Today allow me to tell you about some good times I experienced with Paul Houde, because his death saddens me a lot.
Paul Houde was passionate about astronomy, space flight and athletics at the Olympics. He was an outstanding comedian and impersonator, radio host and actor in the film The Boys in his role as the legendary “Fern”. When there was a question about sports, people would humorously say, “Let’s ask Fern for the answer.”
Copycat
Paul was also recognized for his work as a radio impersonator. He took great pleasure in imitating the voice of Ménick, the sports barber. He enjoyed harshly criticizing René Angélil, but one day this turned against Paul.
One evening, during a boxing gala, René Angélil approaches Ménick and me. “Ménick, you should be ashamed of making such derogatory remarks about me.”
Without hesitation, Ménick tries to explain to him that it is Paul Houde who is imitating his voice. No matter what Ménick tries to tell him, René is so furious that he never stops to listen.
His brother Pierre Houde allowed me to experience an unforgettable moment with the duo of the Houde brothers. During Super Bowl XXXIX, Pierre organizes a splendid party at his house and who other than Paul McCartney is the guest singer at halftime.
Paul Houde was a keen admirer of the Beatles. We sang Beatles songs throughout the match, so much so that the match became secondary to us.
Paul and I were at the last Montreal Book Fair, where the topic of conversation was not sport, but the total eclipse of the Sun which will take place on April 8. Paul Houde being an astronomy enthusiast, he explained to me in great detail the total eclipse of the Sun.
Baseball, hockey, movies
I can’t help but think about the baseball game with your son, Paul-Frédéric, at Wrigley Field in Chicago, when Albert Pujols hit three home runs in the same game.
The smile on your lips when your favorite team, the Blackhawks, won the Stanley Cup.
Our analyzes of the films and how much you teased me because I loved watching the film Casablanca.
You never hesitated to point out that if it wasn’t for the support of your wife, Francine Audette, you would never have had such a career.
Paul was passionate about space flight. Today, I hear the astronaut say: “Houston, we have a problem: Paul Houde is gone.”