Geoffrey P. Houghton ’53 died on October 14, 2016, in Port Charlotte, Florida.
(The following was published in the Charlotte Sun and Weekly Herald, October 20, 2016:)
Geoffrey Porter Houghton, 85, passed away peacefully on Oct. 14, 2016, at Tidewell Hospice House in Port Charlotte, Florida.
Geoffrey was born May 17, 1931, in Boston, Massachusetts, to Robert Lloyd and Antoinette Barbour Houghton.
He earned a BA in English from Bowdoin College in 1953, and later completed his Master’s Degree from Florida State University. Geoff proudly served his country through his enlisted service in the United States Army in 1954. As a veteran, he found fellowship and supported veterans and their families as a Chaplin at the V.F.W. Post #8203 in North Port.
A lifelong learner with a passion of experiencing life to its fullest, Geoff enjoyed many pursuits, including car racing, motorcycle racing, breeding and showing Russian Wolfhounds, teaching and exploring the globe through visits to places like Russia and Egypt. He found the most happiness in Florida, where he was blessed with a very special friendship with Tess Fee. Geoff’s quick wit and humor will be missed by friends, family and all those fortunate enough to have met him.
He is survived by his partner, Tess Fee of North Port; brother, Robert Bruce Houghton of Tampa, Florida; daughter, Jennifer Mattocks; granddaughters Megan Mattocks and Katherine Mattocks of St. Paul, Minnesota; nieces Deborah (Fred Brown) Houghton of Tampa, Christina (Paul) Kemprecos and Toni Houghton both of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, Perianne Houghton (Lewis) Munk of Rio Rancho, New Mexico, Julie Houghton (Charles) Mason of Fairbanks, Alaska; and nephew, Robert (Betty Ann) Houghton of Tampa, Florida. He was preceded in death by parents Robert Lloyd Houghton and Antoinette Barbour Houghton; and his brother Olin Barker Houghton.