Etobicoke firefighter Raymond Houghton served for more than 33 years and will be missed by many colleagues.
An award-winning firefighter with the Etobicoke Fire Department has passed away after more than 33-years of service.
Raymond George Houghton passed away at Humber River Hospital on November 18. He was 93.
He is being missed by many of his firefighting colleagues, who said he is now reunited with his wife Norma, and their son Victor.
Raymond was a firefighter with the Etobicoke Fire Department for over three decades. He started his career in 1956 and was a Captain on his retirement in 1989.
Raymond Houghton received a Governor General of Canada medal for saving two people from the raging Credit River.
He spent many years training firefighters in First Aid and CPR. He also worked and volunteered teaching others how to swim in a City of Etobicoke Adapted Aquatics Program for 38 years.
In his younger years, he worked at the Sunnyside Gus Ryder Outdoor Pool as a head lifesaving instructor.
He received a Royal Lifesaving Society Service Award in 1963 from then society president, The Earl Mountbatten of Burma. He was also awarded an Exemplary Service Medal by the Governor General of Canada in 1987.
An Etobicoke Fire Department vehicle from back in the day.
He was honoured for rescuing two people out of the Credit River in 1949.
Houghton enjoyed many years at his trailer in Honey Harbour where he loved to boat and fish. He loved working with stained glass and wood creating many pieces of furniture with his art of marquetry.
He was the loving and devoted father of Debbie, and her husband Zdenek Blechta, and grandfather of Lauren, Amie, and Alex.
Funeral details to be confirmed at a later date. Donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or a charity of your choice would be appreciated.