MILFORD – Rene Joseph Houle, 74, died peacefully December 16, 2012, at his daughter’s home, Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Nye, where he had resided for the last two years, surrounded by his wife and family after a short illness.

Rene was born on May 25, 1938, in Warwick, Quebec Canada, son of the late(s) Donate J. and Mary Geanne (Croteau) Houle.

Rene grew up, and attended school in Canada. After graduation, he went to the United States as a young man to harvest apples, and later being employed by Mr. Bill Whiting full time, as a farm hand, and driving a daily milk deliver route from Wilton to Boston MA. For several years, Rene co-owned a landscaping company until Hitcheners Mfg. Co. employed him full time. The Town of Wilton as the Manager of Parks and Grounds employed him for eight years. Later, Hendrix Wire & Cable would employ him for more than 30 years until he retired from the company as an engineer in 1997.

Upon retirement, Rene relocated with his wife to Florida. Shortly thereafter, a few years passed, returning to his hometown of Wilton he took part time employment, as a driver, with Brown’s school bus company and L.A. Limousine. Rene’s spare time was spent with family, friends, and playing golf, particularly, with his golfing buddies at The Woods of Westminster.

Volunteerism and Community Support to the town, Wilton, that he loved was very important to Rene. As a young man, Rene, volunteered for the Wilton Fire Department for thirty-three years, and later served as the Fire Chief for 14 years. Later, Rene volunteered for various other organizations and committees, such as the President of Soughegan Mutual Aid, Member of N.H. Fire and New England Fire Association, Honorary member of the Knights of Columbus, Founding member and President of the Winter Wanderers Snow Mobile Club, member of the Wilton Catholic Church.

On November 12, 1960, he married Rosemarie Houle, in Milford, N.H. at the Sacred Heart Church.

Rene is survived by his beloved wife, Rosemarie (Poisson) Houle of 52 years; daughters, Jeannette Brochu of Portland Oregon, Lisa wife of Edward Hebert of Brookline, Tina wife of Stephen Nye of Milford, and his late daughter Denise Houle; son, Joseph husband of Amy Aldridge of Wilton; sisters, Rita, wife of Raymond Wall of Canada, Pierrette Houle Gosselin of Canada; brothers, Rejean, husband of Marthe of Canada, Julien husband of Carmen of Canada. In addition, Rene has several nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Throughout his illness, Rene continued to hold onto the hope of attending the wedding of his grandson Jordan Nye, engaged to Pamela King of Arlington VA, both former residents of Milford N.H.. The wedding is to take place on June 1, 2013 at Lake George, N.Y. Due to the aggressive nature of his illness, he knew in his heart his last wish on his bucket list may not happen. On November 20 a commitment ceremony of marriage was held at the home of Mr. Mrs. Stephen Nye for their son and future daughter-in-law honoring Rene’s last request. Granddaughter Brittany Nye stood up for the bride and grandson Stephen M Nye for the groom, along with the joining families from both sides of the bride and groom’s families, followed by a celebration.

During the few months of his short illness, Rene was very thankful by the generosity and support of the community he loved, dearly. Rene along with family members wanted to express their thanks and gratitude to all those that touched his life, and made a difference during his final days.

Services were held at the Michaud Funeral Home. Burial was at the Mount Calvary Cemetery in Wilton, N.H. The arrangements are in the care of the Michaud Funeral Home, 32 Maple St., Wilton, N.H., to view an online obituary or leave a condolence, please visit our web site www.michaudfuneralhome.com