Michael W. Houghton

Houghton Michael W. Houghton, 66, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, November 13, 2016. Michael was born February 17, 1950 and raised in Mishawaka, Indiana, but called Columbus home for over 40 years. He was educated at Marian College in Indianapolis, and Indiana University at South Bend, then moved to Columbus to help a friend establish a photography business. Michael subsequently opened his own business, STUDIOHIO in 1982, specializing in Architecture and Interior Design photography. He travelled extensively for his local and national clients, and it was a source of pride that his work helped his clients secure professional awards and acclaim. One of Michael's proudest contributions was as a photography teacher and mentor at Columbus College of Art and Design, and Ohio Dominican University. Michael was known among family and friends for his insightful personal photography nature, portraiture, and still lifethat alludes to deeper or spiritual aspects of life. Michael loved getting into the spirit of OSU football and basketball games, being in nature with or without his camera, and taking long and short trips on his scooters. He was a master at working with bonsai plants, and he enjoyed turning people on to all kinds of music, and reading and writing poetry. His family and friends loved his trademark wacky jokes and hearty, infectious laugh. Most of all he was known as a person who was never shy about expressing his love for others. Michael was preceded in death by his parents Clarence Houghton and Helen Houghton Trippel, and his sister Diane Houghton Hughey, father-in-law John B. Joyce and brother-in-law Jay Joyce. He is desperately missed by children, Nicholas Joyce-Houghton (Rachel Lovely) and Meredith Joyce-Houghton and partner, Ann Joyce. Michael also leaves behind much-loved brother-in-law, Walter Max Hughey; nephew, Michael Anthony Hughey (Lauren Kerr); and niece, Jessica Hughey. He is sorely missed by his Joyce family: Rosemary Joyce, Lucy Joyce (Lyle Mendive), Mary Joyce (Stephen Monahan); and nieces and nephews, Steve Monahan, Taryn Joyce-Mendive, Austin Monahan, Dawson Joyce-Mendive, and Ryan Monahan; as well as special friends, Carolyn Wallace and Andy Spessard. Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of Michael's life at the Goodale Park Shelter House, 120 W. Goodale Ave., Columbus, OH 43214, from 1:30-4:30 p.m. November 19. Friends are encouraged to bring a photo of themselves with Michael. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Michael's name to Columbus Recreation and Parks Fund 2476 Branch Out Columbus at the Columbus Foundation, 1234 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43205 or to the Yoga on High Foundation through the Columbus Foundation, or to the Friends of the Columbus Cultural Arts Center, 139 W. Main St., Columbus, OH 43215.