Bernice "Bernie" Houston

On Memorial Day Weekend 2012, on the night of the Full Moon, Bernice “Bernie” Houston, sailor, author, world traveler (86 countries) and circumnavigator, in a surprise move slipped her shore lines and cast off single-handed, from the shores of this earthly vale, other worlds to explore.

Bernie was 87 years young, born in Daisy, Oklahoma on July 15, 1924 to George & Belle Williamson. A longtime Cave Junction resident, she worked at Hammer’s Market for ten years. For the past 12 years she has resided in Chiloquin.

She enjoyed sailing and traveling the world.

Left behind are her sister, Dessie Hinds and her family; her Lover and Skipper of 35 years, Ed Atkin; her adopted daughters and sons, Barbara and Mike Vitto, David and Lori Atkin/Maddox; grandchildren, Misha and Rob, Ethan and Jami, Carson and Tyee; four great-grandchildren; and a throng worldwide whom she touched with her love and friendship and her amazing accomplishments.

A sister, Emma Kimbler died before her.

Any tokens of love and remembrance may be made to the Gospel Rescue Mission, PO Box 190, Grants Pass, Oregon 97528.

No public services are planned. Illinois Valley Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.

For those interested in the book, One Wave at a Time, written by Bernie Houston & Ed Adkin recounting their travels, please go to Amazon.com.