Obituary of HOWARD EDWARD DATARS

Peacefully, surrounded by his family at South Huron Hospital, Exeter, Howard Edward Datars, of Dashwood, passed away on June 6, 2016 in his 90th year. Loving husband for over 60 years to V. Elaine (Becker) Datars. Much loved and respected father of Peter and Irene Datars, Elizabeth Datars Shkolnik and Naum Shkolnik and Sandra Datars Bere and John Bere. Supportive and proud grandfather of Aaron and Shannon Datars, Sam and Julie Datars and Caleb Bere. Devoted great-grandpa to Hayden, Parker and Griffin. Dear brother of Marguerite Luther and treasured brother-in-law to Doreen Daters, Betty Datars, Claire Deichert, Bill and Nancy Becker, Barbara Bucholtz, Eleanor Webb, Jim and Diane Becker, Carol Irwin, Bob and Bonnie Becker, Iris and Mike Gravel, Chuck and Nancy Becker, John and Mary Becker, Randy and Marion Becker and Marty and Julie Becker. Cherished “Uncle Howard” to many nieces and nephews across three generations in the Datars, Daters and Becker families. Howard is predeceased by his parents Elmore and Laura (Schumacher) Daters, his brothers, Eldon Daters and Earl Datars, Elaine’s parents, Valentine and Verna (Oke) Becker, his brothers-in-law Lorne Luther, Leslie Bucholtz and Peter Irwin, sister-in-law Margaret Deichert and nephews Jay Becker, Bill Daters and David Daters. Although farming was his passion, including on the family farm, Locwood, where he and Elaine worked together for over 60 years and still lived, Howard was foremostly a family man, devoted to his wife and his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, both those born to him and those who became his remarkable and committed extended family. Howard was active in his community, serving his church, Zion Lutheran Church, in many capacities and being a committed board member to organizations including Hay Mutual Fire Insurance Company, South Huron Hospital and Blue Water Rest Home. His dedication to proper farming husbandry and his desire for leadership led him to work for many years with the International Plowing Match Committee and the Huron County Soil and Crop Association. Howard was a man of quiet but remarkable faith, few but important words, unbelievable talent, great wit and unconditional love. Visitation for Howard’s family and friends will be held at the T. Harry Hoffman & Sons Funeral Home, 118 Main Street, Dashwood, Ontario on Thursday, June 9, 2016 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. The Funeral Service celebrating Howard’s life will be conducted at Zion Lutheran Church, at 148 Frederick Street, Dashwood on Friday, June 10, 2016 at 11 a.m. with the Reverend John E. Trembulak, III officiating. Interment in the Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery. Memorial contributions in Howard’s honour may be made to Zion Lutheran Church Building Fund or the South Huron Hospital Foundation.