Obituary of Donald I. "Don" Houghton

HOUGHTON, Donald I. “Don” - Of St. Thomas, ON, Don died peacefully on Wednesday, October 21, 2020 at the Elgin Manor, in his 97^th year.  Beloved husband for 65 years to the late Helen I. (née Taylor) Houghton (December 1, 2015).  Dearly loved father of Barbara Whidden (late Don) of Edmonton, AB, Gregory Houghton (Sharon) of Kamloops, BC, Sharon Houghton Ross (Allen) of Midland, MI, and Ward Houghton (Sylvia VanHemert) of St. Thomas.  Cherished grandfather of Michael (Ashley), Timothy (Michelle), Joshua (Simone), Daniel, Elise, Colleen, Andrea, Damon, Taylor, Emily, and Aaron.  Proud great grandfather of Camille and Gabriel Whidden, Isaac, Isobel and Samuel Houghton.  Dear brother of Marjorie Quinney (late John) of London, Phyllis McNeil (John) of Dutton, Alvin Houghton (Heather) of St. Thomas, late Murray Houghton (Betty of Florida), and the late Lucille Grant (late Gary), and loved by the late Gord and Marie (Taylor) Brown.  Also fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews and their families.  Born in St. Thomas, August 3, 1924, he was the son of the late Ira and Twila (née Martin) Houghton.  Don served during WWII in the Canadian Army.  He was a member of New Sarum Baptist Church and was very involved at the former Broderick Memorial Baptist Church, St. Thomas. Don was proud to be an Ontario Land Surveyor serving the people of Elgin County for over 7 decades.  Many thanks to the staff at Elgin Manor and Caressant Care Bonnie Place Retirement Home for their wonderful care these past few years.

A private funeral service for the immediate family (a mask or face covering is required) will be held at the Sifton Funeral Home, 118 Wellington St., St. Thomas (519-631-1160) followed by interment in Elmdale Memorial Park.  A public celebration of Don’s life will be held at a later date when it is safe to do so.  Memorial donations to New Sarum Baptist Church, the Canadian Cancer Society or the St. Thomas Elgin Food Bank “The Caring Cupboard” will be gratefully acknowledged. 

Please note: As per the directive of the Bereavement Authority of Ontario (BAO), https://thebao.ca/registrars-directive-province-wide-cemetery-gathering-limits/, attendance at indoor funeral services and visitations and outdoor funeral services and visitations including graveside services will be restricted. 

Don's funeral service is available for viewing on the Sifton Funeral Home Limited YouTube channel.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKHE3tw2Sa8AO06CIS_451w/videos