Robert W. "T Bone" Houtman passed away on Sunday New Year's Day January 1st, 2023. After a longtime illness he passed away in the comfort of his home with his wife Rosa M. Houtman of 27 years by his side. Born in New Bedford, he was the son of the late Jane Houtman Borges, Brother to the late Warren Houtman, Father to the late Eric Houtman, and Grandfather to the late Dontrell & Devon Houtman.
Robert was last employed for 33 years at St.Lukes Hospital of South Coast Hospital's Group Physical Therapy Services. He was a prominent figure in his community receiving several Awards, Citations, and Certificates contributing to his high ranking position with the William H. Carney Lodge #200 of New Bedford. Robert was widely honored by Members Of Congress The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, The City of New Bedford, Boston, and Providence Rhode Island for his dedication and participation with Improved Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the World. On February 2, 2001 Robert received several awards, The Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition from the Members of Congress United States of America for his service to the community, The Commonwealth of Massachusetts House of Representatives awarded Robert with the Annual Heritage Award. Robert received The Official Citation for his Heritage Award from The Commonwealth of Massachusetts State Senate, and finally Robert received Official Resolutions from The City of New Bedford for his involvement and positive role in the community.
In 1972 Robert joined the William H. Carney Lodge # 200. As a member for several years he then pave the way for his achievements in 1990 as The Exalted Ruler for the lodge. From 1994 to 2010 Robert served as the District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler, and from 1997 to 2006 Robert held the office of Eastern Division Truesdale Young Police # 1101 Antlered Guard Department. In 2010 he was awarded the Eastern Division Shirley A. Daniel Partol # 1101 Antlered Guard Department. On June 22, 2001 after serving for several years Robert received The Elk of the Year Award. In honor of his longtime loyalty and service on November 1st 2007 Robert went on to receive The Grand Exalted Ruler Emeritus I. B. P. O. Elks of the World. Throughout his years of service Robert attended many conventions throughout the United States maintaining his loyalty to the I. B. P. O. Elks of the World. He truly had a second family. He was involved in the yearly Mother's Day Breakfast, Cookouts, Thanksgiving Day Giveaway's, All Fundraisers, and The Children's Christmas Party. He loved spending time with family and friends. He was a avid sports fan who enjoyed watching the Boston Red Sox's and LA Rams. He loved his music from Solid Gold to Bobby Jones's Gospel every Sunday. Robert truly served his community with honesty and integrity. He had strong spiritual values and was loved by all. He had incredible patience and always made time to help others. Most of all his smile and kind words will carry on forever. He will always be remembered for his meaningful acts of love and service. A kind loving soul that will be dearly missed but never forgotten.
He is survived by his longtime wife Rosa M. Houtman; daughter Kristina Houtman; sons William and Robert "Skipper" Houtman; stepson John Velazquez; granddaughters Justine Peyton, Kamille Lewis and Paige Velazquez; grandsons Dante Lewis and John "Jay" Velazquez Jr.; great-grandsons Elliot Peyton and Sebastian "Bash" Miesak; and several other grandchildren including nieces, nephews, and sisters-in-law. The family would like to send a special Thank You to Robin Williams, Joesph Cardoza, and Rodney Victor for their extended healthcare and support that they provided to Robert, and his brother-in-law Tony Soares for the NBPD Service. Finally, Billy Andrews, Pastor Leona Fisher, and Gilbert Bridgeforth for their participation with Robert's services. Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, January 12, 2023 from 4pm - 8pm at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St, New Bedford. Masks will be required. Robert's funeral service will take place in the funeral home on Friday, January 13th at 10 AM. Burial will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations can be sent in memory of Robert W. Houtman to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital P.O. Box 50 Memphis, TN. 38101-9929