Paul Matthews Van Houten
Old soul and free spirit departed this earth to where his path led him. He will be missed by his wife and devoted friend, Kay; his children, Paul, Leslie, Elizabeth and David; grandchildren, Ben, Molly, Mika, Dana, Coco, Paul; two great-grandchildren, Isa and Soro and friends too numerous to mention. Van began his life's journey in Dumont, Iowa on November 11, 1918. In 1936, he joined the Army Horse Cavalary as a private. He remained in the Army until his enlistment was up in 1942. He joined up again in 1942, transferred to the Artillery. He served on the Italian Front during WWII. He was discharged as a Major in 1947. Since his profession of 40 years as a used car auctioneer only required two days work a week, he had many hobbies: training Labrador Retrievers for field trials, owned and bet race horses. The last year of his life were spent on a spiritual quest. His 33 years in AA was where he began, volunteering for hospice and reading gave him the peace he needed for the end of his journey. He was a wonderful husband, fabulous cook, avid reader and raconteur extraordinaire. He will be missed by his family and many friends. A celebration of his life is planned for a later date. Arrangements by U OF A ANATOMICAL PROGRAM.
Old soul and free spirit departed this earth to where his path led him. He will be missed by his wife and devoted friend, Kay; his children, Paul, Leslie, Elizabeth and David; grandchildren, Ben, Molly, Mika, Dana, Coco, Paul; two great-grandchildren, Isa and Soro and friends too numerous to mention. Van began his life's journey in Dumont, Iowa on November 11, 1918. In 1936, he joined the Army Horse Cavalary as a private. He remained in the Army until his enlistment was up in 1942. He joined up again in 1942, transferred to the Artillery. He served on the Italian Front during WWII. He was discharged as a Major in 1947. Since his profession of 40 years as a used car auctioneer only required two days work a week, he had many hobbies: training Labrador Retrievers for field trials, owned and bet race horses. The last year of his life were spent on a spiritual quest. His 33 years in AA was where he began, volunteering for hospice and reading gave him the peace he needed for the end of his journey. He was a wonderful husband, fabulous cook, avid reader and raconteur extraordinaire. He will be missed by his family and many friends. A celebration of his life is planned for a later date. Arrangements by U OF A ANATOMICAL PROGRAM.
11 comments:
He sure led an interesting life. Being an old vet I would have loved to hear his stories of being in the US Army's horse cavalry. Too bad his daughter chose the path she chose. RIP ol' vet.
He reminds me of Col. Potter from M.A.S.H.
I agree Doc. The obit says he was a "raconteur extraordinaire". I bet he was full of great stories.
Does the part about the anatomical program mean that med students are going to practice on him?
I bet Brenda's dad could tell a story or two.
Brought sadness he had to live a tough Life
The pain Lesslie brought him
God Bless
http://bodydonation.med.arizona.edu/
He spent 33 years in AA.
I assume Leslie's situation turned him into an alcoholic?
That was bad to say huh? lol
I wonder if Monkeyboy Jim is filling out a condolence card right now?
he was an alcoholic before leslie was born, she has said she never saw him take a drink.
Huh. Did no one else notice that there was no mention of how he was a good father?! I find that interesting.
Thanks for the link, Liz.
http://bodydonation.med.arizona.edu/
Huh. Did no one else notice that there was no mention of how he was a good father?! I find that interesting.
That's one of the first things I noticed too, ReesesPeace. SMH.
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