December 10, 1936 - February 18, 2021
Len Houser passed away at his home in Campbell River. Survived by his sons Gary Houser (Patty), Darcey Houser (Kate), Shane Houser (Linda), and daughter Sherry James, sister Sally Koop, and close friend Jean Webster . Predeceased by his wife Anna, brother Garry Houser, and son-in-law Frank James.
Born in Wells B.C., Len lived his early years in Barkerville, where his passion for the outdoors began. Len's family moved first to 144 Mile House Ranch, and then to Prince George in the early 1940's.
Len met and married Anna Jeppesen in Prince George in 1956 and moved to Vancouver to start their family. In Vancouver, Len began his career in auto sales at Lawson Oats on Broadway, working his way up to sales manager. That is where he started his passion for motorsports, competing in countless rallies, gymkhanas, slaloms, hill climbs, and races.
Len moved to Johnson Motors where he was manager of their high-performance division. Johnson Motors sponsored his winning seasons at Westwood Racetrack where he won his Class A production sedan in his '68 Barracuda. Len joined the Class winners attending the Jim Russell racing school in England. Touring Europe, they also visited the Ferrari and Porsche factories.
Len broke his Class record at the Knox Mountain Hill Climb, an event that he ran several times during the 1960's and early 70's.
In the early 1970's Len moved his family to Campbell River where he pursued his passion for fishing and hunting. He and Anna lived there for years enjoying the company of many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
The family would like to thank Dr. Ramsey for his compassionate care of Len during his illness; the Campbell River Homecare and Palliative Care teams for their kindness and compassion; and his friends and neighbours who dropped in and looked out for him along the way.
We know that Len was grateful to his son Gary, daughter-in-law Patty, and his grandson Michael for their support in his final weeks. Len was a gentleman, and his positive can-do attitude will be missed.
No service by request. There will be a small family gathering at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to the BC Cancer Foundation would be appreciated.