Donald Allen Houle

Donald Allen Houle was born June 24th 1957 in Honolulu HI, and died May 21st 2025 in Spokane WA. Don is survived by his partner Dena Zickler, his children Stephanie Datig, Michael Sims, Schylan Houle, and Benjamin Houle, his grandchildren Nyla, Ocealyn, and Naomi, and his great-grandchild, Zahra. Don was a retired airplane and heavy equipment mechanic, and in retirement, created dozens of cedar flower pots that are likely still being enjoyed by gardeners across the area.

Family was always Don's highest priority. He was a passionate father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who always attended soccer games, school events, and personal days of celebration. Pink Floyd could almost always be heard across his garden as they were his first second and third favorite band. Whenever an opportunity presented itself, Don hosted events and would easily be found beside the barbecue. He was the one to seek out advice and counsel from when life presented its difficult trials and tribulations. His simplistic lifestyle shined with such happiness that it was contagious to those lucky enough to be part of his life. His children were raised in summer months at Lake Pend O'Reille where the family had a log cabin passed down from his father Victor Houle and his mother Elsie Jones Houle. His descendants were inevitably infected by the outdoor lifestyle and have always been able to find tranquility from a simple camping trip because of their upbringing. His empathy dominates his legacy and survives in his children their children and whoever is or becomes part of the whole family. Don will be missed, but not soon forgotten.