Richard Houck, MD, who is retiring after spending 46 years on the Franciscan St. Anthony Health-Michigan City medical staff, is revered by patients, colleagues and as it turns out, the Indiana General Assembly.
Lawmakers recently adopted a resolution, saluting the services of the Michigan City native and opthalmologist, who, it said, “has dedicated his life to helping those in need and is the embodiment of all that is good in mankind.”
The resolution was introduced by state Reps. Scott Pelath, D-Michigan City; and Thomas Dermody, R-LaPorte; and sponsored by state Sens. Karen Tallian, D-Portage; and James Arnold, D-LaPorte. It was presented on their behalf by Vidya Kora, MD; to a grateful and humble Dr. Houck, at a retirement celebration at the Indiana Education Foundation location here.
The resolution documented the Air Force veteran’s personal, education and career history and praised his community services and associated honors, among them a 2014 Good Samaritan Service Award and a 2006 Distinguished Hoosier honor that was presented by then-governor Mitch Daniels.
Dr. Houck and wife, Jean, also have volunteered since 1970 at International Friendship Gardens here, where he has served as board president. He likewise cofounded the Northern Indiana Association for Children with Learning Disabilities.
Dr. Houck has served as hospital medical staff president, LaPorte County Medical Society president, and as an Indiana State Medical Association trustee and assistant treasurer.