Obituary of Howard Bast

With deep sadness we announce the death of Howard Bast on November 2, 2017 at Grand River Hospital, at the age of 82 years. Cherished husband and best friend of Pauline (Martin) for 60 years. Loving father of Paul (Christine Matsuda), Valerie (Paul Lyon) and Michael (Janet Lumsden). Proud grandpa of Kierstin, Madison and Callie; Taylor, Sydney and Brooklyn; Gisele and Emerson. Howard is survived by his sister Irmgarde Miller and sister-in-law Dorothy Bast. Howard was also blessed with numerous nieces, nephews and friends. He was predeceased by his parents Simon and Mattie (Leis) Bast, his brothers Walter and his wife Gladys, Harold; brothers-in-law Elmo Miller, Don Martin and his wife Edna and sister-in-law Marjorie (Riley) Bearinger. Howard was born on December 22, 1934 at the family home in Baden, Ontario. In 1947, his family moved to Kitchener where he graduated from K.C.I. Howard married Pauline Martin on July 27, 1957 after which they moved into their present home, which they built themselves. Howard worked in construction and manufacturing until 1980. He then joined the Waterloo Region District School Board and retired in 1998, as Manager of Purchasing. Howard was a charter member of Rockway Mennonite Church, where he was active and served on various committees over the years. He also served on the Board of Directors at Chesley Lake Camp for 18 years. It is here where he built a family cottage in 1968. Over the years, Howard and Pauline enjoyed traveling. Family and friends are invited to share their memories with the family at Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King Street S, Waterloo on Sunday, November 12, 2017 from 2-5 pm. A service to celebrate Howard's life and faith will take place at 2 pm on Monday, November 13, 2017 at Rockway Mennonite Church, 47 Onward Avenue, Kitchener. A reception will follow in the church fellowship hall. Following cremation, a private family interment will take place at First Mennonite Church cemetery. Condolences for the family and donations may be made to Mennonite Central Committee, or Parkinson Society Southwestern Ontario and may be arranged through the funeral home www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445.