David “Dave” Houston

August 6, 1932 – September 1, 2026

David “Dave” Houston was born on August 6, 1932, in New York City, New York. He passed away on September 1, 2026, at the age of 94, leaving behind a life filled with family, adventure, stories, hard work, and more than a few colorful words along the way.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents, George and Mary Houston, and his brother, George Houston.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Suzanne Houston, with whom he built a lifetime of memories and raised three children: David Houston and his wife, Nathalie; Suzy Eddy and her husband, John; and Rex Houston and his wife, Mary.

Dave was also a proud grandfather to Ian Eddy, Taylor Eddy, Emilie Houston Kosiba, Alec Houston, Levi Houston, Payton Roth, and Juliana Rodriguez, and a great-grandfather to Berkeley Eddy and Elijah Stevenson.

Of all Dave’s accomplishments, nothing meant more to him than his family. Being married to Suzanne for 66 years and watching the three children they raised build successful lives of their own were among his greatest sources of pride.

Dave also held a unique place in his sons’ businesses. He had the distinction of being the very first employee of his oldest son’s company, Houston Air, and then, 18 years later, becoming the very first employee of his youngest son’s company, Rex Air. It was a fitting reflection of the role he played throughout his life, showing up for his family and being there from the very beginning.

Dave was an avid sailor for more than 50 years, and his love of the water was more than a hobby. For 10 years, he actually made a sailboat his home, embracing a life that suited his independent and adventurous nature.

As the years went on, his interests turned toward woodworking, classical music, writing, and the quieter pleasures of life. Some of his happiest moments could be found simply sitting on the back porch with Suzanne, watching the birds and enjoying each other’s company.

Dave was, by his own nature, something of a recluse. He didn't need a large circle of people around him and instead kept a select handful of lifelong friends. But if you were fortunate enough to make it into that circle, you knew exactly how special and wonderfully unique Dave Houston was.

He was intelligent, eccentric, fiercely individual, and armed with an incredible vocabulary, although that vocabulary occasionally included a few choice cuss words that probably wouldn't be found in the dictionary.

And Dave could tell a story.

His stories about his life, adventures, and experiences were rarely short and never lacking in detail. He could take you back in time with him, adding every character, circumstance, observation, and side note he thought you needed to fully appreciate the experience. Beneath the stories and humor, though, was a man who had lived a remarkable life and had accumulated a great deal of wisdom along the way. If you listened closely, Dave could give some pretty great life advice.

Fortunately, Dave left behind more than memories of those stories. He was a prolific writer and authored more than 800 blog posts under the name “Islander.” His words, observations, stories, and unmistakable perspective on life remain for his family, friends, and future generations to read at thewalrussaid.net.

Dave was one of a kind. Those who truly knew him will remember the sailor, the woodworker, the writer, the storyteller, the husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend, and unmistakably eccentric character who lived life very much on his own terms.

He will forever be missed but never forgotten. And thanks to the stories he told, the family he helped build, the memories he created, and the hundreds of thousands of words he left behind, a part of Dave will always remain.

Celebration of Life

Family and friends are invited to gather in celebration of Dave’s life on Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 147 San Remo Drive, Islamorada, Florida.

Please join us as we remember, share stories, laugh, and celebrate a truly unforgettable life.