Community grieves teacher, coach killed in crash

For friends and family of Houtsma, the loss is almost unbearable.

“It was a shock,” said Lia Hass, wife of Ryan Hass, Brandon’s cousin who lived with the Houtsma family since he was age 11. “Brandon was so young, so full of life.”

For her husband Ryan in particular, the loss of Houtsma is difficult.

“They are cousins, but they were more than that,” Lia said. “They were brothers. They had always been together as kids, and as adults they were such good friends.”

Lia said that Brandon “always had a quick wit, a smart comment, a Dad joke and a piece of hysterical comedy to add to any conversation.” 

Despite that comedic nature, Houtsma was serious about many things, earning two master’s degrees, playing on several different sports leagues and working as a trapper known state-wide as a fur buyer and trader.

“He played on every local league you could think of — baseball, softball, volleyball and every other sport known to man,” Lia said. “I bet he was on 25 different teams over the years. He was an avid golfer, and he supported many local sports teams by being on their golf fundraiser teams.”

Within the community of Ogilvie, where Houtsma and his wife grew up, “He was all around the epitome of small town famous,” Lia said. “Everyone knew and looked forward to bumping into Brandon around town.”

At Cambridge Middle School, Houtsma was famously known as Hootie and “the best teacher ever,” said Lia.  

Superintendent Nate Rudolph called Houtsma “a cherished member of our Cambridge-Isanti family.” 

“He gave so much of himself to the youth and families in our community,” Rudolph continued. “His death will have a personal impact on so many people. He was someone who brought joy, energy and optimism to those all around him. We are a close-knit community, and many students knew him.”

CMS students and families who are looking for a way to share their grief are encouraged to call CMS Principal Chad Gerlach or the counseling office. 

For additional help, parents are encouraged to visit online resources such as ChildMind.org. If more support is needed, they are encouraged to visit the district’s partners at Lighthouse Child and Family Services.

“It’s important to remember that grief is different for everyone. There is no right or wrong way to grieve,” Rudolph said. “How people grieve can be influenced by age, cultural traditions, religious beliefs, mental health and previous experiences. 

“It’s important for adults to just be present for kids; follow their lead,” he added. “Help them to maintain routines and stay connected with others.”

Gerlach told his middle school staff that “Brandon was larger than life and brought positive energy to our CMS family and every student he interacted with in our school district. As a sixth grade math teacher at CMS, football coach at CIHS, youth baseball coach and continuous presence in the weight room, Brandon influenced the lives of thousands of Cambridge-Isanti students over the years.

 “We will always remember his love of the outdoors, but most of all, Brandon will be remembered as a loving father and husband, who always put his family and friends first. We are heartsick for his wife, Kailyn, and his three young children.”

The crash

According to the Kanabec County Sheriff’s Office, Houtsma was traveling north on Fish Lake Drive when his vehicle left the roadway and struck two separate trees. 

Kanabec County deputies responded to the accident at 11:41 p.m. and found Houtsma behind the wheel. 

Despite life-saving efforts by Kanabec County Deputies and emergency personnel from Welia Ambulance, Houtsma did not survive. 

The Minnesota State Patrol and the Ramsey County Medical Examiner are assisting Kanabec County deputies in the crash investigation. Alcohol and speed are suspected to be contributing factors in this crash.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Houtsma Family,” Sheriff Smith said in the news release. 

CORRECTION: The first story reporting the news of Houtsma’s fatal crash “Ogilvie Man killed in crash” which appeared on page 1 of the June 23 issue of the Kanabec County Times contained an error.  The article incorrectly reported that Kanabec County deputies responded to the accident at 11:41 a.m.; This is incorrect. Deputies responded at 11:41 p.m.  The Kanabec County Times apologizes for this error.