HOWATT: Grant C. Howatt , February 14, 1947-August 16, 2013, Age 66. It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden and tragic passing of Grant Clifford Howatt, of Ladysmith, BC, on Friday, August 16, 2013. The most important things in Grant's life were the love of his wife and family, his enthusiasm for flying and his love for animals. Grant was born in Loon Lake, SK, the middle child and only son, to Claude and Freda Howatt (Wagar). Grant grew up in North Battleford, SK and attended North Battleford Collegiate Institute (NBCI), where he played high school football and was an active member of the swim club. He joined the military in 1967, where he was a pilot in the Navy. He began his commercial flying career in Fort Simpson, NWT in 1980. Since his first bush pilot job, he had accumulated over 16,000 hours and had an impeccable safety record. After Fort Simpson, he and his wife were owner/operators of a small airline in Norway House, MB. The next business that they embarked upon was a flight school, Stage Air, in Penticton, BC. The subsequent great adventure was the float plane operation, Air Nootka, in Gold River, BC, where they were the proud owner/operators for over 12 years. In 2007, they moved to Ladysmith, BC, where Grant thought he might try his hand at retirement. Retirement was not for him, so for the next 6 summers, he continued working as a bush pilot in the Yukon for his friend Cam, the owner/operator of Black Sheep Aviation. In the summer of 2013, he was asked to do a little relief flying for the boys at Air Nootka. Grant had a long and distinguished career as a bush pilot and was lucky enough to work, doing something he truly loved. Grant's enthusiasm for life took him to several places around the world. His generous spirit and helping nature will never be forgotten by anyone who knew him. He always put his back into everything he did. Grant will be lovingly remembered by his family and beloved wife and life partner of 32 years, Lorraine Howatt (Schultz), whom he adored. Grant was a proud father who will be greatly missed by his two daughters, Bobbie Howatt and Tracie Henriksen (Howatt); and his precious granddaughters, Havana and Logan Henriksen. He will never be forgotten by his two loving sisters Phyllis (Larry) Kesslar and Merle Dicks; his step-daughter April Stephens (Ulsifer) and her son, Mitchell Ulsifer; and countless close friends and loved ones. Grant is predeceased by his parents Claude and Freda Howatt (Wager) and his beloved black lab, Lady and her best friend Miss Kitty. Those who knew and loved Grant are invited to attend a celebration of his life to be held on October 19, 2013, at the Nanaimo Flying Club. Please visit for further details. To visit Grant's online memorial and/or to leave condolences, please visit If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Nanaimo SPCA, 2200 Labieux Road, Nanaimo, BC, V9T 6J9, (250) 758-8444 [email protected] or the SPCA of their choice. ____________________________________________________
