James HOUCK

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HOUCK: James Norman Houck. Norm passed away on February 15, 2010, at the age of 76, following a brief illness. Norm Houck graduated from the University of Manitoba as a Geological Engineer. He worked as the geologist and assistant mine manager of New Manitoba Mining & Smelting at Cat Lake, Manitoba. After the mine closed, Norm got a Bachelor of Pedagogy degree from the University of Manitoba. He later obtained a Bachelor of Education degree. He taught at Charleswood Collegiate (5 years), John Taylor Collegiate (I Year), and Westwood Collegiate (25 years). He taught Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics and Computer Science. Norm Houck skipped or played third on teams that won seven Manitoba (Mens Seniors Masters) and three Canadian (Seniors) Curling Championships. He skipped teams that won two Car Bonspiels, the Tournament of Champions played in Maple Leaf Gardens, and the Major events and Grand Aggregate in the Manitoba Bonspiel. He is a Honourary Life Member of the Elmwood Curling Club. For his work on school and junior curling, he was made a Honourary Life Member of the Manitoba Curling Association. In 1990 he was inducted into the Manitoba Curling Hall Of Fame. In 1963 Norm built a cottage on Luella Island in the Lake of the Woods. Norm and his Mom, Dad and friends enjoyed many years of enjoyment relaxing and fishing at the summer home. The scenic twelve mile boat ride to the cottage was part of the memories that we all remember. Boat trips down to the USA to get American beer and to see Ft. St. Charles were a special treat for visitors. Norm retired in 1989 at age 55 so as to enjoy golfing, curling, down hill skiing and his cottage full time. On September 20, 2007, Norm moved from Winnipeg to Hamiota, Manitoba. He is survived by his brother Frank and his sister Margaret, along with nephews and nieces and their families. A special thanks to the relatives in Hamiota and hospital staff in Hamiota who provided wonderful care to Norm in his final days. A grave-side service will be held at a later date.

As published in Brandon Sun on Feb 20, 2010