Search by Name

Search by Name

BORN

1942

DIED

2012

William Houston Obituary

Houston, William R., DDS
Obituary; William R. Houston, DDS
Dr. William R. Houston entered into eternal life on March 17, 2012, at the age of 69. "Bill" was born on September 23, 1942, in Los Angeles. A resident of Arcadia for 33 years, he was one of 10 children born to Samuel and Myrtle Houston. Bill was fond of saying to everyone#8230;"if you're reading my name in the paper, you know I'm no longer here!"
A graduate of South Pasadena High School, Bill went on to earn a Bachelor's degree from Cal State University, Los Angeles. He met and married the love of his life, Betty Lemire during this time, and the two began their electric and extraordinary journey together in August of 1964. He had two sons, Bill and Tom, to whom he passed on his integrity and good sense of humor.
He went on to teach high school mathematics in East Los Angeles for several years and though he loved his students, Bill always had within him a strong desire to become a dentist. He graduated, with honors, in 1978 from the school of dentistry at the University of Southern California, a place where he thrived and affirmed his lifelong passion and dedication to "Trojan football."
Bill was skilled in the art of dentistry, and made his patients feel welcomed with his wry sense of humor and gift of singing while he perfected their smiles. He returned to USC in the 1980's, where he taught as a clinical professor of dentistry for 8 years. Far surpassing "math and molars," Bill spent his life finding simple yet brilliant ways to incorporate humor and wittiness in conversation. He loved offering his ingenious remedies to all, and had a generous and compassionate spirit.
The crowning achievement of his life was becoming "Papa" to three beautiful grandchildren: Megan, William and Alexandra. He loved to spend time with them; watching countless episodes of, "The Three Stooges," trips to the mall for ice cream and cookies, and watching them play soccer and football.
Bill was preceded in death by his brother Dan in 2008. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Betty, sons Bill and Tom, siblings Bob, Jim, Tom, MaryLou, Mary Ann, Tim, Greg, and Pat, 3 grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. A private burial was held on March 23, 2012. A Memorial Mass in celebration of his life will be held on April 12, 2012 at 10:30 am at St. Rita's Catholic Church in Sierra Madre. All are welcome and encouraged to attend.
In lieu of flowers and in honor of Bill's lifelong advocacy and belief of empowering youth through education, the family is asking for donations to be made to La Salle High School, where both of his sons attended. Checks should be made payable to La Salle High School and either noted with an enclosure card or on the memo line that the donation is in memory of Dr. William R. Houston.
Donations will benefit the Brother Celestine Endowed Scholarship Fund.
La Salle High School
Attn: Office of Institutional Advancement
3880 E. Sierra Madre Boulevard
Pasadena, CA 91107

Douglass Zook Chapel of Remembrance

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Pasadena Star-News on Apr. 10, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for William Houston

Not sure what to say?





3 Entries

May 23, 2012

Dr. Houston was a very warm and friendly man who made you feel special. Damn that man could talk and his jokes were endless. I will and do miss this wonderful man.

James Quinn

April 10, 2012

We'll miss you Bill, you were a great dentist and an overall great guy! -James Quinn & Sandy Crawford

April 10, 2012

To the Houston Family:

May God comfort and bless each of you, during this difficult time. (Psalm 147:3)

My condolences,
SJB.

Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results

Make a Donation
in William Houston's name

Memorial Events
for William Houston

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support William's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor William Houston's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more