Cornelius "Neil" Houk

Cornelius "Neil" Bailey Houk, aged 74, died on September 2, 2007 at his home. He was born June 20, 1933 to the late Emory and Jeanne Houk in Hillsdale, Michigan. He grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan and was a resident of Durham since 1988. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Durham. After attending the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, he graduated with a B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Chicago in 1955. He attended the San Francisco Theological Seminary where he earned a Masters in Divinity and a Doctorate of Theology. He taught at Pikeville College (Kentucky) and Beirut College for Women (Beirut, Lebanon) where he also served as Acting President. Neil was Associate Pastor at Southfield Presbyterian Church (Michigan) and served on the Interfaith Action Council and the Southfield Human Relations Council. He was Dean of the Chapel and Assistant Professor of Religion at Carroll College in Waukesha, Wisconsin and served on the board of the Waukesha Mental Health Association. He established and edited CHURCH BYTES, the official newsletter for Church Computer Users Network. Neil was a member of the Society of Biblical Literature and published numerous articles on the Old Testament. He was a meeting facilitator for the Prostate Cancer Support Group at the University of North Carolina. Neil also served on the National Council of Americans for Middle East Understanding. Neil is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Alice Joyce Houk (nee Wetzel); three children, Diane (Fred Freiberg) Houk, New York, NY, Kenneth Houk, Millbrae, CA, Peter (Mandy) Houk, Colorado Springs, CO; three grandchildren, Stefan (Elana Benatar) Freiberg, Emma Houk, and Bethany Houk; a sister and brother-in-law, Rhea and Alvo Polson, Saginaw, MI; a brother and sister-in-law, David and Julie Houk, Battle Creek, MI; a sister-in-law, Margaret Houk (late brother Peter), Appleton, WI; and extended family. This much beloved theological scholar, poet, scientist, and humanitarian also leaves behind many friends and colleagues who will miss his gentle wit, compassion, wisdom, and grace. A memorial service will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 8, 2007 at First Presbyterian Church, 305 East Main Street, Durham, NC. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Housing for New Hope, P.O. Box 11867, Durham, NC 27703. Arrangements by the Cremation Society of the Carolinas. Online condolences @ www.cremnc.com.