Mr. Harvey R. Houck, Jr.

Harvey Roy Houck, Jr., born on the 18th of June 1927 in San Antonio, Texas, passed away peacefully at home on Monday aftermoon, the 18th of October 2010, while surrounded by his family and loved ones at the age of 83.

He is preceded in death by his sister, Doris Houck Nelson; his daughter, Harriet Elizabeth Houck; and by his first wife, the late Patricia “Pat” West Houck. He is survived by his loving wife Rosemary Malone Houck, and by his beloved daughters: Trish Houck and her partner Lyssa Jenkens, and Liza Houck Moore and her husband Tom Moore. He is also survived by his pride and joy, granddaughter Reilly Elizabeth Houck, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Harvey was a graduate of The Kinkaid School, attended Texas A & M and graduated from The University of Houston, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. After serving in the U.S. Navy onboard the USS Nevada, Mr. Houck returned to Houston to join his father in his residential real estate business and eventually forged a successful partnership with long-time friend, Charles R. Swain. The two went on to develop numerous commercial real estate projects that included apartment buildings and shopping centers that truly defined the era in which they were built and continue to maintain their commitment to elegance, aesthetics, maintenance, and permanence today. Most notable among their many developments were Allen House Apartments, Westcreek Apartments, Savannah Club, The Georgian, and the redevelopment of Highland Village Shopping Center.

Giving back to his community was something Harvey Houck did quietly, thoughtfully, and often. In addition to supporting numerous charitable organizations through the Houck Family Foundation, he proudly served on the boards of Goodwill Industries of Houston as Chairman Emeritus, St. Martin’s Episcopal Church Foundation, Justice for Children, St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital Board of Trustees, College of Biblical Studies and Inspire Women. He also served on the boards of Texas Commerce Bank, River Oaks Bank and Trust, and River Oaks Country Club. He was a member of Breakfast Club and The Tuesday Tennis Bunch.

Harvey had a gentle smile, a hearty laugh, and a quick wit. He loved tennis, music, hunting, traveling, the company of great friends, and a room with a beautiful view. He will be remembered by those who knew him and loved him for his kind heart, generous spirit, and unwavering faith.

The family would also like to extend their deepest appreciation and gratitude to all those who assisted, served and cared for Mr. Houck for their outstanding care and dedication both recently, and throughout his life.

Friends are cordially invited to gather with the family and share remembrances of Harvey from five o’clock in the afternoon until eight o’clock in the evening on Thursday, the 21st of October, in the Grand Foyer of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston.

The memorial service is to be conducted at eleven o’clock in the morning on Friday, the 22nd of October, at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, 717 Sage Road in Houston, where the Rev. Dr. Russell J. Levenson, Jr., Rector, and the Rev. John R. Bentley, Jr., Priest Associate, are to officiate.

Immediately following the service, all are invited to greet the family during a reception in the adjacent Bagby Parish Hall.

In lieu of traditional remembrances, the family suggests contributions in Harvey’s memory be directed to Goodwill Industries of Houston, 10795 Hammerly Blvd., Houston, TX, 77043; St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, 717 Sage Rd, Houston, TX, 77056; Justice for Children, 2600 Southwest Frwy., Suite 806, Houston, TX, 77098; or to the charity of one’s choice.