Howard William Leigh

It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Howard William Leigh, who left us on September 8th, at the age of 87. Born on August 17, 1938, in Montreal, Howie was the beloved child of Marguerite and Richard Leigh.

Howie is survived by his wife of 55 years, Ferne (née Ford), his son Michael (Pam), daughter Erin, his adored and adoring grandson Rowan, his brother-in-law Bob Green (Madelaine), his nephew Derek Green (Catherine) and the Ford Family. He is predeceased by his son Steven, nephew Cameron Green and sister Lynne Green.

In his youth, Howie developed his musical talent with both the piano and harmonica which he continued to play throughout his life. An avid performer, he always had a “fake” book at hand to be able to play a tune when a party called for it. Beyond his musical talents were other artistic pursuits including painting and photography. His early adoption of technology allowed him to bring these passions together, when in the early 2000s he created a many-step process to turn his photos into “paintings”. Now something you can do with a click of a button, was a labour of love.

Howie was a prodigious mathematician and studied Physics Engineering at McGill University, then followed in his father’s footsteps and joined “The Bell”. There, he invented a more efficient way for Montreal taxis to communicate, and Bell’s president selected him to join Bell Labs in New Jersey to help adapt network upgrades they were working on for the Canadian system. During his time in the U.S. he developed a love of sailing (later windsurfing) to go along with his love of canoeing and skiing, and volunteered with the NAACP.

In 1965 he went to Western Ontario for his Master’s in Business Administration. It was a year later where he met his future wife Ferne Leone Ford. Love blossomed and by 1970 they had moved to Ottawa where they had their three children Michael, Steven and Erin.

In 1976, Howard joined Statistics Canada where he worked on the gathering and publishing of census statistics. His love of performing was never suppressed and was often called upon to make funny and engaging presentations. He was recognized in 2002 when he received the Queens 50th Jubliee Medal for outstanding public service.

Howie will always be known by his family and friends for his gregarious and welcoming nature, story-telling, inventive game-making and playing, with famed neighbourhood new year gatherings. He called himself the Arlington Woodsman: taking his cherished dogs Bailey and then Zoe for daily, hour-long walks; making the scariest house on the block during Halloween; and, if you were lucky, you’d find him on the front porch with his giant harmonica.

A gathering to celebrate Howie will be held at the Tubman Funeral Home Garden Chapel, 3440 Richmond Road, on Thursday, September 11, 2025 from 5:00pm to 8:00pm, with Words of Remembrance at 6:00pm. 

The family wishes to thank the Royal Ottawa Hospital, Perley-Carefor Respite, and Harmer House for the care and kindness they shared with Howie. 

Donations in Howie’s name may be made to the charity of your choice.