Joseph Gerald Houle

Joseph Gerald Houle (Jerry) passed away peacefully in Hospice Huntsville, Ontario at 10:34 a.m. on Tuesday, February 8, 2022.

We will celebrate his life with a gathering on what would have been his 80th birthday Sat March 5, 2022.  Family and friends who might have been missed being advised of the location, can contact Colleen or Shane.

Born in Kendry township on March 5 ,1942 to Lidianne (nee Dubeau) (predeceased) and Edward Houle Sr. (predeceased).

Jerry was the loving husband of Colleen. Proud and loving Father of Shane & Daughter-in-law Marivic.  Loving Father of Lisa Hillman and Lorraine (predeceased). The most happiest and loving Grandpa to Kayden, Aaron and Jake (Houle). Brother of Beatrice Elliot (predeceased), Edith (Joseph), Yvette (Knowles), Blanche, Marcel (predeceased), Louise (Houle O'Connor) and Adele.  Nephew, brother-in-law, uncle and cousin to many.

Jerry and I made our home in the quiet and beauty of the country here in Emsdale, Ontario, moving here in 1986.  He did not want to leave, despite his poor health.  Keeping our property manicured on his riding lawnmower was something he enjoyed doing and he felt it was one of the last things he could still do. It was something that also generated some stories to be told.  Not necessarily funny or endearing at the time, but certainly a testament to the tenacity of the man.  He was ever so proud of our son Shane and the responsible man he had become and nothing made him happier than our three grandsons Kayden, Aaron and Jake that Shane and Marivic have blessed us with.  He would sign off his personal emails with -Jerry a.k.a. Grandpa of 3.  On Christmas Day, it was all he could do to sit up for gift opening but he insisted we get him downstairs, both as they arrived and again when they were leaving, to do a group hug with us all.  I was able to step back and capture some photos of Jerry, Shane, Marivic, Kayden, Aaron and Jake doing the group hug.  They are priceless photos.  Many of the photos taken over the last few months captured the strong loving emotions he was feeling for them all.  Although absent as a father to Lisa from a very young age, he never stopped thinking of her and always wanted to be part of her life.  We are pleased she could be and that she was there with him before he passed away.  It was most important to him for them to all know how much he loved them.  The hardest thing for him was knowing he would not be with them any longer.  Jerry was of strong opinions and thoughts and many times he spoke about disappointments with his own handling of situations.  All he could do was try to make amends.  His heart was in the right place and he truly did want to help both family and friends, albeit his way.  Jerry had a sense of humour and was always thinking of the next joke or fun comments to be made.  He would most definitely be laughing when he hears the stories of him we will share.

Jerry wanted to help others and believed "in giving you receive."  He liked to support local and would give to the Huntsville Table Soup Kitchen and the Burk's Falls food bank.  He also continued to support the Sarnia community he grew up in by giving to the Inn of the Good Shepherd there.  His motivation and work ethic stayed with him to the end and generated stories that will live on.  To borrow from what some of you have said, he was living life on his own terms, carrying on as though life were normal, although it was far from that with his many health issues.  He was determined.  He was inspiring.  And maybe he is doing all those jobs in Heaven that he couldn't get done down here.  You will be remembered always Jerry.  We will keep you in our minds and hearts.  We love you.

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