Memories of a Fallen Brother Captain Howard Garland (KC 5532)

Captain Howard Garland KC5532

Captain Howard Garland of Lunenberg Co., Nova Scotia, passed away on Friday afternoon after a battle with cancer. Howard was a member of the Nova Ice Yacht Club. His love of ice boating and speed were only surpassed by desire to share these experiences with his fellow sailors.

Many NIYC Regattas were hosted by Howard from his home at Lake Mush a Mush, with warm up breaks around the wood stove in his shop. Not content to just host regattas at his home ice, Howard built a chalet at Sherbrook, allowing access to a lake that often holds ice until late Spring. Many times after a regatta hosted by Howard, the fleet was treated to a superb homemade fish chowder prepared by Howard’s lovely wife Claudette.

Howard Garland was born in the outport village of Pushthrough, Newfoundland. His family later resettled to Hermitage. At the age of 17, he moved to Nova Scotia and commenced a career in the scallop fishing industry. Achieving the rank of Captain at the age of 26, Howard went on to captain successively larger vessels culminating in the command of the 143′ highline vessel ATLANTIC DESTINY, able to fish offshore year round in the North Atlantic. When at sea in the winter, he would often call in via SAT phone from Georges Bank to find out the ice conditions and who was sailing fast.

Through the years, Howard won the Nova Scotia Champs (aka Snelly Cup) and the Maritime Championship many times. This past winter he won the Maritime Championship sailing on his home ice at Mush a Mush. Howard also sailed in IDNIYRA World and NA Championships, and NEIYA events. His strength and quest for speed were legendary. He could make the stiffest mast bend like a coach whip, and many a boom suffered from his sheeting ability.

Howard is survived by his wife Claudette, and sons Tyler and Matt. We, his friends from far and wide, will need to work hard to keep up his spirit and enthusiasm for the sport of ice boating. As a friend, he was the best. We will carry him with us in our hearts and think of him often.

I invite you to share your memories of Howard below via the comment link below. Any and all on or off ice tales are welcome and If you have them pictures. Some of my pictures from this summer are below.

Eben Whitcomb DN4475

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