September 15, 1931 – April 13, 2024
Howard was born September 15, 1931 to Vera (Goforth) and William James Phair. The dirty 30’s was a hard time, but Howard learned at an early age to be self sufficient. As a young boy he delivered newspapers, delivered groceries and worked for local farmers. He often boasted about working all summer long at a very young age to buy his mom a cookstove. At age 15, Howard and his brother Richard left for Winnipeg. There he worked at a drugstore until better job opportunities presented themselves and off they both went to Toronto. It was in Toronto that Howard met and fell in love with Shirley French. They were married in 1952. The country boy still wanted to return home, so with baby Tammy (1959) they moved back home and settled into the Phair homestead across from Howard’s uncle Frank and Bernice Goforth. Many happy times were spent visiting and enjoying country life, which Howard talked about his whole life. Howard and Shirley welcomed two more children into their lives, Cathy in 1960, and Michael in 1963.
Howard and Richard purchased the hardware store in Pierson in 1961 from Jack Pitt, and thus Phairs Stores was created. Howard worked for 41 years, six to seven days a week, building a thriving business, which included hardware, lumberyard, sporting goods, liquor vendor and gas. During the early years of his business he purchased backhoes, and with hired man Harvey Jacobson, he plumbed houses throughout southwest Manitoba. Howard learned how to do this by reading it in a book and with help from Jack Pitt. Howard purchased the Coop lumberyard, tore it down and replaced it with a brand new store. His store was his passion. Howard enjoyed sports, coaching Michael’s minor hockey team for years. He was also an avid pool player.
Howard is survived by: daughter Tammy (Randy) McCannell, granddaughter Marcy (Grant) Duncalfe and great-grandchildren Daylan and Shayla, grandson Chad (Megan) McCannell and great-grandchildren Austin and Autumn. Daughter Cathy Phair (Kenn Forsyth), grandsons Colby Suski and Carter Suski (Alexis). Son Michael (Tracy) Phair, grandson Jared (Terra) Phair, granddaughter Abby Phair and great-grandchildren Rory and Lachlan.
Howard was predeceased by his parents William and Vera Phair, his brothers and sisters, his wife of 56 years Shirley and his great-granddaughter Rilynn Duncalfe.
Our Dad spent most of his social life with Mom, going on many trips, Sunday drives, visiting relatives, and attending many family sporting events. Dad was happy with the simple things in life, a good home-cooked meal, reading the newspaper, and watching the 10 o’clock news. Upon retirement Dad and Mom moved to Souris to be closer to Cathy and their grandsons. Our dear
Mom passed away in 2009, and Dad later moved to Brandon and purchased a condo in the Village Green. It was there that Dad met June Lamont in 2013, and had her companionship and love for the past ten years.
Rest in Peace Dad, we love you!
A graveside service for family and friends was held at the Souris & Glenwood Cemetery, Souris, Manitoba on Saturday, June 1, 2024. A time of fellowship and refreshments followed at the Souris Legion. In memory of Howard, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.
Tammy, Kathy and Mike,
Very sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. Always enjoyed listening to his stories of the past and present. Fried potatoes with my eggs are a must after having breakfast’s with Howard and Shirley. Take Care.
Condolences from my family to all the Phair family. Howard was a true gentleman and was so proud of his family. He loved you all without hesitation. He will be remembered with smiles and respect and will be missed by all who had the honour of knowing him. Please extend my sympathy to June as well. They were great companions.
Thinking of u all at this difficult time !
So very sorry Cathy and family and all of the Phair families! Such a wonderful loving man. Howard loved all of his Family time and will be missed by so many!
We are sending our deepest sympathies to Tammy, Cathy and Mike and your families the passing of your dad Howard Phair. He was a special man and friend to all , missed by all that knew him. Hugs and prayers are with the families.
With love Harvey and Marilyn Jacobson
Tammy, Cathy, Mike and Families.
I’m very sorry to hear about Howard.
I had lots of fun with your mum and dad “several years ago”, in Pierson. They were both great supporters of the community, always up for a good time and in my opinion owned and operated the best hardware store in Manitoba.
Your dad will be missed I’m sure …but he left behind lots of memories.
With deepest sympathy.
Brian Shannon
Cathy, Colby and Carter I’m sorry to hear of Howard passing. My thoughts are with you all. Cherish the memories . Take care
Our deepest sympathies to the family.
Cathy, So sorry to hear you lost your Dad. To you and your boys we send our sincere condolences. Doug and Helen Fenwick
Condolences to all of Mr Phair’s family
Thoughts and prayers are with you all
The Phairs were good neighbours to my Mom, Pheme Andrew.
She would like to extend her condolences to the Phair family, and cherish the memories from their years across the creek.
Cathy & Ken, Tammy & Randy, Michael & Tracy & families; our sincere sympathy on the passing of your Dad.
Condolences to the families, our thoughts are with you at this time!
So very sorry for your loss. Sincere condolences to you and your family.
So sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed your Dad’s stories. He would tell me about his store in Pierson.
May all his memories help you get through this.
Randy & Tammy, Cathy & Kenn, Mike & Tracy & families
Hugs to all! Keeping you all close in thought & prayer! Howard was a fine man who loved his family & was cherished by his community & all those who did business with him! A life well lived & will be well remembered by many!
Sincerely,
Louise Craven McLean & family
Jim Fuller & family
Our sincere sympathy to the Phair family, thinking of you all at this sad time. He was one great man, always enjoyed our visit when we seen each other.
Howards legacy lives on in his children and grandchildren. He was a hard working honest man.
He raised his children by example and with integrity.
All of his family is so fortunate to have such a worthy , reliable father.
Howards life and accomplishments are worth celebrating.
My pleasure to have know him and his family.
Rest in Peace. Life’s work well done.
So sorry Tammy, Cathy, Michael to have heard of Howard’s passing. I remember your dad and mom well ,they both were kind and caring folks. Many good memories of them.
Thinking of you and your families at this time. He was a lovely man and he made a well loved community person. Many memories will not be forgotten!much love to all your families!