Page 22 - Cadet Review Spring 2024

HSY ACF
PADRE IVAN HOWITT
A true pillar, friend and mentor of Humberside and South Yorkshire Army Cadet Force
By Captain Vicki Brooks
It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we bid farewell to a remarkable individual, Padre Ivan Howitt, who left us after a short illness over the Christmas period. A beloved member of the Humberside and South Yorkshire Army Cadet Force, Padre Ivan's impact on the cadet community and his unwavering commitment to Humberside and South Yorkshire ACF will forever be etched in our memories.
Padre Ivan's journey with the county began back in 2007 through a serendipitous encounter with Colonel David Fuller. Their paths crossed through Ivan's work as vicar in Hedon and with the Seafarers Mission some years earlier, and it was evident from the start that his unique spirit and dedication would make him an invaluable addition to the cadet family.
Approachable and affable, Padre Ivan effortlessly endeared himself to both cadets and adult volunteers alike. Despite his role as a padre, he transcended traditional boundaries, willingly immersing himself in the cadet experience. It was not uncommon to find him in a classroom, participating in lessons, or spending nights in the field alongside the troops, albeit in a specially
created accommodation,
During expeditions, he would joyously traverse the route without a map, just an idea of where we should be going, singing versions of "Oh Danny Boy."
loving referred to as “Padres Palace”, where he would happily sleep cocooned in semi comfort, with gratitude for the effort of the team to enable him to partake in the adventures with the cadets.
One of Padre Ivan's endearing qualities was
his infectious enthusiasm for the outdoors and adventure. During expeditions, he would joyously traverse the route without a map, just an idea of where we should be going, singing versions of "Oh Danny Boy." Padre Ivan had a knack for putting the world to rights during these escapades, and by the end of a 10k route, without getting lost you felt like a weight had been lifted, and a whole deal better.
His genuine love for the cadet experience was further evidenced by his active participation in adventure training, where he never hesitated to join in the camaraderie and merriment. His enjoyment of being in the rescue boat on summer camps during water sports, and the glee in helping cadets back into the boat by dunking them. With the words and
a little giggle “well you know it is the best way to get them back up...” or by heading into the water himself to take part in paddle boarding, with a quick comment of “don’t post pictures we don’t want to worry my dear Valerie”.
His wisdom, compassion, and ability to connect with people on a personal level left an indelible mark on the cadet force community. Whether discussing
life's intricacies during an expedition or sharing light-hearted moments during adventure
training, or just having the empathy to read when you needed a friend, or
friendly word. Even if you didn’t
Padre Ivan with the, then, Honorary Colonel, Lord Lingfield
22 CADET REVIEW SPRING 2024