Obituary for Howard Hamaberg
Jan 30, 1952 - Dec 25 , 2021
Howie passed peacefully on his own terms on December 25, 2021. He was born to Courtney & Eleanor Hamaberg (deceased), in Teulon, MB, their second son. A little brother for Bob and big brother to Wendy and Cindy.
From the very beginning, stories were told of Howie being funny, sensitive, loving, mischievous and stubborn. Nothing changed as he aged except one huge thing…his profound love of music. He got his first drum kit at around age 10 and never looked back. He was raised in Inwood and then on the farm in the Norris Lake area. Howie attended school in both Inwood & Teulon. The farm held precious memories and endless stories - his favourites being playing the drums while Bob played the accordion, listening to records, and sending for and reading drum magazines. He never had one music lesson! Drumming had to be worked in along with school, farm work and other chores. Howie also shared many adventures he had with both sets of grandparents (deceased), aunts, uncles (with only Auntie Olive and Uncle Roy remaining) and many cousins, also endless and precious to him.
Howie would play his first “gig” at age twelve, a wedding. Being so young, Dad had to drive him and attend the wedding and bring him home. The gigs never ended.
He would go on to have two precious children - son Cory and daughter Casey (husband Blair) and two adored grandchildren Carter and Keaton who survive him. Howie was predeceased by an infant son, Jamie. Howie moved to Winnipeg and spent over twenty years working at Advance TV & Stereo, leading the car stereo department. Being surrounded by music equipment and installing car stereos where music would blare was a perfect fit. Cars were another passion for him; sports cars, vintage cars, and classic models. He at some point owned every one of them. Many friends were made at Advance who remain close to him to this day. He supplemented his income playing drums during the week and on weekends with numerous bands right up until his health disallowed it. Even in hospital, he would drum on the bed, sing, and relay countless stories of the road trips and gigs he had with many different bands (all of whom he considered extended family). The longest gig was as drummer for The Platters, touring Canada and the U.S.A. for close to a year. These same band mates visited and called him endlessly in hospital. We thank all of you for that. Your visits and stories kept us all laughing and in awe that he made it this far! Howie would often end these stories with “Yep! it’s been a a hell of a ride!"
After leaving Advance, he & brother Bob opened a car stereo shop in Wpg. followed by a couple years spent running the hotel in Treherne. Howie then returned to Winnipeg, where he landed what he considered a "perfect job." With his outgoing personality, charm, incredible wit and ability to communicate with anyone of any age, he became the skeleton and parrot that would greet you as you entered the Club Regent Casino. He had to make a good impression as these characters were the first contact that customers had. He LOVED it and his mischievous self was once again hard at work as he worked in a small area with his animatronic equipment, being the voice and controlling the body actions of these characters (while he himself was completely out of site). It was here, he would meet his last love Deborah Ruse, who also worked at the casino.
They would eventually make a permanent move to their beloved place at Wpg Beach and turn it into their version of a cozy paradise. Deb would go on to work in the Gimli Collegiate and Winnipeg Beach Elementary School, a job she loved. They enjoyed their neighbours, (who we cannot thank enough for everything you did for them), bon fires, the peacefulness of small town living, nature, and the changing seasons. Many gatherings large and small were held here. The door was always open to everyone. They made their family complete, adopting a soft coated Wheaton Terrier puppy, Sam. He was truly their everything. Deb and Sam would go on to be Howie’s primary caregivers and constant companions as his health deteriorated. Sadly, both Deb & Sam predeceased Howie this past year. He told us part of him went with them when they passed, and his life was never the same.
Not being able to live alone, plans were for Howie to move in with lifelong friends ( extended family), Donna & Mike, in Belair, MB. They too were constant friends, providing endless love, support, and completing the many tasks needed around the home in Winnipeg Beach for many years. Fortunately Howie was able to live with them, if only for a short while, saying he was treated like “the Prince of Belair”. Our family will never be able to thank Donna and Mike enough for everything they did and were to Howie (and Deb) through everything. We also thank Maureen, Howie’s go-to gal, for everything tax-related. Another cherished friend who always went above and beyond for both Howie and Deb.
Sadly, Howie’s health had deteriorated to a point where the living arrangement in Belair didn’t last very long. He ended up doing a “tour of the Wpg hospitals”, finally landing at Seven Oaks, where he remained for close to a year. With dialysis, blindness, being a COVID survivor, a leg fracture surgery, and being a cardiac bypass survivor, these things kept him essentially confined to bed. He would say "if there is something that can go wrong, I’ll be in the thick of it, I don’t want to miss anything!" And then laugh. Although he managed this with his positive attitude and sense of humour, it took its toll on him. He never once said “ why me?” Instead, he tried to look forward to what was to come and how he could make the best of it.
We are eternally grateful to all the medical staff from doctors and nurses, to all the support staff, at all the hospitals. It was not always smooth sailing for Howie, family, or staff, but we all did our best. Howie was a facts guy, a straight shooter, no holes barred kind of patient, who spoke his mind on all issues (colourfully at times). He often spoke of wanting to write a book on the hospital system. If one desires, donations can be made to the Kidney Foundation of Manitoba, in his honour.
Besides his children & grandchildren, Howie leaves to mourn his brother Bob (Sharon), sister Wendy (Mark) and sister Cindy (Al), and numerous nieces & nephews.
As per Howie’s wishes he has been cremated. A private interment of ashes will take place at a later date. He also requested a party be held with drinks, food and GOOD bands to celebrate his life. That too will take place at a later date.
Well Howie, you leave a gaping hole in our lives that we will only be able to fill with our memories of this incredible life you lived and the profound impact you had on all of us. Rest easy Bro, you have earned it. We will see you on the other side.
Look out Heaven, the party has just begun!
We thank McKenzie Funeral Home, Stonewall, for their care, compassion, and guidance.
Ladies & Gentleman, Happy Howie has left the planet!
Howie passed peacefully on his own terms on December 25, 2021. He was born to Courtney & Eleanor Hamaberg (deceased), in Teulon, MB, their second son. A little brother for Bob and big brother to Wendy and Cindy.
From the very beginning, stories were told of Howie being funny, sensitive, loving, mischievous and stubborn. Nothing changed as he aged except one huge thing…his profound love of music. He got his first drum kit at around age 10 and never looked back. He was raised in Inwood and then on the farm in the Norris Lake area. Howie attended school in both Inwood & Teulon. The farm held precious memories and endless stories - his favourites being playing the drums while Bob played the accordion, listening to records, and sending for and reading drum magazines. He never had one music lesson! Drumming had to be worked in along with school, farm work and other chores. Howie also shared many adventures he had with both sets of grandparents (deceased), aunts, uncles (with only Auntie Olive and Uncle Roy remaining) and many cousins, also endless and precious to him.
Howie would play his first “gig” at age twelve, a wedding. Being so young, Dad had to drive him and attend the wedding and bring him home. The gigs never ended.
He would go on to have two precious children - son Cory and daughter Casey (husband Blair) and two adored grandchildren Carter and Keaton who survive him. Howie was predeceased by an infant son, Jamie. Howie moved to Winnipeg and spent over twenty years working at Advance TV & Stereo, leading the car stereo department. Being surrounded by music equipment and installing car stereos where music would blare was a perfect fit. Cars were another passion for him; sports cars, vintage cars, and classic models. He at some point owned every one of them. Many friends were made at Advance who remain close to him to this day. He supplemented his income playing drums during the week and on weekends with numerous bands right up until his health disallowed it. Even in hospital, he would drum on the bed, sing, and relay countless stories of the road trips and gigs he had with many different bands (all of whom he considered extended family). The longest gig was as drummer for The Platters, touring Canada and the U.S.A. for close to a year. These same band mates visited and called him endlessly in hospital. We thank all of you for that. Your visits and stories kept us all laughing and in awe that he made it this far! Howie would often end these stories with “Yep! it’s been a a hell of a ride!"
After leaving Advance, he & brother Bob opened a car stereo shop in Wpg. followed by a couple years spent running the hotel in Treherne. Howie then returned to Winnipeg, where he landed what he considered a "perfect job." With his outgoing personality, charm, incredible wit and ability to communicate with anyone of any age, he became the skeleton and parrot that would greet you as you entered the Club Regent Casino. He had to make a good impression as these characters were the first contact that customers had. He LOVED it and his mischievous self was once again hard at work as he worked in a small area with his animatronic equipment, being the voice and controlling the body actions of these characters (while he himself was completely out of site). It was here, he would meet his last love Deborah Ruse, who also worked at the casino.
They would eventually make a permanent move to their beloved place at Wpg Beach and turn it into their version of a cozy paradise. Deb would go on to work in the Gimli Collegiate and Winnipeg Beach Elementary School, a job she loved. They enjoyed their neighbours, (who we cannot thank enough for everything you did for them), bon fires, the peacefulness of small town living, nature, and the changing seasons. Many gatherings large and small were held here. The door was always open to everyone. They made their family complete, adopting a soft coated Wheaton Terrier puppy, Sam. He was truly their everything. Deb and Sam would go on to be Howie’s primary caregivers and constant companions as his health deteriorated. Sadly, both Deb & Sam predeceased Howie this past year. He told us part of him went with them when they passed, and his life was never the same.
Not being able to live alone, plans were for Howie to move in with lifelong friends ( extended family), Donna & Mike, in Belair, MB. They too were constant friends, providing endless love, support, and completing the many tasks needed around the home in Winnipeg Beach for many years. Fortunately Howie was able to live with them, if only for a short while, saying he was treated like “the Prince of Belair”. Our family will never be able to thank Donna and Mike enough for everything they did and were to Howie (and Deb) through everything. We also thank Maureen, Howie’s go-to gal, for everything tax-related. Another cherished friend who always went above and beyond for both Howie and Deb.
Sadly, Howie’s health had deteriorated to a point where the living arrangement in Belair didn’t last very long. He ended up doing a “tour of the Wpg hospitals”, finally landing at Seven Oaks, where he remained for close to a year. With dialysis, blindness, being a COVID survivor, a leg fracture surgery, and being a cardiac bypass survivor, these things kept him essentially confined to bed. He would say "if there is something that can go wrong, I’ll be in the thick of it, I don’t want to miss anything!" And then laugh. Although he managed this with his positive attitude and sense of humour, it took its toll on him. He never once said “ why me?” Instead, he tried to look forward to what was to come and how he could make the best of it.
We are eternally grateful to all the medical staff from doctors and nurses, to all the support staff, at all the hospitals. It was not always smooth sailing for Howie, family, or staff, but we all did our best. Howie was a facts guy, a straight shooter, no holes barred kind of patient, who spoke his mind on all issues (colourfully at times). He often spoke of wanting to write a book on the hospital system. If one desires, donations can be made to the Kidney Foundation of Manitoba, in his honour.
Besides his children & grandchildren, Howie leaves to mourn his brother Bob (Sharon), sister Wendy (Mark) and sister Cindy (Al), and numerous nieces & nephews.
As per Howie’s wishes he has been cremated. A private interment of ashes will take place at a later date. He also requested a party be held with drinks, food and GOOD bands to celebrate his life. That too will take place at a later date.
Well Howie, you leave a gaping hole in our lives that we will only be able to fill with our memories of this incredible life you lived and the profound impact you had on all of us. Rest easy Bro, you have earned it. We will see you on the other side.
Look out Heaven, the party has just begun!
We thank McKenzie Funeral Home, Stonewall, for their care, compassion, and guidance.
Ladies & Gentleman, Happy Howie has left the planet!