Howard T. Ennis, of Northern British Columbia, passed peacefully on August 6, 2019, in the Bulkley Lodge, Smithers, at the age of 96. Born in Philadelphia on 7 March 1923, Howard grew up in Delaware. An avid reader and student of politics, Howard obtained degrees in Journalism (Chapel Hill, North Carolina) and Law (Columbia Law School, NY) and practised Law in Georgetown, Delaware, where he ran for Congress, in 1976. Ennis was a native of Sussex County Delaware and long-time resident.
Howard was fascinated by wildlife and woodcraft, and in the traditions of native peoples in the US and Canada. After serving in the US Navy during the Second World War, he obtained a grant from the Canadian film board and filmed Mr Ben Mackenzie, of Hazelton, while Mr Mackenzie set his trap line in the winter of 1946/7. That Winter, Howard lived in Hazelton, in a cabin owned by Al Benson, often spending time with the Sergeants, landlords of the Inlander, and forming many lasting friendships in the area. The same year he filmed a documentary entitled "People of the Skeena," set in Hazelton. He spent many summers in the Hazelton and Babine Lake area, retiring to the Kispiox Valley, where he purchased a ranch in 1978. He lived in the Kispiox Valley for nearly thirty years and spent his later years in Smithers. While he cherished solitude and the wilderness, he greatly admired and deeply respected the families and communities that welcomed him in the Hazeltons, the Kispiox and Smithers.
He regularly visited and kept in touch with family and friends in the US and Europe also visited the Pyramids, Mount Sinai and the Valley of the Kings in Egypt and travelled to eastern Turkey see Mount Ararat with his daughter.
Much as Howard loved northern British Columbia, it was his lifelong wish to be buried beside his mother, Ann Rolin Kelly, of Lewes and Philadelphia, and his father, Howard T. Ennis Sr. Accordingly, his ashes will be laid to rest beside them at St. George's Chapel in southern Delaware, during the coming weeks. Howard is survived by his daughter, Carolyn Ennis and his granddaughters, Sara Taher and Mariam Taher.
Condolences may be offered at www.raschraderfuneralhome.com
R.A. Schrader Funeral Home & Cremation Services