Obituary of Howard Scafe
Howard “Warren” Scafe
B. May 10 1930, D. May 20 2017
Despite a hard-fought battle associated with making it to the octogenarian class, Warren passed away peacefully at 87 years of age with his sense of humor firmly intact (somewhat to the chagrin of his medical attendees). His charm was not lost on those in his presence, more so given the nature of his being in a hospital and all, but it did provide them brief insight to one amazing man, husband, father, step-father, grandfather, great grandfather, veteran and (ahem) University of Michigan Alumni.
Warren was a member of U of M’s Delta Chi fraternity (Class of 51/52) and recently provided some insights into scholarly life:"Coming back for many homecomings, usually with a group of other Delta Chi brothers including Bob Killenberger, Lyle Nelson and George Owers, all from the class of '52. I recall waking up in the upper dorm with snow on the floor (we all slept in the bunks upstairs, not in the rooms). In the ’50s, we kept the booze hidden in the ceiling by the bar downstairs." - advice which he apparently passed on to his son (Ron) for his own stint at Delta Chi in the seventies.
Warren excelled at engineering and business and continued the family company (KARCO) from his father in Windsor Ontario and in 1970 decided to make a tactical move to London Ontario re-naming the company: WIRCO. It was a good move in that most of his employees thought the same and moved both with WIRCO and Warren's kindhearted and thoughtful leadership.
Along with Warren came his children (Ron and Carol) and a first wife who went her separate way soon after arriving in London. Warren rebounded nicely and soon came into the company of Julia Westholm (nee Bennett), who had a similar relationship experience after moving to London with WIRCO. The two commiserated on their respective situations to the point of marriage in 1973. Julia was not flying solo either having two children of her own (Greg and Barry) which together made up the Scafe/Westholm Alliance of Warren, Julia, Ron, Carol, Greg, Barry and a dog (Snoopy).
As the years passed the Alliance prospered and grew with Ron and Kathy Scafe (nee Beaufait) having their children (Angela, Daniel, Andrew and David); Joe and Carol Piechotte (nee Scafe) with a son (Nick) and daughter (Jackie); Barry and Donna Westholm (nee Fleury) with a son (David) and Greg Westholm with a son (Jace).
Not to be outdone, those guys starting having kids too (really!) with O’Shani and Angela Rerrie (nee Scafe) providing the world a beautiful daughter (Aria) and David Scafe and Kaylyn bringing a handsome young man (Lucas) into the group and there are rumors going around that there is another on the way from Daniel and Denise Scafe (nee Miller).
All that activity is enough to make anyone consider moving on to more sedate pastures and Warren decided to make another tactical withdrawal to heaven on May 20 2017. I know that there are people who moved on earlier who are waiting for him there like Charlie Baker, Bob Killenberger, Larry McConiche, Marian Stoddard, Inez Bennett and many more, so we're sure he will be warmly received.
Warren and Julie have been together for 44 years now and they have no inclination to separate ways anytime soon, so Warren will remain in Julia’s company until they can both be interred together and a point in the future. At that time there will be a joint-commemoration ceremony at the Ouvry Cemetery in Blenheim, Ontario.
Take Care Warren, safe travels - you leave much love behind during your time here on earth and while we're certain you're not aware of it, we, your family and friends are very much aware of it and will miss you terribly. Photos of Warren’s life and a place to leave condolences can be found athttp://woodlandcemeterydirectcremationcompany.ca/. Donations can be made in Warren’s name to the charity of choice (less anything even remotelyassociated with the Ohio State Buckeyes).
