Dick Houston

Richard (Dick) G. Houston, 83, of Pine River, passed away peacefully October 31, 2022, surrounded by family.  He was born on December 17, 1938, in Minneapolis to Glenn and Dorothy (Kater) Houston.

Dick grew up working for his parents at Houston Motors, which his father founded in 1941. After graduating from Pine River High School, he continued to work at the dealership in multiple positions and by the time he was 27, he became the youngest person in the country to own a Ford Franchise at the time. He eventually changed the name to Houston Ford, which he owned and operated for almost 51 years. Dick was active in many state and national automobile associations over the years and was on the Twin Cities Region Ford Dealer Advertising Fund (FDAF) board for over 20 years, serving as Chairman three different times. He was also elected Chairman of the Twin Cities Regional Dealer Council. After that, Dick was elected Vice President of the National Ford Dealer Council where he participated in monthly meetings at Ford's Corporate Headquarters in Detroit, MI.

Dick was a visionary with a hard work ethic, who was eternally optimistic and was an excellent problem solver. He was very active throughout his life and had a true adventurous spirit. Dick had many lifelong hobbies, including flying, horses, and sailing. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, cooking and entertaining, attending church, watching Gopher basketball, and working on projects that led to more projects.

Dick is survived by his loving wife, Michele, sons: Ricky Houston, Randy (Carri) Houston; daughter, Cindy (Jerome) Urbaniak; many grandchildren and great grandchildren; sisters: Jill Houston and Jane Gilchrist; nieces and nephews; many relatives and close friends. Dick was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Noel; daughter, Sandra; and nephew, Tim.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Timberwood Church in Nisswa, MN, on Thursday, November 17, 2022, at 1:00pm. Doors will open at 11:00am for visitation.

The family would like to thank Dick's doctors, nurses and all the Essentia Health Hospital staff for their wonderful care and compassion.