UNION — Lee Houghton, beloved father, grandfather and friend, passed away January 17 at the age of 76.  

Lee was born in Washington DC, although he spent most of his life in Washington and Union, Maine. He attended the University of Maine, where he was a proud member of the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity forming friendships that lasted a lifetime. While his farm was his greatest passion, Lee had many other interests. He was a great dancer, a history enthusiast, and an avid sailor. With a natural understanding of wind and weather, Lee was a talented sailor who navigated the Penobscot Bay with skill and confidence.

An old soul, Lee formed deep and meaningful bonds with those of older generations. In particular, Pearl Oakes and Merle and Erma Overlock supported him and his passion and taught him the importance of being a steward of the land. He took these lessons to heart and generously passed on his wisdom to others. For more than 50 years, Lee worked tirelessly to make his small dairy farm in Union a success. He became a pillar of the Union community, respected for his hard work, integrity, and care for the land.

Lee was very proud of his two children, John and Katie. He cherished being able to share his love of farming with his children, teaching them how to hay and milk while instilling in them the values of hard work and dedication. Lee also adored his four grandchildren and made sure they were always decked out in John Deere apparel. They will forever remember their loving grandfather and, of course, the joy of getting to play on his beloved green tractors.

In 2020, Lee met his partner, Judy. In their short time together, they packed in a lifetime of adventures exploring the state of Maine, attending concerts and shows, and cherishing time with friends and family. Together they traveled throughout New England, Quebec, North Carolina, and even took the trip of a lifetime to Banff for a train ride through the Canadian Rockies. 

Judy lovingly cared for Lee throughout his battle with cancer, giving him unwavering love and strength until the very end.

Lee is survived by his children, John Houghton (Amanda) and Kate Wood (Sebastian); his grandchildren Emma, Addison, Eli, and Calvin; and his partner, Judy Rizk. He is also survived by his mother, Betty Wright, and brother, Chester Houghton.

Funeral services will be held January 28, at 2 p.m., at Hall Funeral Home in Waldoboro. All are welcome to come and share their memories and stories of Lee. 

There will be a larger Celebration of Lee’s life later in the spring/summer.  

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Lee’s favorite charities: Shriner’s Children (Healthcare), St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Salvation Army, Boys Town, Dana Farber Cancer Institute.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Hall Funeral Home, Waldoboro. To extend a condolence or share a story with the Houghton family, please visit Lee’s Book of Memories at www.hallfuneralhomes.com