Roger E. Houle

Born in Manchester on March 8, 1923, he was the son of Dr. Joseph and Marie (Bedard) Houle. He graduated from Central High School in 1941 where he excelled in gymnastics. He was a lifelong resident of Manchester.

He served in the US Air Force in North Africa as a Technical Sergeant with the 12th B-26 Bomber Division and flew 40 combat missions. He was awarded the Purple Heart, the Five Cluster Air Medal and many high honor decorations for bravery.

IN HIS LIFE: He attended St. Anselm College and later graduated from the University of Maryland School of Dental Surgery.

Dr. Houle had a prominent dental practice in Manchester for 52 years. His secretary, Pauline Hawthorne was an enormous asset and a great friend. He served as president of the Manchester Dental Society and volunteered as a gymnastics instructor at the YMCA for many years.

He and his wife, Gabrielle enjoyed traveling and were accomplished skiers and wonderful dancers. They were long time members of the Manchester Country Club. He was a voracious reader and enjoyed creating beautiful stained glass works, gardening, playing tennis, sailing and spending time with his family and friends at his summer home on Lake Sunapee.

Roger will be remembered for his kind and patient demeanor, his generosity and his great sense of humor.

The family includes his wife of 59 years, Gabrielle (Provencher) Houle of Manchester; two sons, Gary Houle of Seattle, WA and Brian Houle and his wife, Jane of Manchester; a granddaughter, Ashley Houle of Manchester; a sister, Edith Gaudette of Laconia; a brother, Bob Houle of Florida and two nephews, Reginald Gaudette and David Gaudette both of Laconia.

The funeral was held Friday August 24, 2007 in the funeral home. Graveside committal prayers followed at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, 474 Goffstown Rd., Manchester.

Donations may be made to the Visiting Nurse Association, 33 So. Commercial St., Suite 401, Manchester.