Remembering Brian “Houly” Houliston
When I arrived at Avondale College in 1981, the ground floor of the Audo was Brian “Houly” Houliston’s domain. This is where we attended woodwork, metalwork and technical drawing classes. In 1966, Brian had been instrumental in the introduction of the specialist academic program, now known as the Bachelor of Education in Technological and Applied Studies. Upon his retirement in 1994, after 31 years at Avondale, it is estimated Brian helped prepare more than 200 graduates to serve in all sectors of education and related fields. Tony Martin, Dr Richard Morris, Associate Professor Tony Williams and I are proud to be among them.
My student memories of Brian include expertly demonstrated (not so expertly replicated) woodworking joints and his famous speed testing of the dovetail, mortise and tenon variety. Brian was also my welding teacher, I remember his affirmation of my fillet welds. He was not as impressed with a hurriedly completed shoe shine box I made out of rosewood—I’m reminded of him each time I use it.
As a leader, Brian was the quintessential Christian gentleman. I remember him as not only my teacher and department head but as a deeply spiritual man, a long-serving Head Elder of Avondale College Seventh-day Adventist Church and, from time to time, preacher of the hour.
When I returned as a staff member in 1987, Brian was my first line-manager as Head of the Department of Art Design and Technology. I appreciated the support he gave to me and to the physical education program. Passionate for young adults to learn practical skills, Brian was saddened when Avondale ceased to offer industrial technology in 2003. I would like to think that sadness was somewhat relieved by its re-introduction in 2009.
Brian leaves a significant legacy at Avondale, for which we will be forever grateful. Houly, I look forward to building something with you in a world made new.
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