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Gary Houk Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Gary Houk
Dawn Wendorff
March 28, 2009
Randi, I'm so sorry to learn of Gary's passing. I was surprised to know he had been ill when I saw you at the play. I'm glad you had time to enjoy. I'm sure you brought the humor of that evening and so much more home to him. I had looked for you after that evening and never came up with the correct results.
My thoughts and prayers are with you, Shannon and your extended family.
Fondly, Dawn
Don DePerro
August 25, 2008
On behalf of myself and the entire Business First family, we send our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the family of Gary Houk.
Gary and I served on the board of the Business Technology Center, now TechColumbus, for more than six years. Gary was a great guy and an important member of our Central Ohio technology community.
He will be missed.
Lynn Fauvie (Houk)
August 20, 2008
Dear Randi, Shannon & Houk Family,
We were so saddened to hear of Gary's passing. It's just too unfair for someone so young. Growing up as cousins, we truly had a blast together as kids and always strived to cause a 'little' trouble. (Does anyone have a photo where we didn't cross our eyes and stick out our tongues?)
Mom so appreciated Gary's visit a while ago at the nursing home too. Brought back so many memories.
We loved Gary and want you to know our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Love, Bessie, Becky, Lynn, Bonnie, John, and Debbie (Houk)
patti king
August 20, 2008
Randi,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I am in California with my daughter and will not be home until next week. I just wanted to let you know that I am thinking of you and Shannon and sending hugs, caring thoughts, and wishes for strength your way.
Gary was a great, great person. I am so deeply sorry, words cannot express.
Take care of yourself.
How you can show support
The Guthrie Family
August 20, 2008
Our hearts and prayers are with Randi, Shannon and the Houk Family.
In Deepest Sympathy,
Becky Babyak
August 20, 2008
Randi - I am very sorry to hear of Gary's passing. Unfortunately I am out of the country at the Sheffield office and will not be able to attend the funeral or calling hours. I have been employed at OCLC for over 20 years and worked with Gary on many projects. I was also fortunate enough to have Gary as my boss for several years. He was a great mentor and leader. He will be missed by OCLC staff and the many people he worked with and helped in the Dublin Community. Condolences to you and your family.
Carl Brack
August 20, 2008
I had only known Gary for a short time, but during that time I recognized what a kind and caring person he truly was. He will be missed.
Smokey Williams
August 20, 2008
I was very fortunate to have met Gary through our membership at Wedgewood, we served together on our Board, and participated in some of the most wonderful and unbelievable competitive golf matches throughout the years, ALL of which I will never forget. No matter what Gary ever did or ever touched, he did it with integrity and with a first class touch. Gary will be extremely missed by ALL and my prayers and thoughts are extended to Randi, Shannon and all of Gary's family.
Beth Carpenter
August 19, 2008
Gary will truly be missed. I have many great memories growing up with Shannon and spending time with Randy and Gary.
George Sapon
August 19, 2008
Dear Ran,
It is just so terribly difficult not to be there with you and your family. There are always those many thoughts and memories we have both before and after that bring us all manner of feelings. Some feelings are mixed with pain, some with comfort, others with relief, and some even with the memories of joy. I pray you will continue to celebrate life with those memories of a loving husband who left something very beautiful behind as he moved on to be in God's grace and care. Andrea's and my love always to you, Shannon, Mom & Joe, R.C. & Carolyn, Mom Hofius, and family.
Steve Hamilton
August 19, 2008
You will be missed.
renee miller
August 19, 2008
I can't tell you how sorry I am that it has been so long since we have seen eachother. Just know all my prayers and love are with you and I will miss you poolshark.
Mark Matson
August 19, 2008
I had the privilege of working with Gary for 18 years at OCLC in my various roles in Human Resources. Gary was devoted to the company, its members, and its employees. And he loved figuring out how technology could improve "access to the world's information". I appreciated Gary's sense of humor - reminding us not to take ourselves too seriously. That relieved pressure and actually helped us find better solutions quickly. My sympathy to Randi and family and to my many friends and former colleagues at OCLC on this big loss.
Emerald EyeCare /Dr. Kathleen Murphy
August 19, 2008
The staff at Emerald EyeCare are sadden by the loss of Gary. Gary has been a cherished friend for years. We have all admired Gary for his wit, humor, and positive outlook on life. Our heartfelt condolences go to Randi, Shannon and family. God has called Gary home and given him peace. Our prayers are will you all!
Lisa Bugay
August 19, 2008
My prayers are with you Randi, Shannon, Houk and Hofius family. Gary was surrounded by a wonderful family and will be greatly missed.
Bruce Barnes
August 19, 2008
This is extremely sad news news. When I first returned to Columbus and then joined OCLC over 30 years ago, Gary was one of the first folks I met there and clearly one of the finest. Since then, I have been privileged to know him, learn from him, laugh with him, and call him a friend. His manner, his principles, as well as his deep dedication to both his community and (especially) his family are examples of what we should all try to be. I will sincerely miss him. Randi,...my deepest sympathies to you and your entire family.
Ron and Nancy Bugay
August 19, 2008
I've known Gary through my brother Dale and Patty. We'd get together on family occasions. Gary was always so easy to talked to and he made you feel so important. He always had a smile on his face and loved to offer an opinion on OSU sports. He and Randi are the most loving, hospitable people and I remember one year when I lived in Columbus they out of the blue invited me over i believe for Thanksgiving dinner and wouldn't take no for an answer. Gary always had open arms and treated everyone with kindness and respect. I remember he and Randi always kept their house door open during The Memorial Tournament so we could use it as a halfway shelter, no questions asked. Gary's life was cut short, but we all can be proud of his dedication to community service and to his family.
My wife Nancy and I want to pass along our deepest sympathy and our prayers out to Randi, Shannon, Ben and the whole Houk family.
You always made me laugh. Love you Bro.
August 19, 2008
Rick & Sandy Hodge
August 19, 2008
I was deeply saddened to hear of Gary's passing. During my 23+ years at OCLC Gary was a respected colleague, mentor, boss, friend and golf adversary. It was such a pleasure to work with, and for, him. He motivated those around him by his exuberance and passion for his work. I will miss him but never forget him, most of all that wry smile that always graced his face. My deepest condolences to his wife, Randi, and family.
Cindy Groeniger
August 19, 2008
Gary will be truly missed by Dublin AM Rotary and by those who knew him through TechColumbus. Gary served as Chair for TechColumbus' CIOhio, 2007 until he became ill and had to resign. However, he made it to the November event and we were able to convince him to stay for the dinner. Everyone was thrilled to see Gary. He also served on the monthly CIO Forum and was host to the group earlier this year at OCLC. Gary continued to work, returning many, many emails, and never giving up hope. He fought such a courageous fight and through it all kept a positive attitude and a smile on his face.
Gary is at peace now, the pain is gone. My deepest sympathy to Randi, Shannon, Ben and the entire Houk family.
Norm and Bev Bugay
August 19, 2008
Sorry for your loss. Gary was a great person! Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Karen Barger
August 19, 2008
Gary was my hero as a child. I looked up to him and wanted to be just like him. Even though I did not spend much time with him as an adult I was always so very proud of my brother and still wanted to be just like him. I will miss him so very very much. He was blessed with a wonderful wife and daughter. His time here with us was too short, but Gary made the most out of each and every day.We could all learn a lesson from him. He had more love and support from friends and family that some of us could only hope for. I love you brother.
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