Houle, William Wilfred “Fred”
September 24, 1939 – May 23, 2026
With heavy hearts and lots of love, the family announces that William Wilfred “Fred” Houle passed away peacefully on May 23, 2026, at the age of 86.
Fred was the loving husband and lifelong companion to Sandra (Ricalton), and a proud dad to Kirby and Danné (Angerilli), Craig and Kathy (Vallee), Steven and Tracey (Campbell), Corey and Toni (Heffern), as well as Faith (who passed before him).
He took great pride in being a grandfather to Jadyn and Steven, Carson and Vanessa, Kiersten and Emma, Nicholas and Karina, Brendan, Dawson and Rebecca, Thomas, and Ryan. He also enjoyed being a great-grandfather to Aubrey and Gia.
Fred was the son of Lionel and Frances (Burke) Houle. He was also son-in-law to Bill and Helen (Mc Coleman) Ricalton; all have passed before him.
His siblings and their families who will miss him include Don and Aralinda (deceased), Marjorie and Terry Powell (deceased), Joe and Paulette, Pat with Donelda, Jane with Marcel Roy, Bonnie; along with Frances (deceased) and Thomas (deceased).
Fred’s extended family meant a lot to him too – folks like Myrna Goulard, Judy Ricalton, Al and Cora Pullen, Elody with Vince – plus many nieces & nephews who always found in him a caring uncle.
A respected man in his community who worked hard all his life. Fred spent over 25 years running Houle’s Red & White grocery store in Massey. Then he owned Houle’s Bus Line for ten years before retiring at age 63. On top of that he served on the Espanola School Board for two decades-and coached hockey teams his boys played on.
Friendship came naturally to Fred; he valued every connection he made across Canada during his travels too. He loved playing cards-always keeping score! And yeah-he was an avid fan of the Toronto Blue Jays baseball team as well as the Toronto Maple Leafs hockey squad. Back in younger days baseball was his game but later golf plus curling brought him joy.
You could count on Fred’s warm smile combined with a gentle nature plus kind words from time to time-a real gentleman through-and-through who lived by example showing kindness humbly while trusting God deeply throughout life.
Though gone now physically from us all here today – he stays alive forever inside everyone who knew or loved him dearly.
The family sincerely thanks nurses , PSWs , doctors at Health Sciences North (ARCC) , City of Lakes Family Health Team , along with Dr. Goodale for their kindness & compassionate care given during Fred’s final days.
A memorial mass is set for Saturday , May 30th , 2026 starting at 10:30am at St. Patrick’s Church located at 39 Walford Road in Sudbury followed by lunch downstairs in Church Hall. Burial services will happen later out at Massey Cemetery.
If you want to honor Fred’s memory without flowers please consider donating directly either to St. Patrick’s Catholic Church , The Red Cross or Health Sciences North ( ARCC ) instead. Ranger’s Cremation & Burial Services Ltd are handling arrangements. You can leave condolences online here : www. rangerssudbury. com.
