BULAWAYO, Zimbabwe -- A colleague and true friend has left this earthly existence. Dr. David Prentice Howat passed away March 10, 1991, three weeks short of his 86th birthday, after more than 53 years of chiropractic practice.
I have known David for only a brief nine years, six of which we have lived and practiced in the same community, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.
Every Thursday, my half-day, David and I would have afternoon tea together. We would have a pleasant chat about chiropractic, our families, and the world, while enjoying the snacks his wonderful wife Elspeth ("Eppie") had prepared. Then, we would check each other's spines and adjust if necessary.
This short respite from a hectic schedule was much valued and always proved refreshing.
I personally miss David's presence very much. The people of Bulawayo certainly miss him. Chiropractic and the world is richer for his having been with us and is now poorer for his absence.
Born April 5, 1905 in Coylton, Ayrshire, Scotland, he emigrated with his family to Salisbury, Southern Rhodesia (Harare, Zimbabwe) in 1910. In 1935, Dr. Howat left Africa to be schooled under Dr. B.J. Palmer at Palmer College of Chiropractic (PCC) in Davenport, Iowa. After his graduation he returned to Zimbabwe.
In December of 1940 he served with the Royal Air Force as adjutant of the 237th (Rhodesian) Squadron until October 1945, attaining the rank of flight lieutenant. He saw service in North Africa, the Middle East, the Mediterranean, the south of France and in Italy. Throughout the war he provided the members of his squadron with chiropractic care.
After the war he married Elspeth MacDonald, a school teacher, and moved to Bulawaye, Zimbabwe. He established his chiropractic practice in Bulawaye and remained there until his death.
Dr. Howat returned to PCC in 1988 to receive an award for 50 years of chiropractic service.
He is survived by his wife Elspeth, son Jonathan (Palmer graduate with a practice in Oxford, England) daughter Josephine, and six grandchildren.
David's funeral service was held in an Anglican church to a standing room only gathering. It was conducted by two of his friends, a Roman Catholic priest and an Anglican priest.
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