BUD HOULE
Joseph Sarto Rosaire Houle “Bud” of Prince Albert, SK, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, January 29, 2015 at the age of 82. Bud is survived by his loving wife Amelie (née Mauvieux), of 46 years; children Joanne Turgeon (Kevin) and her daughter Kristin, Clarence Turgeon (Linnea), Claire (Ed Urbaniak) and their children Macy and Logan, Wayne (Tracy) and their children Keira, Haley and Landon; sisters Dolores Isinger, Sr. Huguette; brother Guy (Yolande) as well as numerous nieces, nephews, very special friends and neighbours. He was predeceased by his parents Walter and Jeanne (née Théoret) Houle; brothers Anatole, Leonard, Constant, Fr. Gustave, Bruno, Alain, Raymond, Jean-Paul and Ovide. Bud, the youngest of 13 children, was born on October 5, 1932 and raised on the farm in the small community of St. Isidore de Bellevue, SK. At the age of 16, he left for Muenster to attend St. Peter’s College until 1950. In 1952, he and his brother, Guy, took over the farm where they operated a mixed farming operation until 1955. For the next three years, he worked in the construction and electrical fields which in January 1956, took him to Kitimat B.C. then obtaining his B.C. Electrician ticket in Victoria, B.C. In 1958, he returned to Saskatchewan where he wrote and obtained his Saskatchewan Journeyman and Interprovincial tickets. In the fall of that same year, he and Guy became entrepreneurs of G & S Norwest Electric & Appliance Ltd. in Spiritwood, SK; Guy in the store and Bud wiring in the surrounding communities. In 1968, Bud married Amelie, a widow with two small children, Joanne and Clarence, whom he raised as his own. Soon after, the family grew to include Claire in 1970 and Wayne in 1973. In 1971, Guy and Bud split the business to pursue separate goals; Guy keeping the store and Bud going into electrical and general construction until 1977 when he also started Houle Rentals in Prince Albert, SK. It did not take long for Houle Rentals to become full-time. It was at this time, the family built a new home on 10 acres north of Prince Albert. The business continued to expand to the point where it required four moves. The move to the city came in 1998 and the business sold in 1999 officially putting Bud and Amelie into retirement mode. Bud cherished memories of growing up on the farm with 12 siblings. We’d chuckle about him wearing the scruffiest and most ill-fitting clothing because by the time they got to him, he was the eleventh boy to wear them! He had a tremendous soft spot for all animals; often talking about the cows and cats he grew up with on the farm. Card playing was a serious business with Bud. He looked forward to the winter card games of “Hearts” with close nephews and cousins where Mom would laugh at all the ruckus that occurred downstairs. She’ll miss this as much as the boys. “Crib”, “500” and “Kaiser” games with Mom and good friends occurred regularly as well. The competition was on when it was men against ladies. Coffee with special neighbour, Darryl, was a ritual to which Bud looked forward. His family’s happiness was of utmost importance. The genuine love he had for his children and grandchildren was immense. He enjoyed their visits and overnights and did so much for them. It was a privilege to be in his company to enjoy friendly conversation, his unique and unforgettable sense of humor, and infectious laugh. We always went to Dad for advice. He was, without a doubt, the most intelligent man we knew. The advice was straightforward and left no room for doubt. According to us kids, he knew everything. It felt good talking to Dad. He never judged us, even though we were far from perfect. He made sure we knew we could go to him for anything. His door was always open. He just wanted us happy and to succeed. He was a loyal parishioner, first with Sacred Heart Cathedral then St. Michael at the time of his passing. He contributed generously as a faithful supporter of the Roman Catholic Church. Once retired, many hours were spent downstairs sorting through his extensive coin collection for which he took tremendous pride. The last couple years were difficult for Bud - the polio he had in his younger years, and bad back from his electrical career really took its toll. Jumping in his truck and going for a “spin” in the country checking crops with a friend or just on his own looking at the new construction were enjoyable for Bud. The satellite radio in Bud’s truck was always tuned in to “Willie’s Roadhouse” belting out old country music. A relaxing pastime for Bud was watching TV. Curling, hockey, UFC, current events and country gospel music were among his favorites. Keeping up to date with the stock market was a pastime as well. Rest in peace Dad. Former friends and relatives are calling your name. There is a seat waiting for you to enjoy a good game of cards. We love and miss you dearly. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 4 with Father Maurice Fiolleau, Vicar General at Sacred Heart Cathedral, 1401-4th Avenue West, Prince Albert, SK. Interment of cremated remains will take place in the Garden of Sermon on the Mount, Prince Albert Memorial Gardens. It is the family’s request that donations in Bud’s memory can be made to the Victoria Hospital Foundation or Saskatchewan Heart & Stroke Foundation. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care of Donald M. Moriarty, Funeral Director