SPENCER; Benjamin Houston, 74, passed away on February 23rd after a courageous battle with leukemia. In accordance with his wishes, he died at home surrounded by his loving family.
In addition to his wife of 48 years, Mary Ann (Martin) he leaves a son, Michael of Auburn, a daughter, Lisa and beloved son-in-law, Tim Onderdonk of Auburn, three grandchildren, Benjamin, Sarah and Lily Fenway, three brothers, Charles, of Auburn, William, of West Palm Beach, Florida and Frederick of Martha’s Vineyard, his “favorite brother-in-law”, Ronald Martin of Cherry Valley, devoted nephews, Ronald Martin of Hudson and Robert Martin of Spencer, whose partner, Susan Zusczak, was a particular favorite of Ben’s, as well as numerous other nieces and nephews. His “Bermuda family” included Patricia, Lionel and Patrice Swan, Raymond and Deborah Tannock, Ruth & Sinclair White, Rosalie Robinson, the late Fay White and numerous friends.
Born in Worcester, Ben lived in Leicester for 33 years before moving to Spencer in 1998. For many years he was affiliated with his family’s business, Industrial Suppliers of Worcester, as well as Houston Floral Designs. Before retiring for health reasons he worked for Pioneer Oil Co. in Worcester.
Ben’s greatest joys were spending time with his grandchildren, traveling to Bermuda, his “home away from home” and rooting for the Red Sox (or sometimes cursing them). Always concerned with others, Ben was a long-time member of the New England and Bermuda District of Kiwanis, where he served as Lieutenant Governor. He was a past-president of the Kiwanis Club of Worcester as well as a member of the Kiwanis Club of Natick-MetroWest. The support and love shown to him by his Kiwanis family during his illness was overwhelming.
The family would like to extend their thanks to the devoted staff of U Mass Medical Center, in particular the nurses on the 7th and 8th floors, who were his “angels”.
The Funeral will be held, Friday, February 28 from the J. HENRI MORIN & SON FUNERAL HOME, 23 Maple Terr., Spencer, with a Mass at 11 A.M. in Our Lady of the Rosary Church, 7 Church St., Spencer. Calling hours are Thursday from 4-7 P.M. in the funeral home. Burial in Mary, Queen of the Rosary Cemetery, Spencer will be at a later date.
Memorial contributions in Ben’s name may be made to the Kiwanis Foundation of New England, c/o Wayne Spencer, PO Box 2307, Westfield, MA 01086,or to Second Chance Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 136, East Brookfield, MA 01515.
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