Sunday, September 2, 2012

I was unaware that Paul Van Houten had passed...

Paul Matthews Van Houten
Old soul and free spirit departed this earth to where his path led him. He will be missed by his wife and devoted friend, Kay; his children, Paul, Leslie, Elizabeth and David; grandchildren, Ben, Molly, Mika, Dana, Coco, Paul; two great-grandchildren, Isa and Soro and friends too numerous to mention. Van began his life's journey in Dumont, Iowa on November 11, 1918. In 1936, he joined the Army Horse Cavalary as a private. He remained in the Army until his enlistment was up in 1942. He joined up again in 1942, transferred to the Artillery. He served on the Italian Front during WWII. He was discharged as a Major in 1947. Since his profession of 40 years as a used car auctioneer only required two days work a week, he had many hobbies: training Labrador Retrievers for field trials, owned and bet race horses. The last year of his life were spent on a spiritual quest. His 33 years in AA was where he began, volunteering for hospice and reading gave him the peace he needed for the end of his journey. He was a wonderful husband, fabulous cook, avid reader and raconteur extraordinaire. He will be missed by his family and many friends. A celebration of his life is planned for a later date. Arrangements by U OF A ANATOMICAL PROGRAM.