Laconia-----Lionel “Mike” Raymond Houle, 89, of Lafayette Street was Called Safely Home on Tuesday, February 16, 2016 from the New Hampshire Veterans Home in Tilton.
Mike was born on January 15, 1927 in Merrimack, the son of Wilfred and Eliza (Moquin) Houle. He was a 1944 graduate of Manchester West High School and a 1977 graduate of New Hampshire College - Southern New Hampshire University. He proudly served his country in the Merchant Marines and then the United States Navy during World War II. He came to Laconia to work at Lake City Beverage and went on to work for Wallace Energy and became a half owner of Wallace Energy in Meredith, NH.
Mike was interested in investments, computers, woodworking and golf. He was a communicant and former lecturer of St. Joseph and Sacred Heart Churches - St. Andre Bessette Parish. Mike was a 4th degree Knight of Columbus, of Laconia Council No. 428.
Mike is survived by his loving wife, Ronan (Hickey) Houle; a daughter, Ronan P. Houle; a son, Peter T. Houle and his wife, April; niece, Lesley A. (Huff) Cheetham and her husband, Larry and their children; and his late nephew's wife, Laure Huff and their children. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by all his brothers and sisters and a dear nephew, Timothy J. Huff.
Mike is also survived by a dear friend and neighbor, Allyn Hodge, his wife Eileen and their son, Seth and their two dogs, Shadow and Lola who brightened Mike's days visiting him at both nursing homes; his good friend Stephen Eldridge of Eldridge Investment Co. of Manchester; his good friend and former business partner, James Wallace and his wife, Ann; and many wonderful neighbors on Lafayette Street.
A Private family calling hour will be held on Tuesday, February 23, 2016 from 9:00am – 10:00am at the Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia NH using the Carriage House entrance.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, February 23, 2016 at 10:30am at St. Andre Bessette Parish-Sacred Heart Church, 291 Union Ave. Laconia NH.
Burial will held with military honors Tuesday, February 23, 2016 at 1:15pm at St. Joseph Cemetery Chapel, 448 Donald Street, Bedford, NH.
For those who wish, the family suggests that memorial donations may be made to the VA Medical Center, Attn. Volunteer Services, 719 Smyth Rd., Manchester, NH 03104, New Hampshire Veterans Home 139 Winter Street, Tilton, NH 03276, Belknap County Nursing Home - Activities Fund, 30 County Drive, Laconia, 03246 or a charity of their choice.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia NH is assisting the family with the arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial go to www.wilkinsonbeane.com.