By Isle of Wight Observer
Much-loved IW Councillor, John Frederick Howe, born on August 7, 1942, died on November 14, aged 83.
He was known as the person residents turned to when something needed doing, always listening, stepping in, and helping without hesitation.
He had a genuine heart for community and family, always putting people first in everything he did, and his own family was everything to him.
The son of Eileen and Frederick Howe, he was born in Shanklin and moved to Freshwater Bay as an infant and to Totland at 14. He attended All Saints’ School, Freshwater, and King James I School, Newport, travelling to school by train each day.
He had a lifelong career working at British Hovercraft, which later became Westland Aerospace, where he was highly respected within his profession as an electrician.
He was a Totland Parish Councillor for more than 50 years, after he was first elected in 1971 and was known locally as ‘Mr Totland’. He also represented Totland on the Isle of Wight Council from 2001 to 2021.
John served on key committees, including Head of Education, Planning, Licensing and Children and Young People’s Scrutiny. He was also a school governor at both Totland Primary and West Wight Middle School. He helped start West Wight Nursery, and for many years was Chairman until his death, along with many other projects, including the Healthcare Centre and the West Wight Sports & Community Centre.
A strong advocate for Totland Pier, John often spoke up for its preservation, public access, safety, and long-term future, and he played an active role in issues around the Colwell and Totland seafront, including the Colwell seawall, coastal erosion, sea defences, and the pathway between Totland and Colwell.
He enjoyed his role as a voluntary driver on the Tennyson Memorial Ambulance for many years, where he helped save lives, and he also volunteered for hundreds of productions at Freshwater Memorial Hall running the lighting for pantomimes, community shows, and touring acts.
He was well-known for helping bring star performances to the Island, including well-known names such as Roy Castle, The Tremeloes, The Beverly Sisters, Marty Wilde, Freddy and the Dreamers, and Acker Bilk, just to name a few.
John was married to Pat for 42 years, before she died in 2012. He is survived by his son, Paul, and daughter-in-law Stefanie, his grandchildren, Ethan and Morgan, and his brother Steve and sister-in-law Marilyn, along with their sons, James and Richard.
A service will be held at Christ Church, Totland, on Saturday, January 10, at 11am and all are welcome.