The University of Toronto Varsity Blues family mourns the loss of former director of football, Bob Howes.

Howes served as U of T's director of football in 2008 after previously spending two seasons on the Varsity Blues coaching staff, serving as offensive line coach in 2003, and associate defensive coordinator in 2004.

Howes began and established his university coaching career with his alma mater, Queen's University serving as an Adjunct Faculty member of the School of Physical Education and football coach in 1982. His versatility as a coach allowed him to switch from defensive to offensive coordinator a few seasons later, and he guided Golden Gaels offence through its 1992 Vanier Cup championship season.

Howes was named Queen's head coach in 1995, and led the team to the OQIFC Dunsmore Cup championship that year. He returned as a Dunsmore finalist in 1997, and was awarded the league title that year following an Ottawa forfeit. He racked up a regular season record of 21 wins and 19 losses in his five years as Queen's head coach, and led his team to playoff berths in three straight seasons and was twice named the OQIFC Coach of the Year (1995, 1997).

As a player, Howes was very versatile in his four years (1962-65) with the Golden Gaels, excelling in both varsity football and basketball.

Three years after graduating, Howe's extensive CFL career began. His 14 years in the league included stops with the BC Lions (1968-71) and the Edmonton Eskimos (1972-81). With Edmonton he was a team captain of the CFL's greatest dynasty, winning five Grey Cup rings (1975, 1978-81) and seeing action in three other Grey Cup games (1973, 1974, 1977). Bob was a western division all-star centre in 1973.

Howes is survived by his sons Chris and Beau, and his grandchildren, Jack, Rhys, Shyloh and Emma. Messages of condolences can be sent to the Simcoe Funeral Home in advance of a celebration of life in June 2026, and donations can be made in his honour to Queen's football by clicking here.

The Varsity Blues extend its deepest condolences to Bob's family, friends, former teammates, and the many student-athletes and coaches whose lives he influenced.