Jeffrey Barrett Houghton

On Friday, June 30th Jeffrey Barrett Houghton left Mother Earth to join many
family members and friends, who were waiting for him to finally be able to hug
him again, on the other side. Jeffrey's 7-year battle against the cancer slowed
him at times, but then he was soon back to traversing NY and beyond, traveling
4000+ miles in the past few months alone, continuing to work on his beloved
flowers & bushes at his home in Rochester, and being one of the many
tremendous care givers at Highland Hospital, also in Rochester.

Jeffrey was born on Father's Day, which was on June 19th in 1955. In his earlier
years Jeff was an active 4H-er, worked on local farms, and ice skating on nearby
ponds and creeks in and around Charleston Four Corners, NY. Not long after
graduating from Schoharie Central School in 1974 Jeff would join the United
States Air Force and learn the medical skills that would transform his life. A total
of 23 years between the USAF & ANG would provide him with many opportunities
to help others & travel, both of which he enjoyed so much. It also provided him
with an opportunity to catch and Air Force 'hop' to San Fran, CA in early 1985
when our brother Tim, who was just 11 months younger than Jeff, passed into the
afterlife. Jeff overcame that sadness and poured his energy into the care he
extended and the love he shared with family & friends, for the remainder of his
life.

Uncle Jeffie's life included roles as a pizza thrower, the only 2 term Commander of
the Cooperstown American Legion Post, as a multiple time Polar Plunge Charity
Even in Otsego Lake, as an impromptu creator of art in public, & a participant at
many fairs, including the NYS Fair, to show off his flowers, plants, & photos. Make
no mistake, Jeff was visiting the fairs with his exhibits to take home as many
blue ribbons as possible and then finish it off with a nice smile and
congratulatory messages for the other participants. Spending time with Jeffrey
meant that it would be wise to pay attention... you never knew what he would
say or do next... and when caught playing a joke, he would just smile or laugh it
off... that was Jeff. Jeffrey was willing to try anything and if he failed, he was
simply going to try again, and again, and again.... such a great mantra to live by.

Jeff last worked at Highland Hospital in Rochester, NY, where he also spent his last
16 days on this earth. During Jeff's last days it quickly became apparent why he
loved Highland as many friends/co-workers stopped in to check on him, to take a
break from their busy days or even when they were not working, to make sure he
was well taken care of. The recognition by the staff that one of their own needed
their help was so touching and our family cannot say thank you enough to ALL
that helped make Jeff comfortable. The Highland Team was simply returning the
love to Jeff. Jeff was known to bring in personalized baggies of flower seeds for
his co-workers to bring home and plant in their gardens and homemade carrot
cakes to share in the break room. Our family would like to thank Arieta, Becky,
Danielle, Tracy, Ellen, Haley, Dr. Odoi, Dr. Johnson, Lori, Peach, & the many others
whose names should be added here. The role of a care giver changes when it is a
friend who is also a patient.

Among those waiting for Jeff on the other side was our dad, Albert E. (1986),
mom, Carolyn J. (2004), brother Timothy (1985), Sister In Law Sherri (2015),
& nephew Justin (2023).
Surviving Jeff include siblings George (& Norma), Michael (& Diane), Willis (Bill),
Calvin (& Rachel), & Caroline, nieces, and nephews Jeremy (& Maggie), Emmie, Jamie
(Terrance), Nathan, Simon, Bradley Nutting (& Erin), Tyler Nutting (& Casey),
Calvin Jr., & Cooper, great nieces & nephews, Lexi, Araya, Nick, Jacob, Samantha, Lincoln, & Audrina.
Jeff was known to make gifts for all his nieces, nephews, and even their pets, too, all to bring out those lovely
kids' smiles.

Jeffrey B Houghton would like us to smile when we think of him, to not be shy to
put your arm around someone, to give them a hug, and to help others whenever
you are able. Jeff tried to shield family & friends from his discomfort at the end
and remained dignified to his very last day. He went out, high stepping and
marching in his mind, with Air Force marching music playing, as he thought about
how much he loved family, friends, and the United States of America. We love
you, too, Jeff. We love you, too!!

Anyone who would like to provide a financial contribution in Jeffrey Houghton's
name can do so to the Veterans Club, Cooperstown American Legion Post 579,
located at 60 Main St, Cooperstown, NY 13326. Thank you!

Memorial services for Jeffrey will be announced at a later date.