gracious and kind man…His presence and guidance helped me as a new Board member and I will forever be grateful….
[…] David Howes was a longtime friend and supporter of Brock University, and a member of its Board of Trustees from 2000 to 2012, including serving as Chair from 2006 to 2009. […]
[…] This year’s inaugural event has added meaning, as the President’s Game salutes and celebrates David S. Howes, the long-time Brock supporter, athletics booster and University trustee who helped raised hundreds […]