November 6, 1931 - December 21, 2020
It is with deep sadness we announce that Howard McKevitt Court (89), of Castlegar, BC, passed away on December 21, 2020 after a lengthy battle with cancer.
Tim was born on November 6, 1931 to George and Alice Court in Raymond, Alberta. He was the 22nd child born to George and the seventh and last child born to George and Alice. He was nicknamed "Tim" by his father after he was born when his father took one look at the tiny baby and said, "Here's our tiny Tim" and he's been Tim ever since.
Tim was a likable, happy young boy who was very outgoing and made friends easily. He received his early education in Raymond Alberta. Following school he worked at various jobs in the area. As a teenager he was involved in boxing for a time as well as hockey. He then moved to Castlegar, BC in 1956 where he met what would be his future wife, Wendy Spence although they didn't formally meet until months later when they began courting and eventually married on
August 30, 1957.
Tim, Wendy and 2 of their children moved back to Raymond for a short time where Tim owned a Dairy Queen restaurant. They then moved back to Castlegar in late 1962 shortly before the arrival of their 4th and last child John.
Tim's many jobs included surveying, construction work, trucking, and the pulp mill in Castlegar. He worked delivering oil in his last job before retiring early. Tim was always active in his many interests even while working. He loved fly fishing and had many creeks he loved to fish.
Tim was involved in gentleman's hockey in Castlegar for some years. Being one of the oldest guys on the team didn't slow him down and he made many friends, one of whom, became a lifelong friend and later gym buddy, Frank King. Frank King also became one of his golfing buddies when Tim got back into golfing in his retirement.
Tim was known for his amicable, easygoing nature. He always had time to stop and chat with friends and acquaintances whenever he was out and about and loved to share in a good joke or story. He always had a garden too, which his grandchildren loved when they came over. Gardening too, he kept up to the end.
When Tim was around 70, he was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes so he took it upon himself to lose some weight and get into shape. He lost the weight the doctor told him to and then some and took to the gym with gusto! Thus began a new pastime which he kept up until he was almost 88.
Tim had a love of music as well, having bought his first instrument, a banjo as a young man as well as many harmonicas. He loved nothing more than a get together with family, friends and some good music and a game of crib.
Tim was predeceased by his parents George and Alice Court, his many brothers and sisters and their families, his infant son James, and his grandaughter Elena Esovoloff.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Wendy of Robson, BC, his daughter Doreen Court of Castlegar, his son John (Laura) of Salmo, his daughter Christine (Nelson) Hartman of Edson, Alberta as well as grandchildren; Danielle Brunton, Vanessa Court, Justine Fraser, Alyssa Harapnuk, Kelsey Cotterhill, Zander Hartman and Zane Hartman, great-grandchildren; Payton Shingler, Grace Wilgenbusch and Liam Murray, Rachel and Caleb Harapnuk, Isabella and James Fraser as well as his sister Mary Heggie of Raymond, Alberta.
His infectious smile and pleasant nature will be missed greatly by all that knew and loved him.
Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will take place in Castlegar this summer once Covid restrictions are lifted. Andreas Schmitz of Alternatives Funeral and Cremation ServicesTM has been entrusted with arrangements.
You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence at the family's online register at www.myalternatives.ca
Alternatives Funeral and Cremation Services