It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Howard John Oja, on July 9, 2014, after a short stay in Royal Inland Hospital.
He leaves to mourn, Louise, his wife of sixty-three years; his son, Warren and daughter-in-law Jennifer; his sons Darrel and Bryan and his daughter Cheryl; two granddaughters - Jes (Erik) and Juliana (Robert); and a great grandson Drydyn Howard.
He also leaves two brothers in Alberta, Mel (Alma) and Herb (Iona); and many nieces and nephews; also a grandson-in-law, Dave.
Howard was born on November 9, 1928, near Rocky Mountain House, Alberta. He attended a little country school called Beaver Flats until he completed grade nine, took grade 10 in High River, Alberta, and his final two years in Nordegg, Alberta.
After graduating at seventeen, he and his friend, Jim, joined the Navy that same year, and this is where Howard spent the next twenty-five years of his life as a radio operator.
After retiring in 1971, he and his family moved to Barriere where they operated four rental units and a laundromat.
Initially the move was made because Howard purchased the resort at North Barriere Lake in 1968, and which he owned until 1983.
In that same year Howard and Louise moved to Dixon Valley. After losing their home in the 2003 wildfire, their kids built them a beautiful log home. Howard never ceased to enjoy the view across the valley.
Howard, husband, Dad, Grandpa, and Great Grandpa will be missed forever and remembered always.
It was Howard’s wish not to have a funeral. A small gathering of his immediate family will be held in the near future.