Dennis M. HOUGHTON
Dennis M. HOUGHTON
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Dennis HOUGHTON Obituary
This obituary was originally published in the Buffalo News.
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Dan Houghton
March 12, 2010
Why you loved my Dad
By Daniel J Houghton (Feb17th, 2010)
The things you loved about my Dad are the same things you love about Jesus
Dad loved to create
Consider the beauty in this world (a starry sky or a new born baby)
Dad loved variety and was always into a new craft or project
Look at all the different animals and trees and fish God has made
Dad loved my Mom faithfully right to the end
Jesus died for his bride (the church) so he could be with her forever. That is love.
Dad always loved to find a bargain and pull it out of the trash to fix it
Jesus loves to take broken and messed up people and restore them to better than new
Dad always came whenever I needed him to solve or to build
Jesus has promised never to leave us and to always be there.
Dad was a friend who would always show up.
Jesus always shows up.
Though often in pain Dad would help however he could.
Jesus endured the pain on the cross for our greater good.
Dad always provided. He’d work a job that he hated to provide for his family.
Jesus provides for us every day. Consider the birds of the air and how he takes care of even them and we are more valued.
My Dad loved all of you and would want to spend more time with you.
So does Jesus!
The very things that you loved most about my Dad are the very things you love or would love about Jesus. If you don’t know Jesus I hope my Dad has given you enough reasons to believe in him and to love him. My Dad would love you to join him with Jesus.
I love you Dad.
Thank you Jesus for shining through my Dad’s life!
Nadine Houghton
March 5, 2010
Dennis....you are the love of my life. We had 44 1/2 years together and our Lord has blessed us with a good marriage, 4 wonderful children with good spouses and 9 adorable grandchildren. Now, you can be free of your pain and have that new physical body you have been praying for. Our Lord is sustaining, but we miss you so very much and life can never, never be the same. The hole in my heart will never heal. I love you and am so thankful that I had these years to share with you...With all of my love, Nadine
Lynn Jones
February 25, 2010
Dear Dad,
During the past few days, we’ve been pouring over hundreds of photographs. For some reason, I have been obsessing over finding pictures of you and I when I was little, not exactly finding the right ones. I’ve come to realize that, even though we have tons of pictures, none of them have been quite right for me, because none of them match the vivid memories in my mind.
There isn’t a photograph of you standing at the front door, watching me cross the street on my way to school. Every single time, I’d cross, we’d wave to each other, and I would continue on my way, knowing you were watching until I had rounded the bend.
There isn’t a picture of me sitting on a stool, watching you work at your jewelry table tucked underneath the basement stairs. I would watch you, magnifying glasses stuck to your head, as you soldered gold and silver, making jewelry. Making my Sweet Sixteen Ring.
I’ll never forget how you would get me ready for school in the morning. You would make up silly songs about me to get me to smile and laugh. Only you could get our ponytails perfect, trim our bangs straight, and to this day, I still cannot make a turkey sandwich like you did.
You weren’t a talker when it came to feelings, and you weren’t one to express your emotions. That used to bother me. But throughout the years, I’ve come to realize that you showed us and people how you felt by doing things for them, by making things for them… from jokes, turkey sandwiches and perfect ponytails to beautiful things like jewelry boxes, furniture, and even homes. You used your hobbies, talents, and skill to show people your love.
When I couldn’t stand sharing a room any longer and set up camp in the basement, you made a bedroom for me. I loved to read, so you made built-in bookcases. When I really wanted a desk, you made one for Janet and I, with a bookcase that reached to the ceiling for all of my books. When I started collecting dolls and precious moments, you made a beautiful hutch for them.
When we were teenagers, you made sure the cars were taken care of when we started driving, telling us constantly, “Don’t forget that leaves are slippery in the winter… just like ice.” Everything was a lesson, whether it was how to do the garbage the right way or how to merge correctly onto the thruway.
Later, when I began my family, Matt came to you with the idea of making the crib. The word “can’t” wasn’t in your vocabulary, it was when can we start, and you would begin to sketch out the plans and you and Matt built it together. I remember worrying that you would go overboard. You didn’t. The crib is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen.
And you loved talking about your craft. So many times there would be napkins, paper towels, or envelopes with sketches. You’d show anyone who would look and listen. Sometimes, they didn’t have a choice. Such an amazing ability. When Eric and Ava came along, it was so special to see you talk with them, show them things. When Eric was interested in art, you sat with him at the table and sketched pictures of frogs or boats, and Eric was so amazed. He asked me, “Mommy, how can he do that?” Just yesterday, he saw one of your paintings and was amazed that it looked so real… that you even painted wrinkles on the clothes.
It means so much to me that the kids knew you. You were always best with little kids, tickling them, making them laugh, making funny faces at them. I told Eric to remember the fun times, like how you would always poke them with your cane. Eric told me, “I kind of liked that.” You were amazing with them.
We have constant reminders of you and your love around the house, at the church. I was so proud that you would constantly do things for others. You would even pick up a broken lawnmower or a broken bicycle on the side of the road in case someone didn’t have one and needed one. When someone asked for advice on how to do something, you wouldn’t just tell them, you’d go over and help them. You wanted to help, you wanted it done right, and you wanted it done your way. And yes, even though it was hard for us to say or admit, your way was the right way.
You never stopped. We’d worry about you hobbling out to the barn, but you would never stop making things and building things. It was you, it was your passion, and it was your way of showing your love for people. Jewelry boxes, a chair for Eric, the table for Ava’s dolls. The day you died, you were cutting out pinewood derby cars.
No, you weren’t a talker when it came to your feelings and your love for people. However, when I work with my students on their writing, I tell them, show it don’t tell it. That’s what you did. Everywhere I look, I can see your love, and now, I understand.
We are all missing you more than you would even imagine. I am so proud to be your daughter. Matt respected you so much and is going to miss you. Eric looked up to you and was amazed by you. He is going to miss fishing with you and watching you draw. Ava is going to miss how you made her giggle and laugh. There will forever be an emptiness now that you are gone.
You were an amazing man. You were brilliant, even though you didn’t think so. You were selfless. You were always there for us in your own way and for anyone else who needed you. You were a hard-worker. Anyone who has ever shook hands with you would know that by your tough, callused, knobby hands. When I said good-by to you Saturday night, I had to see your hands and touch them. Those worn hands that got that way from all of the love you had for people.
Dad, I love you and I get it. I am so proud be your daughter. I thank you for everything you did for us, for me. I am going to miss you so much, but I’ll see you again. I promise.
Love always,
Lynn
* At Dad’s funeral, the minister asked people to stand if they had anything made by my Dad. At least 80% of the people stood.
Karen Blecha
February 22, 2010
Nadine,
So sorry to hear of Den's passing. I know the Kids and Grandkids will be a big help to you at this sad time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Take Care.
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Allison Seymour
February 20, 2010
Aunt Nadine,
You and Uncle Den raised a wonderful family together. The love and the faith in your children is the best legacy of love anyone can have.
We love you all..
Allison and Bill
The love of Nadine's life. They would have been married 45 years this July.
February 19, 2010
Nadine with the love of her life. It would have been 45 years in July.
February 19, 2010
Dad truly enjoyed fishing!
February 19, 2010
Christmas 2008
February 19, 2010
We will miss you Dad!
meri guzzetta-hutchinson
February 19, 2010
Mrs.Houghton i am so sorry for your loss. i remember comming to your house for Susans birthday when we were in school together. may god bless you now and forever for he will be sadly missed
Dan Houghton
February 19, 2010
A Poem the Lord gave me to Write for my Dad. God also gave me a song by Chris Rice called Breakfast Table that morning. It was on the radio when I was moving the car that morning. Probably the only radio song I had heard that week. Amazing God.
Fish for Breakfast
I waited for Jesus and what he might show
I thought of the places you’d like to go
He showed me a vision: A beautiful Lake
Just you and him and a boat you could take
You ran to Jesus and climbed up on in
You were glad he had forgiven all of your sin
Pain free with Jesus what relief there must be
You talk with Jesus about all that you see
Jesus mentions some of the things you could make
There was an endless supply of wood he said you could take
I imagine the fish you caught that day. What a sight?
Breakfast with Jesus. What a delight?
But that’s just the beginning as more of us come.
For yours and our living will just have begun.
So until I see you again, ever so glad.
I thank you and Jesus; I love you Dad.
Jesus said to them, "Come and have breakfast." None of the disciples dared ask him, "Who are you?" They knew it was the Lord. John 21:12
Amy Crawford
February 17, 2010
Nadine,
I am so sorry for your loss. Please know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers at this sad time.
Caryl (Aber) and Rich McCaffrey
February 17, 2010
Dearest Nadine,
Our friendship goes back many, many years and we have enjoyed our get togethers, the 4 of us so much (only wish we could have done it more often)
and we will miss those times. We know Den was your best friend and the heartache you are feeling is shared by many. It will take time to get past you yet in time your fondest memories will replace your grief and sadness that you are feeling right now.
You have a beautiful, loving and caring family that are there with you and will see you through along with your strong faith. Rich and I are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers and know God's love has you wrapped in his arms. Our love and prayers to Susan, Dan, Lynn, Janet and their families. We are sorry for the loss you are going though that came so unexpectly. The tribute you put together for Den showed his many talents and the love he gave to so many. Love you!
Judy (Delgado) Pfarner
February 16, 2010
Nadine and Family, My thoughts and prayers are with you, Your faith and family love will get you through this difficult time.
February 16, 2010
Nadine and Family,
We are still trying to grasp the loss of our dear friend Dennis. We know that you and Angola Wesleyan will feel the void for many years to come. Please know that you are in our prayers from Texas and that we wish we could be in Angola with you now.
Love,
Gordon and Darlene
Tammy Lonkey
February 16, 2010
Nadine and family, My deepest sympathies to you and your family. May you find strength together with your children to get through this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Kathleen Ortega
February 16, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
John Rose
February 15, 2010
Nadine,
I'm so sorry for you loss. My prayers are with you and your family.
Kimberly Ferri
February 15, 2010
Dear Nadine and family,
There are few words I can offer that express my deepest sympathy. I am sorry for your loss, please know you are covered in prayer and may the Lord comfort you beyond measure.
In Christ,
Jim & Pat Militello
February 15, 2010
Nadine We are saddend to hear about Denny. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your familey at this time.
Anita, Bob, Stephanie, Cameron Braun
February 15, 2010
Dan, Dawn, Stephen, Joshua
We are so very sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time.
Pam & Joe Marchant & Family
February 15, 2010
Nadine & family, We are so saddened to hear of your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Our Deepest Sympathy ~
Robert & Rhonda Billick
February 15, 2010
We are saddend to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you at this time.
Andrew Poulson
February 15, 2010
Nadine and family, We only knew you from church but you and Dennis have left a lasting mark on my family and on the many more families of all that have had the pleasure to meet you both. My families hearts and thoughts are with you now.
Andy, Penny, Robert, Nikki, Kaitlyn, Kathy & TJ.
Chris Corsaro
February 15, 2010
Janet , Lynn and family, I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. You are all in my prayers.
Candie Corsaro
February 15, 2010
Mrs Houghton, Lynn and Family. I am so sorry for your lose. I have so many memories of him while i spent many days of my childhood playing with Lynn at your house. He was a great man and made me laugh. I will never forget the first time I ate dinner at your house when I was like 6 and he joked about me eating carrots because i was going to be a rabbit for halloween. I will never forget him. He is part of my childhood and will always be in my heart.
February 15, 2010
Dear Nadine and family,
I am deeply saddened today thinking that we no longer have Dennis here with us. Nadine, you and Dennis as a couple have exemplified the love of the living God to me! The years we spent together at Angola Wesleyan are precious to me. LOVE, Linda Gartley
Gartley Linda
February 15, 2010
Dear Nadine and family,
I am deeply saddened today thinking that we no longer have Dennis here with us. Nadine, you and Dennis as a couple have exemplified the love of the living God to me! The years we spent together at Angola Wesleyan are precious to me. LOVE, Linda Gartley
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