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Bruce Houck passed away peacefully on December 10, 2025, at the age of 91. Born on February 15, 1934, in Fort Frances, Ontario, Bruce lived a life defined by dedication to family, service to his country and province, and a deep commitment to community.
Bruce was raised in Fort Frances, where he met the love of his life, Pearl Taylor. After a short courtship, they knew they were meant for one another and were married on October 5, 1955. Together, they shared a devoted partnership that spanned seven decades, marked by mutual respect, support, and adventure.
Early in his working life, Bruce held several jobs before proudly serving in Korea with the Canadian military. Upon his return to Canada, he began a 35-year career with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, a role that would take Bruce and his family across Ontario’s most treasured landscapes.
His first posting in 1957 was on a remote island on Basswood Lake along the Minnesota border within Quetico Provincial Park. In 1961, the family returned to Fort Frances while Bruce attended Ranger School. Upon completion, the family moved to Nestor Falls to Caliper Lake Provincial Park. Bruce’s career later brought them to Ipperwash Provincial Park (1970–1973), Pinery Provincial Park (1973–1981), and finally to Burlington, where Bruce completed his career at Bronte Creek Provincial Park. He retired in 1992 after 35 years of dedicated public service.
Throughout their many moves, Pearl was always at Bruce’s side, supporting their shared life and family. Bruce, in turn, was equally devoted—especially later in life—proudly supporting Pearl in her many pursuits and passions.
Bruce was a devoted father to his two sons and the eldest brother to many siblings, a role he carried with quiet leadership, care, and responsibility throughout his life.
He is survived by Tim Houck (Faith) of Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Ted Houck (Mary Ann) of Sarnia, Ontario; grandchildren Kim Houck and Taylor Houck of Halifax; Jeremy (Lauren) Houck of Sarnia, and Jason (Jen) Houck of Fort Gratiot, Michigan; and was a loving Grampy to Colton, Harrison, Beckett, and Hadleigh.
Bruce was predeceased by his beloved granddaughter, Kristen Houck (1992), daughter of Tim and Faith, who was forever held in his heart.
Community service was central to Bruce’s values. Wherever his career took him, he and Pearl were actively involved in their communities, contributing their time and energy to foster connection, kindness, and support.
Bruce will be remembered for his strong work ethic, quiet leadership, loyalty, and deep love for his family. His legacy lives on through the values he instilled, the lives he touched, and the family he cherished.
A celebration of Bruce’s life will be held at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to Smith Funeral Home, 1576 London Line, Sarnia. Memories and condolences may be sent online at smithfuneralhome.ca
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bruce’s memory to St. Joseph’s Hospice:
www.stjosephshospice.ca/donate-online
