Obituary of Kenneth William Howlett

The family of Kenneth William Howlett of New Maryland are very sorry to announce he has passed away peacefully at the age of 97 on September 6, 2024 at Hospice House, Fredericton after a short illness.

Ken was a well-known carpenter and house builder for 67 years in the Fredericton area.

He was born a first-generation Canadian in Lake Edward, Victoria County, New Brunswick on August 29, 1927, to William and Nettie (McQuade) Howlett.  In his younger days, Ken and his family operated an expanding potato farm, where he met his future wife, Carolyn Christensen. After moving to Fredericton in 1955 he became a carpenter / builder employed by his father-in-law, Gordon Christensen, and later starting his own construction company, “Ken Howlett Ltd”. He built well over 150 houses in the Fredericton area over a 50+ year period.  He was very active in the Fredericton Homebuilders Association- serving a term as President. He was the driving force behind the Fredericton Youth and Transition House construction. Ken was also very committed to the Christ Church Cathedral and served on many committees as well as helping to maintain the church clock, a scaled down version of “Big Ben” in London England.

Ken is survived by his wife of 67 years, Carolyn (Christensen) Howlett; his four sons, Michael (Lisa), Jeffrey, Jonathan (Alixe), and Peter (Mandy); 6 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren; his sister, Leitha Howlett and sister in-law, Colleen. 

He was predeceased by 2 sisters, Anna and Frances, and his brother, Bob.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, September 8, 2024 at McAdam's Funeral Home, from 2:00 to 4:00pm. A funeral service will take place on Monday, September 9, 2024 at 11:00am at Christ Church Cathedral, with Rev. Geoffrey Hall as celebrant. Interment will be at St. George's Anglican Cemetery, Lake Edward, NB on Tuesday, September 10, 2024 at 3:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that memorial donations be made to the Cathedral Restoration Fund, the Primates World Relief Fund, the Canadian Red Cross, or Hospice House.