Dr. Howard Rees

Dr. Howard J Rees died at his home on Tuesday February 9, 2010. Born in Toronto, Howard was raised by his mother Marjorie Rees who predeceased him in 1988. He studied at the University of Toronto Medical School, graduating in 1951. After learning that Dr. Pickering was selling his business, Howard and his mother moved to Blenheim in 1956 where he became a much respected physician with over 5000 patients before his retirement in 1996. Howard’s office was in his home which enabled him to always “be there” day and night for his patients. Howard was not only generous in the time that he gave to people, but he has been very generous to the community as a whole. In 1992 Howard’s vision of supporting his community was realized by the creation of the Dr. Howard J. Rees Foundation. The Foundation was established to support the arts, health and education in the Blenheim Area. Since its inception, the foundation has provided academic scholarships, assisted in the expansion of the Gable Rees Rotary Pool and made it possible for school-aged children to receive swimming lessons. In 1994 Howard was awarded the Lifetime Membership in the Ontario Medical Association and later the OMA Glenn Sawyer award for his outstanding contribution to the medical community. A man honoured by many organizations, Howard always remained the humble man he was when he served his patients and delivered babies quietly in the wee hours of the night. Predeceased by his companion of many years Joan Boyes in 2004, Howard will be missed by his family Brian & Anne Fisher and their children Brian “Bo” Fisher II, Drew Fisher and Blythe Fisher as well as Neil Boyes and his family Cassie Boyes and Jeff Boyes. Brian, Anne and Neil invite family and friends for visitation at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Friday February 12, 2010 from 2:00 – 4:00 and 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. A Funeral Service for Howard will be held at the Funeral Home on Saturday February 13, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. Interment in Evergreen Cemetery. Friends wishing to honour Howard’s life with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Dr. Howard J Rees Foundation.