Matthew Charles Houle

He was born in Escanaba, Mich., to Irving C Houle and Gail (LaChapelle) Houle on Feb. 15,1961, where he lived until he graduated in 1979. Matt married the love of his life, Salli (Snowaert) Houle on July 19, 1986, and they later welcomed a beautiful son, Ian Matthew.

He entered a lifelong career as athletic director and coach at Gladstone High School. Matt loved being part of the Gladstone Brave community and was a role model on and off the field. His motivation, energy and passion for Gladstone High and every student he met was second to none. Matt poured his heart and soul into the school that he believed in and was so committed to it as an athletic director, coach, mentor and assistant vice principal of the middle school. Prior to Gladstone School, Matt worked for the YMCA as program director, as well as the executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters, in addition to the Specials Olympics of the Upper Peninsula where he made huge differences in the lives of many young people in Delta County. A natural social butterfly and life of the party, he made friendships everywhere he went and will be forever missed by family and thousands of friends. Always in a good mood, he understood better than most that time spent celebrating each moment with the people he loved was precious, especially all the little children in his life. Matt was the apple of their eye at all times. The moments he had were always full of love, laughter and pranks on full speed. He was an avid Packer and University of Michigan Wolverine fan and watched each game with such intensity. He loved to tinker with his antiques in the garage and build unique pieces that had sentimental value to everyone he made them for. He truly loved to live for his family and friends and his little dog Cricket.

In addition to his loving wife, Salli, Matt is survived by: son, Ian Houle of Gladstone, Mich.; mother, Gail Houle of Escanaba, Mich.; brothers, Steve (Peggy) Houle, Escanaba, Mich., John (Lori) Houle, Escanaba, Mich., and Peter Houle (Mark Levesque), Philadelphia, Pa.; twin sister, Margo (Brian) Rout, Columbus, Ind,; several aunts and uncles and several nieces and nephews.

Matt was preceded in death by his father, Irving C Houle.

Family will receive friends Wednesday, Nov. 14, from 3 until 8 p.m. at the Gladstone High School Auditorium. Vigil prayers will conclude visitation at 8 p.m. at the Gladstone High School Auditorium. Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 15, at 11 a.m. at All Saints Catholic Church in Gladstone with Rev. Fr. Jamie Ziminski officiating. Memorials may be sent to the Special Olympics of Delta Country. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the Houle family. Please visit www.skradskifuneralhomes.com where you can leave a message of condolence to the family.