Warren Jacob "Jake" Houck

Jake was a GREAT TEACHER, Mentor, and Friend. He had a great sense of humor. When studying specimens for an exam in natural history of the vertebrates, my friend, Bob Edens, and I were studying specimens into the late evening, and we forgot to log out (a requirement) of the lab. The next morning before the exam, Professor Houck stated, "I see that Eley and Edens studied all night and are still in the lab." Bob and I were mortified as we didn't know what was coming next. He laughed and...

I do not know Jake Houck but reading his obituary out of interest, I was inspired. We all look at the accomplishments in a persons career, and they are amazing, but to look at a persons accomplishments with their family...wow. Sixty two years of marriage, children and one grandchild. The academic world can be tough, but a family, well, it can be even tougher. I admire him from that perspective. I hope that it was an amazing journey.

I was a student in one of Dr Houck's
Comparative Anatomy classes back in the mid '60's. He was an inspiration to me
then and now. My condolences to the family.

I was looking in Walker's 'Mammals of the World' for more info on Bryde's whale; there on page 1115 was a photo of Jake feeding a Grampus. That's how I remember him. I did some web searching and was saddened to hear that he had passed away. So sorry to hear he's gone.

Bill Stearn
HSU 1972

Jake was a great professor of Mammalogy and Natural History of the Vertebrates. He was fun to be with in the field. During my tenure in Mammalogy was when Jake went to Oregon to view the Bigfoot films. I remember his commentary on it on the radio. It was hysterical as were the later discussions in mammalogy. His interests in marine mammals helped me focus my research career. I always remember with a smile how Jake referred to the text for Natural History of the Vertebrates. He always...

Thank you Jake for your guidance as my mentor as an undergraduate and as a faculty colleague at Humboldt State University. My knowledge and success as a biologist is largely dependent on you. I will miss you very much.

Fair but tough - a great educator - thanks for sharing your love of biology with us - many fond memories of Dr Houcks classes at HSU

Thinking of you all during this time, though I didn't know Mr. Houck very well, Judy and Mrs. Houck were very important people in my life during Job's Daughters.... May God give you all the comfort you need and may you feel Him near you this very moment. With love,Gerri