HOUGEN, Charles

HOUGEN

1925-2019

CHARLES “CHARLIE” HOUGEN, beloved husband of Dolores Hougen, of Foremost, AB passed away on July 24, 2019 at the age of 94 years. Besides his loving wife of 63 years, he is survived by his five children: David (Lisa) Hougen, JoAnne Hougen, Renae (David Yamabe) Hougen, James (Carol) Hougen, Gordon (Carrie) Hougen and 13 grandchildren: CariAnn Olson, Kyle (Stephanie) Hougen, Joel (Lindsey) Hougen, Darren (Lenae Brunn) Ross, Ryan Ross, Matthew Carriere, Mackenzie (James) Penner, Taylor (Marienel) Carriere, Steven (Erin) Hougen, Andrew (Amanda) Hougen, Michelle (Jess) Cowie, Julia (Kent) Bodin, and Travis (Jamie) Hougen. Charlie was a great-grandfather to 19 great-grandchildren.

He is survived by two brothers Arne and Marvin and one sister Myrtle Allison. He was predeceased by brothers Trygve, Palmer, Engwald and Magnus.

Charlie was born four miles north of Foremost on his mother’s birthday, March 13, 1925. He attended the Sunalta School and later Foremost School. He grew up working hard and playing sports with his siblings. His love of farming began when he was seventeen years old; he discovered that hard work led to many opportunities – one such opportunity was to buy land from Paul Medhurst. With this land purchase and many others Charlie and Dolores formed Chin Valley Ranch.

As a young man, Charlie played many sports – hockey for the Foremost Flyers, baseball for the Foremost Braves, curling and golf. He loved the competition and gave it his all. Many times he came home victorious.

He was instrumental in the planning and construction of the Foremost Civic Centre (hockey rink and curling rink) and the improvements to the Foremost Golf Course. His children, grandchildren and citizens of Foremost continue to enjoy using these facilities to this day. Once his boys started playing hockey, he took on the role of coach for many years. He taught not only the sport but many life skills to his players.

Charlie and Dolores enjoyed spending many winters in Arizona with his siblings. He enjoyed attending and hearing about his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s events and always had time to watch their videos and hear their stories.

Every spring and fall Charlie and Dolores would drive around the country keeping tabs on the progress the boys were making during seeding and harvest. Farming and ranching was in his blood and was not only a job but a way of life. He has left a wonderful legacy and will be greatly missed.

A Private Family Funeral will be held. For those who wish, memorial donations may be made in Charlie’s name to the Foremost Golf Club (Box 382, Foremost, AB T0K 0X0) or the future Riding Arena (Foremost and District Agricultural Society, Box 338, Foremost, AB, T0K 0X0).

To send a condolence, please visit www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com