Howie Goon

Howie Chong Hing Goon was born in Guangdong, China to Yuk Soy and Gen Gyek Goon. He came to Canada in 1955 with his mother joining his father who was already in Banff. He quickly adapted to his new life in Canada and soon discovered hockey. Howie became very good as a goalie and at age 11, played for three teams during the same season. Not only did Howie enjoy hockey, he also loved to fish and almost missed a luncheon with the Montreal Canadiens goalie, Jacques Plante; fortunately, his mom found him down by the river fishing. During the luncheon, they compared notes and found out they both had the same number of shutouts. He was good enough to attract the attention of both the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Detroit Red Wings. During the 1970's, Howie led his Banff Rams to win the Northstar Hockey League championship and the Banff Bison team to win the Intermediate 'A' championship. He also enjoyed his time playing with the Banff Oldtimers hockey team, travelling to many places including Victoria and Edmonton for tournaments. During the 1990's, Howie was invited to join the Morley hockey team for a couple of tournaments in Hawaii. Playing in the Alberta Winter Games was a proud moment for Howie when he led his team to winning gold in the finals.

Howie also enjoyed watching his boys playing in the Banff Minor Hockey League travelling to most of their games and became their team's unofficial equipment repairman and their goalie coach. Eventually Howie became proficient at repairing hockey equipment - gloves, pads and pants at no charge for minor hockey team members. He'd often come home to finding one glove or pad on the doorstep in need of repair.

As a youngster growing up in Banff, Howie hung around Ike Mills stables. Ike told him that if he was going to hang around there, he might as well learn to ride, bareback, no less. Howie quickly learned and became a trail guide working at the Brewster Stables.

Howie and Lena first met in 1964 when he came to the Calgary Stampede with Lena's cousin, Ed Yee, but they did not reconnect again until 1967. They were married on June 10, 1973.

Howie is survived by Lena, his loving wife of 48 years; sons

Stephen (Melanie), Michael (Kimberley) and Patrick; grandchildren Aubree, Callum, Hayden, and Connor, as well as many cousins, nephews, and nieces.

The Goon family would like to thank the many family and friends who have reached out with heartfelt phone calls, messages, cards, food, and flowers.

Due to current Covid restrictions, only a private family service was held at Rundle Memorial United Church with burial following at Mountain View Cemetery, Banff.

Friends wishing to honour Howie's memory are encouraged to donate to Kidsport Bow Valley (https://kidsportcanada.ca/alberta/bow-valley/)

To view a recording of the funeral service, cut and paste the following link into your browser:

Services provided by Russ Reynolds and Bow River Funeral Service.