Obituary: Man Roy Houser

He saw himself as a small-town, everyday sort of man, but Roy Houser helped others see the world around them as anything but ordinary. He worked closely with people of the earth, and he understood the importance of stewardship. In retirement, he traveled all 50 states and several other countries to study what lived in the air - birds, among the smallest and most vulnerable of creatures. Roy died March 16, 2013, in Prescott, Ariz., at age 89.

Roy was born at his paternal grandmother's house at the family homestead near Brusett, Mont. When he was very young, his family moved to Bozeman, Mont., where he grew up. Roy joined the U.S. Navy within a few weeks after the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, at the age of 17, and served four years spending considerable time in New Caledonia in the South Pacific. He mustered out as a non-commissioned officer with the rank of Pharmacist's mate 1st Class.

After the war, Roy returned to Bozeman, where he attended college on the GI Bill. He received his Bachelor of Science in range management and botany from Montana State University. For over 30 years he worked as a soil conservationist for the Department of Agriculture in eastern Montana, ultimately managing two of Montana's largest counties for the Soil Conservation Service. Roy helped hundreds of farmers and ranchers through education and assistance with projects designed to care for and improve the land where they lived and worked. "I think we did some good there," he said of those years.

Roy had a lifelong appreciation of music, participating in college choral groups, barbershop quartets and church choirs. He was known as an exceptional tenor with a strong sense of harmony. Roy's children and friends fondly recall his singing on many car trips and around the campfire. They also have many fond memories of fishing, hunting and collecting indigenous artifacts. Roy was always smiling, laughing and joking. His children all agree that, "he is the best Dad ever."

Roy lost his first wife, Elaine, in 1971 and he raised their four children on his own. Roy retired to Prescott, Ariz., in 1978. Prescott reminded him of the old cow towns of Montana in the early days. He met and married Barbara Barton in 1981. They were active in the Audubon Society for many years, and traveled the U.S., Canada and other countries to study the habitat, behavior and life of birds. "Every living thing in our world needs attention," Roy would say.

Roy was preceded in death by his daughter Laurie; his sister Mary Lea Nordstrom; and his stepson Dale Barton. He is survived by his wife Barbara; his sister Louanna Lasher (Ralph); his brother Steve (Susan); his sons, Tim, David (Sue) and Jason (Melanie); and stepsons, Brent (Dayle) and Robert (Janis) Barton. Roy was blessed with 13 grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

Services will be 2 p.m. Saturday, April 20, 2013, at the United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Good Samaritan Hospice, 1065 Ruth St., Prescott, AZ 86301 or the Prescott Audubon Society, P.O. Box 4156, Prescott, AZ 86302.

Information provided by survivors.


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