Obituary of Christian Houghton-Larsen

The world lost a good man on September 3^rd, 2021. Christian Houghton-Larsen passed away in his Saskatoon home of 63 years. After a well-lived life of almost 99 years, the old Viking decided it was time to take a knee. He died peacefully with his daughter, Karen, at his bedside.

Born in Denmark, Dad came to Canada in 1951 planning to visit with a friend to celebrate their graduating university. Dad ended up staying in Canada after meeting Zolita, who would become the love of his life and wife of 39 years until her all too soon passing in 1995.

In his life, Dad had not only a career he loved, but also a vibrant collection of friends. He joined International Water Supply (IWS) as an entry level engineer in 1951. He stayed with IWS his entire working life, ultimately becoming a Partner in the company and Director of the Western Canadian region. Dad loved working for IWS and always spoke with gratitude for all the good people he worked with along the way. Outside of work, Dad and Mom were among the founding members of the Saskatoon Scandinavian Club. Throughout their life it was the source of many great friendships, good times, and lasting memories. And by living in the same house for all those years, ‘the neighborhood’ proved to be a source of the same. Dad said he always smiled when he turned down the street and drove up to the house he and Mom had bought with “the last dollar they had” in 1956.

As life would have it, Dad was to outlive not only Mom, but many of his friends. Still, he remained positive and cheerful right up until the very end. If the sun was shining, Dad was smiling. As a lifelong learner, Dad took university classes into his eighties and on his 90th birthday asked for a new golf bag because his old one was “starting to look a little shabby”. Dad really did try to find joy in every day. Maybe that’s at least part of why over the years, friends and those who got to know Dad, universally spoke of what a true gentleman he was.

In the end, we are grateful Dad went as peacefully as he did. And we are thankful for all the great memories he left us. Dad is survived by his daughter Karen, her husband Chuck and their children Samantha and Matthew; his son Rick, his wife Gina and their children Grace, Annie and her husband Tomer…all who loved him very, very much.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the entire staff at Home Instead and Dad’s attending nurse, for their years of tireless and compassionate care, and friendship.

At a future date, family services will be held in Denmark as Dad is reunited with Mom.

In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a donation to your favorite charity.