Napoleon Solomon Houle

It is with great sadness that our family announces the passing of our dearest Napoleon Solomon Houle.  His sudden passing on Thursday, July 21, 2022 in Winnipeg, Manitoba has been totally devastating and we find comfort from this pain knowing that he is with his family and ancestors on the other side.

Napoleon was born on October 9,1963 in Gladstone.  He attended Sandy Bay Indian Residential and Day school, and later on Fort Richmond collegiate in Winnipeg.  Napoleon left Sandy Bay to pursue employment in Winnipeg.  His work in construction led him to become a Foundation Specialist which he enjoyed and was appreciated by the many tradespeople he came to know throughout the 1980’s to 2022.  Most recently, Napoleon enjoyed his new career as a stay-at-home dad/grandpa. He was the proud father of five sons, four daughter and eight grandchildren.

In the latter part of 1987, Napoleon met Gloria Cochrane and they married September 1, 2014 in Winnipeg.  They went on to have two sons, Brandon and Keenan.  Napoleon adored his wife and was very proud of her kindness, work ethic, and strength.  His love for family shone through him, especially when he would refer to Gloria as “my beautiful wife”. It was immensely heartwarming to hear of him speak of each of his children, lovingly. He leaves a strong legacy of children and grandchildren who are blessed to be bonded with one another. Napoleon ensured that his children knew one another and told them about who they were and where they lived.

Napoleon was truly proud of his accomplishments and achievements in his pursuit of a life of sobriety for almost four years.  He became very interested in the cultural and traditional aspects of being Anishinabe.  He attended the Turtle Lodge in Sagkeeng, became a speaker in AA meetings and shared about his life with courage, gratitude, and humility.

Napoleon was predeceased by his parents, Gladys and Solomon Houle, brother Clifford, sisters, Doreen, Sonia, Vivian Ferguson and Catherine Mousseau.

He is survived by his wife, Gloria Cochrane and their sons, Brandon and Keenan, Michael Roy of Kamloops BC, Craig Houle-Burton (Francis) of God’s Lake, Tyler Lathlin (Kayleen) of Winnipeg, and daughters, Rachel Lathlin (Ludo) of Detroit, Tamara Fillion (Rheal) of Calgary, Tashina Lathlin and Kalia Morrisseau of Winnipeg. Grandchildren, Avery, Heidi, Casey, Craig, Brayden, Chandelle, Ryder, Annabella, Anthony, Hailey, Treyson, Alaya, Luis Jr and Zoraida.

He is also survived by his brothers, Robert (Paul) of Toronto, Alex of Portage, Francis of Winnipeg (Carol) and sisters, Marilyn Beaulieu, Sandra Beaulieu (Joe Vine), Delores Roulette (Richard) of Sandy Bay, Stella Bone (Norman) of Keeseekoowenin, Roberta Riglin (Ed) of Brandon, Kim McKay (Murray) of Rolling River and brother-in-law, Ron Mousseau of Portage.

He also leaves to mourn many nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends.

For all who knew Napoleon, he was a very good provider, partner, dancing partner and on occasion, do a fast jig.  Napoleon loved to visit his family and friends and in his presence there was always lots of laughter, humor and good old fashioned jokes.  He will be sadly missed by family, friends and will be forever in our hearts, never to be forgotten.

Wake Services will be held on Friday, July 29, 2022 at the residence of Delores and Richard Roulette starting at 4:00 p.m. for family viewing and 6:00 p.m., thereafter.  Celebration of Life funeral service will be on Saturday, July 30, 2022 at the Our Lady of Guadalupe Church at 2:00 p.m. Cremation will take place and interment will be held at a later date.

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