Clifford Melvin Houghtaling, age 70, died March 22, 2013 at his home in Oak Harbor following a sudden illness. He was born in Coupeville, Wash. on April 17, 1942 to Henry M. and Doris M. (Hammons) Houghtaling. Cliff was an Army dependent and followed his father’s military duty stations, moving frequently in his youth.

Cliff graduated from Oak Harbor High School in 1960. He was married to Penney Hampton in Oak Harbor on October 14, 1960. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in December of 1960.

In 1964, Cliff left the Army and returned to Oak Harbor to join his father in the operation of Oak Harbor Shell Station. He moved into ownership of the station when his father opened Midway Tire Store. Cliff continued with the Shell Station until it was sold in 1983.

He then went into construction, working for Island Construction for a time and then with Diamaco for the next 25 years as a project manager. Cliff retired two years ago.

Cliff had been a very active member of the Oak Harbor Junior Chamber of Commerce (Jaycee’s) for many years and held the office of State Senator with the Jaycees. He later joined the Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce where he was elected President and also served as 4th of July Chairman for seven years.

He had a love of horses and had been a horse owner for 20 years. He had been a 4-H leader for many years and enjoyed taking his granddaughters and their horses to 4-H shows. Cliff felt very blessed when helping neighbors or maintaining the rodeo grounds for the 4-H clubs with his loved tractor.

Cliff is survived by his wife of 52 years, Penney and one son Cliff Houghtaling, Jr., both of Oak Harbor, one daughter Denise Cole and husband Kermit of Olympia, sister Sharon Neilson and husband Jim of Anacortes and his parents Henry and Doris Houghtaling also of Anacortes. Six grandchildren, Nichole Sinotte, Shannon Cole, Rebecca Chipman (John), Brandon Lee Ducharme, Breanna Cole and Brandon Owen Cole and seven great grandchildren, Jasmine, Dominic, Avery, Jameson Cole, Bradley, Roman, and baby Dominic.

Cliff was an active member of Living Word Fellowship since 1985. A Celebration of Life will be held at Living Word Fellowship, Oak Harbor on April 5, 2013 at 2:00 pm. We invite you to come and celebrate his life with the family.

Friends and family are encouraged to offer condolences and share memories utilizing the Book of Memories hosted by Wallin Funeral Home at www.wallinfuneralhome.com