Obituary of Charles Houghton

HOUGHTON, Charles Evans - On August 1, 2024 in Toronto, at the age of 98 years young. Dearly loved and cherished father of Carolyn, and grandfather of Aisling (Mat). A much-loved brother, he is survived by Margaret and June, and predeceased by Donna, Marydale, Earla and Janet. He was widowed in 2018, having enjoyed a 56-year marriage to Beth Spracklin.

He leaves many friends at the Russell Hill Retirement Residence. He will also be remembered by his nieces and nephews, whose adventures he watched with interest and care. All enjoyed his very funny, but very kind, dry sense of humour. He was curious and engaged with people, events and ideas all his life. Charles was a deliberately modest and humble gentleman, feeling everyone was deserving of kindness, dignity and generosity.

Charles grew up in Markham, and was the son of Dr. Charles Leon Houghton and Margaret Dale Houghton. In the 1940s he played trumpet in the WWB Orchestra, and maintained a lifelong passion for jazz. He was a graduate of the University of Toronto, and retired from Canada Life Assurance Company in 1989. He also worked at Security Benefit Life in Topeka, Kansas and Western Life in Hamilton, Ontario.

We will celebrate his life, and play some jazz, at a Reception on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, from 12:00 pm until 2:00 pm at Dixon-Garland Funeral Home, 166 Main Street North, Markham, Ontario. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Royal Conservatory of Music or Markham Museum would be appreciated.