Ronald Houck

In Loving Memory Of

Ronald William Houck

May 24, 1938 ~ December 31, 2020

Age 82 Years

Ronald William Houck, 82, of Hamiota, MB, passed away peacefully at Hamiota District Health Centre on December 31, 2020.  Father to Tracy Latell, Bryan (Candace) Houck, Jody (Reg) Delaloye, Brett (Dana) Houck, Shane (Kaleigh) Houck, and the late Kelly Chuckry (Frank Koblun), Ron is lovingly remembered by his grandchildren Allison and Sarah Latell, Sean and Taylor Chuckry, Hayden and Alyx Delaloye, Kesler, Reese, and Emma Houck, Peyton and Harper Houck, special friend Helen Dyer, sister Evelyn McConnell, aunt Shirley Strachan, as well as numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins of the extended Houck and Knight families.

Ron was predeceased by his daughter Kelly, parents Elmer and Janelle (Strachan) Houck, his uncle Bill Strachan, and brother-in-law Harold McConnell.

Following his graduation from Hamiota Collegiate in 1957, he attended the University of Manitoba to take the Diploma Course in Agriculture, where as Class President, he graduated with honours, winning many awards, including the Governor General’s Silver Medal for his outstanding achievements.  The medal was presented to him by Manitoba Lieutenant Governor Errick Willis in 1962.  Many great friendships continued amongst his university classmates, and Ron was instrumental in organizing many get-togethers with them.

Ron became an instant father of two little girls when he married Phyllis Cosgrove (Knight) in 1972.  Four additional children followed between 1973 and 1980.  He supported them unconditionally in all of their interests, activities and sporting ventures.  Many weekends were spent at the arena, ball park, or gym watching hockey, softball, volleyball, & other sports that his kids enjoyed.

Farming was his chosen profession, and he did it well.  Oliver tractors became an obsession for him.  As a member of the Hart-Parr Oliver Collectors Association, he attended many summer shows and winter get-togethers, from Ontario to California, where like-minded individuals gathered to celebrate their favourite machines.  He also had a very strong interest in International trucks.  His love of the farm and home continued as he spent his retirement years restoring the barn and other buildings at Southview Farm.  It should be noted that Southview Farm received designation as a Century Farm, thanks in part to his very good friends, Ken and Vicki Smith, who researched the history for him, and sent supporting documents to the Manitoba Historical Society, tracing ownership of the land back to 1896.  He was very proud of this, and spent considerable time deciding how to display this sign.  He chose as a lasting legacy to sign a conservation agreement with Ducks Unlimited Canada, conserving more than 42 acres of wetlands and surrounding habitat that benefit more than 50 species of birds and other animals.  A plaque to designate this area has been erected.

Music was a very important part of his life.  He began early, singing at music festivals and continued to use his gift in many ways.  Following the closure of Chumah United Church in 1953, Ron joined the Hamiota United Church, where he sang in the choir for 66 years, acting as choir director for many of those years, while holding various offices on the church board.  He was a member of the Hamiota Citizens Band, playing trumpet alongside his father, Elmer, for all of its years.  He was the assistant band director of the high school band until it was accepted into the curriculum.  He enjoyed 23 years playing with the Vi Smith Orchestra, where he added saxophone to his portfolio.  Ron played the role of bugler for The Royal Canadian Legion and others at Remembrance Day and memorial services for almost 70 years!  He would not turn down an opportunity to play ‘Last Post’ and ‘Reveille’ for a veteran, and was honoured to do so.

With a great interest in history and the preservation of our heritage, he became very involved in the Hamiota Pioneer Club Museum, serving as director and Vice-President for many years.  He also volunteered at the Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum in Brandon.

Helen played a very important part in Ron’s life.  Together they attended many dances and social gatherings in and around Brandon.  They travelled to Alabama on numerous occasions to visit with Helen’s family, an experience he very much enjoyed.  When they could not do so in person, they spoke via telephone, at much the same time each evening, to share details of their day.

Left to carry his legacy are his children and grandchildren.  Family was most important to him, and annual get-togethers on May long weekend, Thanksgiving at the farm, and Christmas were highlights.

Ron was a loyal church and community supporter, a willing volunteer, a helpful neighbour, and a good friend to many.  His favourite place to be was at home on Southview Farm.

A life well lived.

The family would like to thank the staff at Hamiota District Health Centre for the care and compassion that they have demonstrated throughout numerous hospital stays in 2020.

​For those so desiring,

donations may be made in Ron’s memory to the

Hamiota United Church,

Hamiota, MB, R0M 0T0;

Hamiota and District Sports Complex,

Box 521, Hamiota, MB, R0M 0T0;

or to the

Hamiota Community Foundation,

Box 100, Hamiota, MB, R0M 0T0.

Messages of condolence and/or photos can be shared

or candles lit using the Tribute Wall link.

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