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Jeffrey Mark Houska, 52, of Albuquerque, NM, passed away on December 10, 2002, from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident. Jeff was born in Chamberlain, SD, to Josephine (Casey) and R. James Houska. He graduated from Rapid City Central High School, SD, in 1968. He received an Associates of Science degree in Nursing from Mesa College, AZ, in 1976, and a Family Nurse Practitioner Certification from Wichita State University, KS, in 1978. Jeff worked in Albuquerque as a nurse practitioner since 1983 and was President, CEO, and founding medical provider of CliniMed Corporation, established in 1991. He was an active member and past-president of the New Mexico Nurse Practitioner Council, and was key in getting legislation passed which enabled New Mexico's nurse practitioner's to practice virtually independently. He also served on the Presbyterian Health Plan Technology Assessment Committee for 3 years. In addition to his career-oriented involvement, Jeff was a great friend to and a financial supporter of the High Desert Pipes and Drums of Albuquerque, and the Black Hills Playhouse of Custer, SD. He leaves behind his children, James, 16, of Los Lunas, and Catherine, 21, of Albuquerque; mother, Josephine Houska of Rapid City, SD; sisters, Gail Thompson of Rapid City, SD, and Lynn Symington of Hillsboro, OR; brothers, Gregory Houska of Missoula, MT, Barry Houska of Rapid City, SD, and Scot Houska of Grand Junction, CO; and a large extended family. Jeff loved his adventuresome life, his family, his music, and taking on challenges. His most formidable and time-consuming but ultimately his favorite challenge was raising his two children. He was a published author of a medical thriller, The Pandora Factor, a patented inventor, a"pseudo-homosapiel taxidermist," an avocational artist and musician, and above all had a vivid entrepreneurial fire burning inside him which was his driving force. He cherished companionship of friends and family members in the enjoyment of his many, many passions. His enthusiam and friendship will be greatly missed. The family wishes to express their appreciation to all who have provided such wonderful support over the past several months. A Memorial Service will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 19, 2002, at Sandia Funeral Care, 7601 Wyoming Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to High Desert Pipes and Drums, Albuquerque, NM, the Black Hills Playhouse, Custer, SD, or Storybook Island Park, Rapid City, SD. Arrangements are by Sandia Funeral Care 7601 Wyoming Blvd NE (505) 821-0010.
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