Benny Wayne Houk, a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend, died July 21, 2004, from injuries sustained in an accident, which occurred in Enterprise, Ore.

Benny was born in Knoxville, Tenn., March 12, 1939, to Clarence L. Houk and Frances E. (Cummins) Houk.

He enlisted in the Navy in 1955 at the young age of 16. This is where he found his calling in life as an aviation fire control technician. His career took him to many places and helped him to gain a vast understanding of life and his impact upon it. He retired from the Navy in 1977 as an aviation electronics master chief petty officer (AVCM), the highest obtainable enlisted rank. He moved to Everett where he took another life long position at Aviation Instrument Repair Services. He felt at ease in this position due to his ability to trouble shoot and repair the many pieces of equipment they worked on. In 2003 he finally took a partial retirement and he and Sue began traveling.

He met Susan (Walton) Houk in Oak Harbor 1962. After a short courtship they were wed, April 23, 1963, in Vancouver, B.C. Shortly after their wedding they were sent to Japan to begin a life together filled with much love.

In his spare time he enjoyed creating through his wood working projects, camping and helping his kids with their many projects.

Benny is survived by his wife of 41 years Susan, sons Brian of Arlington, Jeffrey of Oak Harbor, daughter-in-law Laura of Oak Harbor, and his grandchildren Carmen, 15, and Jonathan, 13.

A wake will be held at the Burlington Senior Center, Saturday, Nov. 6, from noon to 2 p.m.