It is with great sadness that Hockey NL announces the passing of the late Roger Roland Howse.  Roger passed away suddenly in the early morning of May 19th, 2020 with some close family nearby. Roger was the last of three individuals who formed our incorporation in 1968 that was still with us, he along with our good friends Don Johnson and Walter Clarke.  When the Newfoundland Amateur Hockey Association became responsible for minor hockey in 1966, Roger was elected its first vice-president for minor hockey.  He was also elected president of the Grand Falls Minor Hockey Association.  The Canadian Amateur Hockey Association awarded its plaque for outstanding service to minor hockey to Roger in 1970.  In 1971, he was awarded an honorary life membership and an outstanding service plaque by the Grand Falls Minor Hockey Association in recognition of his great contributions. Roger was inducted into the Newfoundland and Labrador Hockey Hall of Fame in 1995.

Roger was born March 16th, 1930 to Caroline and Thomas Howse and spent all 90 of his years living in the great town of Grand Falls-Windsor. He worked for many years in the accounting and managerial side of the pulp and paper mill but is best known throughout the community for his contribution to sports over the years. Although he was an excellent athlete, his career was cut short due to injuries. However, this dedication poured over into his countless hours of coaching and volunteering in the local sporting community, mainly in hockey and baseball. He was essential in growing minor hockey in both Grand Falls-Windsor and served as head of minor hockey in the province. As a leader in the community, he was looked up to by many. Roger was a loving husband, father and grandfather who always put family first. He loved to pass on his wealth of wisdom and was known for his quick wit and sense of humour. His later years were defined by his love/hate relationship with the Blue Jays and chatting with the pedestrians of Memorial Avenue while sipping a drink with his lovely Lilly on the front porch of their home. He will be deeply missed by family and friends alike. He is survived by the love of his life Lillian; sons Thomas (Elida) and Donald; daughter Joanne; as well as his six grandchildren: Jon, Jordan, Chelsea, Chad, Carly and Iain.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a private family service will take place. Donations may be made in Roger’s memory to the Lionel Kelland Hospice. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Jim Maidment of Central Funeral Homes.