Remembering Our
Donor Heroes

Houston was born and raised in New Mexico, and while he left for college in the Northwest and then a career that took him all over the country, he never stopped identifying as a New Mexican. Returning home after retiring was a full circle experience for him. He was so happy to be back. Houston was a gregarious and loving person whose career was spent nurturing and guiding college students as an administrator. He was a wonderful and loving husband, father, brother, son and friend. He cared deeply about the people he knew. He was also a rabid sports fan. One of his favorite things was cheering on his favorite teams — the Lobos, Loggers, Griffins, Isotopes, Mariners and Seahawks to name a few. He was almost as excited to cheer for green chile roasting season, one of his favorite times of the year.

Houston never hesitated to donate and was dedicated to be spreading the word about becoming a donor. He understood both sides of the donor recipient relationship. In 2020, while living in New York, he was given the amazing gift of a live kidney from a former student. That gift brought him back to life. He embraced his improved health and was able to re-engage in the many activities he loved. Upon his return to New Mexico five years after his transplant, Houston got involved in volunteering in his hometown, Santa Fe. He worked with The Food Depot, Santa Fe Opera, Big Brothers Big Sister and Bienvenidos. His ability to dive back in to his passions, travel, spend time with friends and contribute were all possible because of the profound kindness of the living donor whose gift gave him a second chance to live. That understanding made the decision to donate a no brainer.

Sadly, not long after being able to enjoy retirement in Santa Fe, he passed after a short illness. He’d signed up to donate but due to the nature of his illness, donation was not possible. Still, as a family it brought us so much gratitude to know his generous spirit had the intention to leave others the same possibility he had. It has inspired others he knew to consider becoming donors. Houston believed whole-heartedly in connection and kindness, and his desire to continue this, even after death, told us so much about who he was and what he believed in.