Kenneth Houston of Harriston, Ont. passed away peacefully at the Louise Marshall Hospital on Monday, Jan. 15, 2024, at the age of 78.
He was born to Harvey & Elsie Houston on their farm near Holyrood, Ont. The farm outside of Harriston has been home for Ken & Joy for the past 40 years.
Ken was a loving and unique husband to Joy for 48 years. He was a very proud father of Amy & Scott Parker and Angie & Brian Cremers. A silly and loving grandfather to Megan, Luke, Claire and Tate. Brother of Jay, Hugh and Wallace & Kerry Houston. A charismatic brother-in-law of Judy, Kerry & Bill, Kathy & Boyd, Kim, Shelley & Todd, Julie & Steve and Lisa. His many nieces and nephews thought very fondly of their entertaining Uncle Ken.
Ken enjoyed a career in breeding, training and racing Standardbred horses. He and his many syndicate partners frequented racetracks all over Southwestern Ontario. They enjoyed road trips, the comradery and even brought home some wins!
Ken will be remembered for his sense of humour and his storytelling. He was the loudest guy at the party and the one who usually stayed the latest. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to someone in need, no matter what. Grandpa Kenny enjoyed spending time with his grandkids and watching them play sports. You would often hear him talk about coaching the Lucknow Midget boys team to an All-Ontario Championship in 1979, and the success of his Whitechurch baseball team.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, Jan. 20, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Pike Lake Golf Course, north of Ken & Joy’s farm. Speeches will begin around 2 p.m.
If desired, a donation to the Harriston Legion or the local Mary Lynne Forrest Charity Tournament in Ken’s name would be appreciated.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Ken Houston.
Ken Houston
Marie and I sent our condolences to Joy and the family.
Ken worked for me when he first started in the horses.
I drove for him many times. Ken loved to play hockey too.
I trained for Joy's dad back in the good old days.
If I can remember Joy you have six sisters.
Ken, rest in peace.
Laurance and Marie Geisel
So sorry to hear of Ken's…
So sorry to hear of Ken's passing. Had a lot of fun driving Fish My Pal for Kenny. Definitely one of a kind and will be sorely missed, probably never ever did tie those runners up. R.I.P Ken !