Innes, Howard

Howard Innes was the second eldest son of Donald Murray and Fanny (nee McKay) Innes of Lot 24, Concession 3 West Zorra.  Howard joined the Perth Regiment Reserve Formation (A-550162) in August 1940.  He began active service on November 19, 1941 when he joined No. 1 District Depot (AF) Royal Canadian Army Service Corps as a Private.  He was attached to No. 10 BTC Kitchener, Ontario for Basic Training. On Jan. 31, 1942, he was posted to the Royal Canadian Army Service Corps training centre in Red. Deer, Alberta, where he qualified as a Class III (wheeled) Driver. On June 17, 1942, he was assigned to No. 69 Tank Transporter Company and became a Driver Mechanic Class 1 Q. Howard went overseas on October 27, 1942 and served in the United Kingdom until July 18, 1944.  He served in France and Continental Europe from July 19, 1944 until April 1945.  Howard served a total of 884 days overseas and was discharged from active service on Nov. 7, 1945.  He received the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with Clasp, the 1939-45 Star, and the France-Germany Star.  

After the war, he purchased the farm at Lot 29, Concession 5 with VLA assistance.  Howard married Bessie (Betty) May Ulch on April 5, 1947 and together they raised three children - Carol, Stuart and Murray.  Howard and Betty farmed until July 2, 1985 at which time they retired to Tavistock, Ontario.  Howard died on February 8, 1995 and Betty on May 28, 2002.  They are buried in the North Embro Cemetery.