Dr. David Houston

Danville, VT: Dr. David R. Houston, age 94, passed peacefully at his home in the presence of his family on October 19, 2026.

Dave was born on September 18, 1932, in Worcester, MA, son to the late Bradley Royce and Margaret Peyton (Brown) Houston. He grew up in Westboro, MA, graduating from Westboro High School in 1950. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Forestry from the University of Massachusetts–Amherst and, after marrying his high school sweetheart, Janet F. Haburay, in 1954, he earned a master’s degree in Forestry from Yale University the following year. Dave and Jan spent the next six years in Madison, WI, where Jan was a nursing instructor and Dave earned his PhD in Forest Pathology at the University of Wisconsin. Dave and Jan returned to the East Coast, settling in Madison, CT, to raise their family. Dave worked as a Research Pathologist for the USDA Forest Service for 36 years, retiring to Danville, VT, in 2001. He and Jan shared nearly 60 years of marriage at the time of her death on April 25, 2014.

Researching tree diseases led Dave around the US and abroad. He worked on Dutch elm disease, oak wilt, and red pine scale, among others, and became a world leading authority on beech bark disease. A sabbatical exchange year in 1975 took him and his family to England, where he worked with the British Forestry Commission at Alice Holt Research Forest in Surrey. So many lasting friendships were made during this influential year.

Dave’s passion for his work flowed over into other areas of his life. He was a pioneer in the field of ecology and led his community in planning for the first nation-wide Earth Day in 1970. As an environmental leader, nothing made him happier than sharing his knowledge with others, whether they were inner-city schoolchildren or the college students he mentored. He instilled this love of nature in his own children too, along with the value of hard work and the importance of caring for one’s community. He led by example, being heavily involved with land trusts and conservation commissions in his hometowns of Madison, CT, and Danville, VT. A strong believer in preserving history and heritage, he developed the Greenbank’s Hollow historic park and nature trails with dear friend Hollis Prior and the Danville Historical Society after discovering long-abandoned cellar holes near his home. He also dedicated his efforts to the Passumpsic Naturalists group, the Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium, and the Matsinger Forest. In his spare time, he lovingly restored wooden canvas canoes and repaired furniture in his large workshop. He enjoyed traveling, reading, and listening to music.

Dave made an impact on everyone he worked with and met. Research colleagues, community members, friends, and neighbors alike remember him for his intelligent (and often unique) approach to solving problems, his ability to bring people together to work toward a common goal, his dedication and devotion to the projects he pursued, and his thoughtful advice and guidance.

He is survived by his 3 children: Leslie Fredette of Danville, VT, Linda Bishop (Frederick) of Wheelock, VT, and Bradley Houston (Amy Fluet) of Manchester, NH; 2 sisters-in-law: Bette Houston of Southboro, MA, and Linda Houston of Wooster, OH; 5 grandchildren: Jeni & Dan Bishop, Joshua Fredette, Liza Koerner, and Evie Houston; 1 great-grandchild: Kate Bishop; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

In addition to his beloved wife, Janet, and his parents, he was also predeceased by 2 brothers: Richard and Daniel Houston.

There will be no calling hours or services at this time. Internment will be private at the Danville Green Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made in Dave’s name to the Danville Historical Society.

Arrangements are in the care of Guibord-Pearsons & Sayles Funeral Home. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.CaledoniaLifeServices.com.