It is with heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved husband, Dad, Papa, and cherished friend, David James Vincent Howells, on September 30, 2025. Dave was a pillar of our family and community, and his loss will be profoundly felt.
Born on August 19, 1952, in Montreal to Dilys and Winston David Howells, Dave grew up in Burnaby and later moved to Victoria with his parents and brother, Geoffrey (Sandi) Howells, in the late 1960s. At just 15, he joined the Racket Club, where he made many friendships, and later became a proud member of Uplands Golf Club. Dave attended Oak Bay High School, graduating in 1970. He went on to attend the University of Victoria, where he met the love of his life, Brenda Davison, at the Sub Pub on campus. During this time, Dave also met many of his lifelong friends, people he cherished deeply and remained close to throughout his life.
Dave had a short university career, majoring in beers and bridge, where he earned his infamous nickname “Hooter.” He was then offered a job by one of his greatest mentors, Tut Jones, at Victoria Paving Company, which kickstarted his 50-year career in the paving industry. In 1987, he and his partners founded Capital City Paving Ltd. The continued success of CCP is one of Dave’s proudest accomplishments and remains a strong family-run business to this day.
Dave was a visionary and dedicated leader whose impact on the road construction industry is immeasurable. A trusted mentor, he was always willing to lend an ear to anyone who needed it. Dave saw the good in people and was always ready to pay it forward, supporting and encouraging others to pursue their goals and dreams. He had an incredible impact on the lives of many in the Victoria business community, and mentorship was a deeply meaningful part of his life.
No matter his many successes, Dave’s true joy and deepest pride was always his family. In 1975, Dave and Brenda married and recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Together they welcomed five children: Leigha (Darryl), Trevor (Emily), Kip (Karli), Brandon (Olivia), and Chelsea (Ryan). Dave was also incredibly proud of his eight grandbabies: Isla, Ryder, Michael, Jaxson, Kohen, Linden, Malcolm, and Brooklyn. Dave also loved the dogs in his life: Bella, Hudson, Memphis, Gus, and Ace.
He loved travelling with Brenda, good food, and cheering on his kids and grandkids in all their sporting and life endeavours. If something was happening, Dave was there, front row, smiling, and full of pride. His favourite thing was spending time with his family, stepping back and watching the chaos from a distance. He was our biggest fan, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. We love you all the world Dad.
A celebration of life will be held 2:00pm on December. 2, 2025 at The Victoria Conference Centre – Crystal Garden.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to KidSport BC at www.kidsportcanada.ca/british-columbia.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
This obituary is the property of the “Howells” family and may not be reproduced, distributed, or altered in any way without prior written consent.
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Roland Renton
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laurie Acorn What a tough loss. I also worked with Dave in the early 70s. We have reminisced for years about that magical timeframe in our lives. He was such a great guy and a positive influence to all who knew him. My deepest condolences to you Brenda and your great family.
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Lori Appleton I met Dave at the beginning of my long career in construction. He was the kind of man you wanted to be around — steady, genuine, and full of integrity. He had a way of making people feel good about themselves. He will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.
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Paul Rober Dear Howells Family,
We were so sorry to hear of David’s passing. He was a brilliant man who led with compassion and insight. He was a mentor to many and had a profound effect on my career and my life, and it was an honour to work for him for 24 years.
David valued his employees and made sure they were treated well, and fairly.
I have no doubt that his legacy will continue through all of you and your children.
I know there is nothing that can be said to take away the grief and sorrow that you all feel, but we hope that you’ll find comfort, knowing that David’s memory will live through the lives of all that he has touched.
Our deepest condolences,
Paul and Tami Rober
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Gerry Mounce Gerry Mounce and Family
Dear Brenda and Family
So sorry to hear of Dave’s passing, he has been a friend for many years. I have such fond memories from racquet club days to golf trips to working together in business. Dave always carried a quiet strength with integrity and wisdom. He will be missed and always respected.
Take care my friend, rest in peace.OUR HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES TO YOUR FAMILIES from the MOUNCE FAMILY
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Penny Noble Dear Brenda and family,
I just recently learned of the loss of Dave/Hooter.Loss is too small a word for the huge hole this must leave in your lives.
I was so happy to see you both over a year ago at Hazell’s 70th.
I wish I had seen more of you.
So many memories of our crazy times together all those years ago, Dave always smiling, always cheerful.
Nearly missing the ferry to his own wedding!Thinking of you.
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Donna Collett Brenda and Chelsea and family.
So sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. What a special guy and wonderful family man! I am sure he will be greatly missed. Sending you hugs and love to get you through this difficult time.
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Stephanie Jatsura Brandon, Trevor, Kip, Leigha and Family – It was an honor to have worked for Dave these last 8 years, my fellow “Montrealer”. I’ve enjoyed his stories, guidance. I will always remember his generosity in sponsoring Royal Bay Rugby as well as many other sports, teams and charities. You have all been so strong in this hard time, I would say that your father would be proud of you all but it is obvious he already was. Please accept my heartfelt condolences.
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Darlene Ricketts Dear Brenda and Family,
Sending heartfelt condolences for such a significant loss in your lives. Your David is still by your side all and his energy will always illuminate you, especially within your hearts. With your strong family values you will rise above all obstacles.
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Art Winter Brenda,
I was so sorry to hear that Dave had passed away. He was a great guy, always positive. We would cross paths once in a while over the last 50 years, either work related or just around town, it was always enjoyable catching up on family, work, and life in general.
Our condolences to you and your family, he will be missed.
Art and Louise
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Doug Turner Brenda, Leigha, Trevor, Kip, Brandon, Chelsea, and Family,
Shock, sadness, disbelief, sorrow, grief, loss.
Words can’t describe our feelings upon hearing of Dave’s passing.
A friend for “almost ever”, Dave will be fondly remembered and always missed.
Our condolences to all of you.Doug & Liz Turner
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Loree Wilcox Brenda and family
We were all saddened to see the notice of Dave’s passing. Wishing peace and serenity for you and your family at this very difficult time.
Loree, Stacey & Andrew
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Jane Schwann Brenda, Leigha, Trevor, Kip, Brandon and Chelsea,
We are so very sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. He was one of the good guys, always warm and welcoming with a big genuine smile.
Heartfelt condolences to all of you.
Jane and Gary Schwann
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Elizabeth Moss Howells Family- thinking of you all during this time. Dave was such a genuine, kind soul and I know he is looking down on everyone with pride.
My thoughts and prayers are with you!
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Don Woodland Dear Brenda:
Our dearest sympathies and condolences to you and your wonderful family. We have nothing but great memories of Dave going all the way back to when he first arrived in Victoria.
Don & Laurie Woodland
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John and Betty Ann Knappett So sad to hear of Dave’s passing. Our careers were similar with starting Companies in the 80’s and working together on so many Projects through the challenges of those times. Families grew up together “on the Ridge” and the next generation is working together today. Our Condolences to all the Howell’s from all of us.
John and Betty Ann Knappett and Family
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Lois Mason Dear Brenda, your children and grandchildren,
We are so very sorry to hear of Dave’s death. Our memories of him go back to teen years at the Racquet Club. We treasure those shared times and remember him with love.
Lois and Peter Mason
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Gordon Halsey Brenda and Leigha,Trevor,Kip,Brandon,Chelsea,and families.
My heartfelt condolences.
All my memories of Dave are good ones.
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Gail and Rick Steele Brenda and family,
We were so lucky to have had you as our next door neighbours 32 years ago when we moved to Victoria. You and Dave welcomed us so warmly and our kids became great friends. Our whole family has wonderful memories of Dave and how kind he was to both Sharon and Jeffrey. Your house was the “fun” house to spend time at with lots of laughter and activity. Dave was such great Dad and a wonderful neighbour! Thinking of all of you.
Gail and Rick Steele
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Graham Terlson Enjoyed Dave’s company through business and social times for many years. Respect is always what I felt for Dave. He will be missed by many. Condolences to Brenda and family.
Graham & Darleen
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Dorian Scroggs Dear Brenda and Family,
Our condolences to you at this time. This must be an incredibly difficult time for you. Dave created so much and was admired by so many people in the community. I am so sorry for your loss.
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Debi Sjogren We are so very sorry for your loss. Barney had great respect for Dave. He is not able to remember at this time so I am sending his condolences to the family.
Debi Sjogren
Barney Brend
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David Darnell My deepest condolences to the entire family on David’s passing. He will be greatly missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known him.
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Brenda Brenda and family, We are so shocked and sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. He was always a gentle , soft spoken dad/grandpa who left us far too soon. I’ll always remember his smile. The Mitchelmores
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Garry Rai Brenda, Leigha, Trevor, Kip, Brandon, & Chelsea.
I met David in the early 70’s in the paving business and we enjoyed a wonderful working relationship.
Similar careers, David for Victoria Paving & me with OK Paving.
David started Capital City Paving with Tony Trace & Dave Spilsbury which became very successful with David’s leadership, his business’s values, honesty/integrity/trustworthiness.
Family was always a priority to David.
David’s legacy will live on through his family and his many, business relationships.Our sincerest & deepest condolences.
Garry & Lynn Rai
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Shawn and Colin McKean Colin and I, along with our family, are so saddened to hear of your loss. We have loved sharing fun times with you over the years and know that Dave’s memory will always be there to comfort you. What a guy! What a great life and family he helped to build with you. Sending warm hugs to you all.
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Ellen Price Trevor and I offer our sincere condolences to the entire Howells’ family in the loss of Dave. It was great to get to know your entire family when we became neighbors at the lake. Dave was always smiling and friendly. What a tremendous loss to everyone.
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Andy Wells Shelly and I send our heartfelt condolences on the passing of Dave.
I still have fond memories of meeting Dave for the very first time back when we were both in our twenties. Indeed he will be greatly missed.
Sending love and hugs from,
Andy & Shelly
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Darien Verbrugge Dear Brenda, Chelsea, Brandon and Family: Our hearts go out to you all, we were so sorry to learn of Dave’s passing. Sending thoughts and hugs, we know how much he will be missed.
Norm and Darien
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Jack/Barb Kuyvenhoven Dear Brenda & Family: Jack and I were so sad to hear of the passing of Dave.
Please accept our deepest condolences.Take care,
Barb/Jack Kuyvenhoven
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Randy and Wendy Sangha Dear Brenda and family. We are thinking of you and offer our deepest condolences. I am remembering Hooter as an amazing man I met back in early ‘70s when he was a dispatcher at Victoria Paving. We then worked together at Island Asphalt in the early ‘80s. He was a man of honest intent and generosity; a man rightfully respected by all that knew him. You have left a mark on many a heart and will not be forgotten. Rest in Peace.
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Barbara Bond Brandon,
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your dad. You always spoke so beautifully of him, and he sounded like a truly wonderful man.My deepest condolences to you and your family during this difficult time.
Blessings,
Barbara Bond
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mike Jawl Dear Brenda and family ,
Sending our deepest condolences to you and yours. So many wonderful memories of a man who made such a significant impact. So many stories, so many smiles.
Mike and Kathy Jawl
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Kelly & Kimberly Mann A gem of a man gone too soon. Dave was a wonderful friend and a better employer. We are glad to have had him in our lives. Our sympathies to the Howells Family. xox❤️
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Peter Martin What a sad loss. I worked with Dave at Victoria Paving in the 70’s. We had many dealings in the industry over the years. He was a great guy and it was a privilege to have known him.
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Gaye & Russell Dear Brenda & Family: please accept our deepest condolences with regard to Dave’s passing. We are so very sorry & know what an extreme, difficult time this must be for all. Wanted to send a card right away but due to the postal strike could not.
Know that we are thinking of you all & sending our love & prayers. Sincerely, Gaye, Russell & Family.
I was deeply saddened to hear of Dave’s passing today. He and I started at Victoria Paving around the same time in the early 70s, and while I remained a mostly seasonal worker, Dave carved out a path of leadership and excellence in the industry. We were both impacted by the generosity and guidance of some of the giants in asphalt lay down on the Island: Jones, Dewhurst, Layfield and Buncy to name a few. My brother Henry, who ran the Store Street asphalt plan for several years, always spoke very highly of Dave. My thoughts are with those of you who had the privilege to share time and space with this very fine gentleman.