PORTLAND  Ocean Park resident Rickey L. Rick Houston Sr., 59, died in Portland on Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2011, following a valiant battle with cancer. The son of Richard and Frances (Barrios) Houston, he was born in Enumclaw on June 6, 1952.

    He grew up in Tacoma, where he received his education and graduated from high school. After moving to the Long Beach area in 1983, he received his associate degree in police science from Clatsop Community College in Astoria. He was employed in law enforcement for the city of Long Beach, city of Raymond, city of Tokeland and the Pacific County Sheriffs Department. At the time of his passing he was employed at the Naselle Youth Camp, a job he dearly loved.

    Mr. Houston was a man of many interests. He enjoyed (not in any particular order) drag races, art shows, casino visits, concerts, plays, symphonies and museums. A longtime amateur photographer, recently his artistic endeavors were focused on woodcarving. Family was always a priority and he looked forward to family vacations and get-togethers, sitting in the lawn swing at home, visiting with family and friends and watching the fish in the pond. His employment at the youth camp enabled him to interact with staff and youth alike, and there he made many friends and enjoyed many a cup of coffee. He was a member of the Peninsula Art Association.

    He and Wanda (Jenkins) were married in 1991. She survives residing at the family home in Ocean Park. Also surviving are children, Dana Billington of Haskell, Texas; Robert and Tania Byrd of Long Beach; Tina Houston and James Babe Taylor of Scappoose, Ore., Tara Ledbetter and Kim Trevino of Ocean Park, and Rickey and Michelle Houston of Vancouver; his siblings, Joe Houston of Ocean Park, Van Houston of Spokane, Monty Houston of Sweet Home, Ore., Peggy Paris of California, Rhonda Cox, Dickie Cox and Bobby Cox, all of Ocean Park. Also surviving are his stepfather and wife, Ron and Nina Cox of Ocean Park; grandchildren, Scott Wilson, Ashley Pendergraft, Brandon Wilson, Trevor Byrd, Dalton Byrd, Clara Richardson and Faith Richardson; two great-grandchildren; a special niece, Carmon Jenkins; and other members of his extended family. His son, Freddie Houston, preceded him in death.

    His life will be celebrated on Saturday, Oct. 1, at 1 p.m., at Penttilas Chapel by The Sea in Long Beach. Private inurnment will be at the Ilwaco Cemetery Columbarium. His guest book is available at www.penttilaschapel.com.