It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Ivan Montgomery Houston on April 19, 2026 at the age of 83. Ivan was born on November 6, 1942 in Eckville, Alberta. He was raised on a farm in the Gimlet district. He attended Gimlet School, Leslieville School, and David Thompson High School.

Ivan ran a milk truck for the Central Alberta Dairy Pool for a number of years before focusing on farming full-time.  He married Trudy Maki on June 10, 1967.  They welcomed three children, Krister, Tyler and Pam. Together, they ran a mixed farm with cattle, grain and a PMU operation. This year marks 100 years of Houston Farms which is now operated by Tyler and Juli.  

Over the years, Ivan and Trudy enjoyed many family holidays.  Summer road trips to Chilliwack and Mara Lake are fondly remembered.  They also enjoyed their time in the States during the winter visiting relatives and neighbours. Hawaii was always a favourite destination.  Ivan and Trudy visited Scotland many times and have kept a strong family connection between our Scottish and Canadian families.

Home was Ivan’s very favourite place. Ivan and Trudy’s kitchen table hosted innumerable meals and coffee visits. It was a common occurrence to have his many nieces and nephews spend the weekend with their families at the farm.  He welcomed them with open arms.

Ivan is survived by Trudy, his loving wife of 58 years; son Tyler (Juli) Houston; daughter Pam (Byron) Burchnall; daughter-in-law Raquel Gamboa and her children Michelle, Eric, Nicole, and Peter; grandchildren Sydney and Carson Burchnall, and Haley, Grace, Emma, and Megan Houston; sisters-in-law Joan (Ken) Biy, Lorraine Houston and Ruby Houston; and many nieces and nephews.

Ivan was predeceased by his son Krister; his parents James and Margaret Houston, his in-laws Ray Maki and Jennie Averill; his siblings Newton (Margaret) Houston, Pam (Jack) Wild, Bill Houston, Tommy Houston and Morris Houston; his sister-in-law Barbara Ryan; nephews Scott Houston and Shayne Biy; great nephew Rhett DeLeeuw; great great niece Greta Marofke; and Raquel’s son Francis.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Eckville Community Centre on June 6, 2026 at 2:00pm.

Memorial Contributions can be made to the Rimbey Hospital Legacy Committee via the website http://www.rimbeyhospitallegacycommittee.com or mail to Box 440, Rimbey, AB T0C 2J0.