Ronald (Ron) Charles Houghton passed away peacefully on January 13, 2026, at the age of 81.
Ron was born on January 7, 1945, in Stonewall, Manitoba, the son of Vera Houghton, née Becker and Charles Houghton. He was predeceased by his parents.
Ron is survived by his sister Diane (Bob) James; his daughter Lee (Jim) Houghton Stewart; his son Jason Houghton; his two grandchildren, Gillian and Braeden Houghton; and his nephew Garth James and niece Susan James.
Ron was employed by Standard Aero for approximately 20 years, while also spending evenings and weekends running the family farm alongside his brother-in-law, Bob. Later he started a bookkeeping business which he operated for many years until his retirement approximately two years ago.
As a young adult, Ron obtained his private pilot’s licence and fondly recalled the many adventures he had flying his Tailorcraft airplane. Aviation remained close to his heart throughout his life and he shared a special bond with his grandson Braeden who in recent years earned his own pilot’s licence — a source of great pride for Ron.
Born into a musical family, Ron took up the banjo as a teenager and enjoyed playing music from that era. He also enjoyed fishing and football, and was happiest when sharing good food and conversation. A kind and generous man, Ron sponsored immigrant families, took in countless rescue animals, and loved hosting dinner parties. He never missed a birthday and always made time to stop in on the people he cared about, no matter how busy life became.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Grassmere United Church, (3017E Road 74 N, R.M. of Rockwood).
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in memory of Ron to the Winnipeg Pet Rescue Shelter by calling (204) 832-7387.
Ron’s quiet strength and love for his family will not be forgotten.