Craig Houston

On July 12, 2022 at River Park Gardens personal care home, Craig Houston passed away at the age of 97. He was born June 18, 1925 at Irvine, Scotland just south of Glasgow. He will be missed and remembered by all that knew him.

Craig is survived by his sister-in-law Helen Edwards of Victoria, BC, as well as cousin-in-laws Shirley Bookbinder of Winnipeg, Al Jeffrey of Dauphin. He is also survived by cousins and nephews and nieces in the UK and Canada.

Craig was predeceased by his wife of 44 years, Joyce (Edwards) Houston on January 3, 2021, his parents, George and Janet Houston, two brothers prior to 1964 and one sister (Nan) in Scotland.

Craig immigrated to Canada and settled in Winnipeg in 1957. He worked at various jobs in his lifetime, both in the UK and Canada some of which were: in a grocery in Scotland, at a coal mine near Newcastle, England, as well as architectural / engineering firms and a gas company in Winnipeg.

Craig became a Freemason in 1970, and was raised a Master Mason at Three Pillars Lodge No. 169. In 1973 he joined Khartum Shiners and was an active member for the past 50 years. At Khartum, Craig was directly involved in the activities of the Fife and Drum Band. Both he and Joyce enjoyed their volunteer work with the Shriners Hospitals and also Transportation committees. He was a savior in the eyes of many children he helped over the years. He was Hospital Chairman for Khartum for over 20 years and the face of the Shrine to many of the patients.

In 2003, he was awarded the Imperial Potentate’s Award of Merit honouring his services with the Shriners and Shriners Hospitals for Children. In 2013, he was awarded the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award by Philip S. Lee, CM, OM, the Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba, for contribution to our community.

Craig and Joyce travelled in Canada and USA attending many Shrine functions as well as family in Scotland. They were committed to connecting and celebrating the family by organizing Christmas get-togethers, birthdays and special events.

Craig and family give a “Two Thumbs Up” to the Manitoba Home Care staff who helped daily at the Parkway Residence, City of Winnipeg paramedics, all the great staff at River Park Gardens and close friends in the Shrine.

In accordance with Craig’s wishes, a graveside service is planned for July 29, 2022 at Thomson “In the Park” Cemetery, 1291 McGillivray Blvd, at 12:30 PM and will be followed by a Celebration of Life to be held at Khartum Shriners, 1155 Wilkes Ave. from 1:30 to 4:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Khartum Shrine Patient Transportation Fund or Shriners Hospitals for Children Canada or a charity of your choice in his memory.