CHARLIE HOUGEN

1948 - 2010

Charles Thomas Hougen, beloved husband of Linda Hougen of Foremost, passed away at the Bow Island Health Centre on Thursday, March 11, 2010 at the age of 61 years.
Besides his loving wife Linda, Charlie is survived by three children and their families, Gale (Darcy) Huisman of Foremost and their children Kyle, Eric and Jaiden; Mark Hougen of Foremost; Tracy (Greg) Seefried of Foremost and their children Adam and Jenna. He is also survived by his mother Peggy Hougen of Bow Island, sister Terry (Mike) Chiarizia of Cochrane and their children Lee and Danny and by his father-in-law Frank Heck of Bow Island.
He was predeceased by his father Trygve Hougen and his mother-in-law Vale Heck.
Charlie was born in Lethbridge on December 8, 1948. In 1968 Charlie married Linda Heck and remained in Foremost where they raised their three children. That same year, Charlie started working for the County Of Forty Mile as a Heavy Equipment Operator. He continued to work for the County and eventually became their Licensed Partsman. During his forty two year career with the County, the last fourteen have been special years as he has worked closely with his son Mark during this time.
When Charlie was younger, he enjoyed playing almost every sport. He was a member of the local baseball team, golf club and curling club. Charlie was also an active member of the Foremost Elks club and he served with the local ambulance and fire department for many years. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and has left his family with memories from the many camping trips they took together.
Charlie will be sadly missed by his many friends and family who knew his door was always open but most of all, by his five beautiful grandchildren who were the light in his life and the stars in his sky. He enjoyed them more than life itself.
A private family funeral service will be held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 205-2 Street West, Foremost with Reverend Fred Monk officiating. Burial to follow at the Foremost Cemetery. In keeping with Charlie’s wishes for a private family funeral, his friends are reminded that he didn’t want you to mourn him but to raise a glass in his honour.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Charlie’s name may be made directly to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta, Box 2211, Lethbridge, Alberta  T1J 4K7.