There is another bright star shining in heaven. Howard Anthony Francis “Peter” Blackwood, born in Kingston, Jamaica, to Allan and Cecily (Francis) Blackwood, has gone home to his heavenly Father. Under the care of the medical team at the Ottawa Hospital (General Campus), and surrounded and comforted by his loving family, he slipped away quietly, unexpectedly, and on his own terms, on February 16, 2016. Howard is survived by the love of his life, Dorothy Hutt; Sister, Fabia (Blackwood) Davis, Lloyd Davis, and their children Locksley, Leighton and Lisa; Daughter, Lyndsey, and her daughters, Naomi and Aleyah.

Howard was blessed with a loving and close-knit family. He adored his sister, Fabia, and she adored him. He was strongly influenced by his father’s work ethic, professionalism, self-control, and charitable nature. It was his mother, Cecily, who took a stand to ensure that Howard would pursue his dreams to become a dentist, and made the arrangements for Howard to study in the U.S. After his studies at Calabar High School (Kingston, Jamaica), he attended Howard University and then attended Western University, bringing him North.

Ottawa became home and where Howard practiced dentistry in Westboro for over 45 years, up until seven months ago. He took great pride in carrying out his responsibilities as a dentist, with the compassion and integrity he believed were appropriate to this calling. He specialized in never turning away patients who were in pain, and making people smile. He valued this quote from William Dean Howells: “The conqueror is regarded with awe; the wise man commands our respect; but it is only the benevolent man that wins our affection.” Howard consistently went out of his way to care for his patients, and he modeled unfailing kindness and loyalty to his staff, patients, colleagues, and the community at large. He was a role model to many.

He was resolute in whatever he undertook, committed to excellence in every pursuit and encouraged these values in those he loved. His greatness was unpretentious and boundless. We will miss this selfless, stylish, impeccable man whom we called Peter. “When a great ship is in harbour and moored, it is safe, there can be no doubt. But that is not what great ships are built for.” - Clarrisa Pinkola Estes. May Peter’s legacy continue to guide and inspire us with the example he set of greatness: excellence, integrity and humility.

In lieu of flowers, Howard’s (Peter) family would appreciate a charitable contribution in Howard’s name to the CHEO foundation.

Family and Friends are to visit at Beechwood, Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services, 280 Beechwood Avenue (East of Vanier Parkway), Friday, February 26, 2016 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Memorial service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 27, 2016, at Christ Church Cathedral, 414 Sparks Street, Ottawa, K1R 0B2. Tributes may be sent via Lifetimes at www.beechwoodottawa.ca