September 24, 1939 – May 23, 2026
It is with deep love and sadness that the family of William Wilfred “Fred” Houle announce his peaceful passing on May 23, 2026, at the age of 86.
Fred was the beloved husband and lifelong partner of Sandra (Ricalton), and a devoted father to Kirby and Danné (Angerilli), Craig and Kathy (Vallee), Steven and Tracey (Campbell), Corey and Toni (Heffern), and Faith (predeceased).
He was an immensely proud grandfather to Jadyn and Steven, Carson and Vanessa, Kiersten and Emma, Nicholas and Karina, Brendan, Dawson and Rebecca, Thomas, and Ryan, and a loving great-grandfather to Aubrey and Gia.
Fred was the cherished son of Lionel and Frances (Burke) Houle, and son-in-law of Bill and Helen (McColeman) Ricalton, all predeceased.
He will be dearly missed by his siblings and their families: Don and Aralinda (predeceased), Marjorie and Terry Powell (predeceased), Joe and Paulette, Pat and Donelda, Jane and Marcel Roy, Bonnie, and Frances (predeceased) and Thomas (predeceased).
Fred was also deeply loved by his extended family, including Myrna Goulard, Judy Ricalton, Al and Cora Pullen, and Elody and Vince, as well as many nieces and nephews to whom he was a caring and devoted uncle.
A hardworking and respected member of the community, Fred dedicated more than 25 years to owning and operating Houle’s Red & White grocery store in Massey. He later owned and operated Houle’s Bus Line for 10 years before retiring at the age of 63. Fred also proudly served for 20 years as a member of the Espanola School Board and spent many years coaching his sons’ hockey teams.
Fred had a remarkable gift for friendship and treasured the many connections he made throughout his life, both at home and during his travels across Canada and around the world. He loved a good game of cards, he was always keeping score. He was also a devoted sports fan who faithfully cheered for the Toronto Blue Jays and the Toronto Maple Leafs. A natural athlete, Fred enjoyed playing baseball in his younger years and later found joy in golf and curling.
Known for his warm smile, gentle nature, and comforting words, Fred was a true gentleman who led by example and leaves behind a legacy of kindness, humility, faith, and love. His unwavering faith in God guided the way he lived his life and the way he cared for others.
Though he is no longer with us, Fred’s memory will live on forever in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the nurses, PSWs, and doctors at Health Sciences North (ARCC), City of Lakes Family Health Team, and Dr. Goodale for the compassionate care and kindness shown to Fred and his family.
A memorial mass will be held on Saturday, May 30th, 2026 at 10:30am in St. Patrick’s Church, 39 Walford Road, Sudbury, followed by a luncheon in the Church Hall. Interment in the Massey Cemetery will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Fred’s memory made directly to St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, the Red Cross, or Health Sciences North (ARCC) would be greatly appreciated.