Michel Windland

Michel Windland passed away on September 24, 2018, at his Houston residence surrounded by his family. He was born in Paris on August 7, 1928, and was a Holocaust survivor. After completing his studies at ESCP/Paris Business School, he immigrated to the USA in 1950 and lived in New York for several years. He worked as an importer of steel and continued working in the international steel business in New York for several years. In 1951, he was drafted in the American Army (while still a French citizen) during the Korean conflict, and served with the Army Corps of Engineers in South Korea for 2 years in Company B of the 430th Engr. Const. Division. After returning to the USA, he married Elise Kahne and was transferred to Houston to manage the steel and wood products department of PATDCO, a division of Panamerican of Sao Paulo, Brazil, for 15 years. Michel traveled to over 30 countries. He volunteered his service to the Alliance Française, a worldwide, non-profit cultural organization. He served as President of the Houston office, and founded the school. He also served as regional VP for the Federation of Alliance Française, in the USA. The French government rewarded his effort by admitting him into the Ordre des Palmes Académiques with the rank of officer. Michel had a constant smile despite his many challenges and was always quick with a joke. He loved learning, music and dancing, parties, travelling and spending time with his family. He had a deep interest in the news and current events. He adored cats and dogs and pronounced himself as the best animal scratcher alive. He especially loved food and wine and was an expert at sneaking food while his wife wasn't looking. He had a deep devotion to his native France and spreading knowledge of its culture to anyone that would listen. He is survived by his wife of 64 years Elise; his son Joel; his daughter and son-in-law Daniele and Michael Crelin; his grandsons and their wives Eric and Lindsay Crelin, Brian and Lauren Crelin; his great-grandchild Jackson Crelin; his brother Simon Windland; his nephews Jean-Christophe and Pascal Windland. He was preceded in death by his mother Laja and his father David Windland, who died in the Holocaust. A service will be held Monday October 1, 2018, at 2 p.m., Distinctive Life Funeral Home, 5455 Dashwood, Suite 100, Bellaire, Texas 77401. Memorial remembrances in Michel's name may be made to a charity benefitting either the homeless, or benefitting an animal shelter.