James Howard Heard, age 97 passed away peacefully in Cabri, Saskatchewan, on June 17, 2024. Howard was born in Cabri, Saskatchewan, on May 31, 1927, to William and Sarah Heard. He grew up on a farm in the Abbey district where he attended Roe school. As a student, Howard was in charge of lighting a fire in the wood stove at school in the morning so that it would be warm when classes started. As the oldest son he drove himself and his siblings to school with the horse and buggy.
One of Howards most enjoyable jobs as a young man was as a ranch hand herding cattle on horseback. In 1954 he married Myrna Shiels, and they settled near Abbey Sk. During this time, he farmed and drove the school bus. Driving the bus was a job that continued to follow him in his stories and through former students who still remember him fondly.
In 1957 Howard and Myrna welcomed their daughter, Debra, who they doted on. Howard was a true head of the household, lovingly taking care of his wife and daughter completing any task that needed to be done.
In 1969 Howard married Ruth Janke-Sather and moved to the Waldeck area where he continued to farm. He became involved with the Church of the Open Bible where he was baptized February 27, 1972 and served in many capacities including Elder. Serving in this way was very important to him. His faith was a key part of his life. In time, Howard gave up farming and moved into the Prairie View Lodge in Swift Current where he met Rose Carleton, who became a dear companion. Howard lived a full life and was well respected by many. He was a man of compassion and great wisdom.
Howard is survived by his sister Lucille, daughter, Debra and her husband Brian his grandchildren Jared (Annette) and Jamie (Christian) as well as great grandchildren Jackson, Elijah, Violet, Isabel, Lucy, Dora, Dexter and Winter. He was predeceased by his spouses Myrna and Ruth, siblings Violet, Cyril and Robert and great grandson Oliver.
The funeral service for the late Howard Heard will take place on Thursday, June 27, 2024, at 1:30 PM at the Church of the Open Bible, in Swift Current, Saskatchewan, with pastor Jay Hines and pastor Rob Cochrane officiating. In memory of Howard Heard, memorial donations can be made to the Church of the Open Bible or to Shareword Global, formerly the Gideons of Canada.