Thomas W. "Houly" Houle Obituary (1959

CHICHESTER- Thomas W. Houle, 63, of Chichester passed peacefully in his sleep on Friday, May 27, 2022 at his camp in Tilton. Known to the biker community as "Houly," Tom was a bit of a force with a strong wit, a passion for helping others, and an incredible gift for the restoration and repair of motorcycles. He was the owner-operator of Grateful Sleds in Chichester and had brought many a Vintage bike back to their original glory. Although Houly's heart ended up unable to sustain his health, he had the biggest heart in the world. Kindness erupted from him as he stood up for the elderly in town politics, ran fundraisers at " The Shop" all summer for many different causes, discounted repairs for those who needed it and opened his place to many who sought a place to belong. Educated locally at Chichester School and Pembroke Academy, his real education came at the hand of many mechanics who taught him the ropes of motorcycle repair and restoration. His knowledge was famous, he could tell you the make and year of many bikes from the sound of the engine when they pulled into the yard. Active in town politics, he was a member of the Chichester Planning Board and was a constant in town events. Houly was a man you couldn't help but love. He gave so much to so many. Predeceased by his brother-in-law, Moe Martel, his brother, Tim Houle and many friends in the biker community, he leaves many friends and family members including his parents Margery and Terry Houle, his fiancee and true love of his life, Karen Wildes and her family, his daughters Tara Hansen and Katherine Norris, his sister, Jean Richards and her husband Albert, his sister-in-law Bea Martel, his brother Ray Houle and wife Lu, his nephew Jon Martel and his nieces Lena Boulanger, Becca Richards, Sarah Christie, Rachel Smith, and Amanda, and all of their families, his mentor Buddy Mayville and many, many close friends. Please join us in celebrating the life and legacy of Tom "Houly'' Houle on Monday June 13th at 11:00 A.M. at Grateful Sleds, 345 Suncook Valley Rd. in Chichester, NH. We will have a luncheon to follow and the Memorial Ride to begin with kickstands up at 2:00 pm. We will pay tribute to Houly and continue to honor Moe. Sporting your tie dye or Sleds apparel is highly encouraged, but not required. In lieu of flowers donations of money or canned goods can be made to the Chichester Food Pantry in his name. Assisting the family with arrangements is The Roan Family Funeral Home - Still Oaks Chapel of Epsom. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.roanfamilyfuneral.com