Richard “Dick” Huston

Published November 11, 2020 at 9:14 AM

Richard “Dick” Huston, 88, passed away on October 18, 2020.

Dick was born in Kokomo, Indiana on June 24, 1932. Growing up during the Depression, he learned about working hard and fighting for what he believed. He told stories of working multiple jobs as a kid: delivering newspapers, setting bowling pins by hand, stocking grocery shelves and being a soda jerk.

After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the US Air Force. After two years in Japan, he was stationed at the Duluth Air Force Base. During that time, Dick met his future wife Jan. Their whirlwind courtship led to marriage at Trinity Lutheran Church in May 1955. They lived briefly in Kokomo, Indiana, but returned to Duluth and lived there since.

Starting out in Duluth, Dick worked for Alastair Guthrie as a vessel agent to coordinate inbound and outbound lakers. He was later hired by the DM&IR and where he enjoyed a 30-year career, much of it as Roadmaster overseeing track repair, maintenance and construction. He spent many late nights fixing train derailments and post-storm track washouts. His proud accomplishments included building the West Duluth Ore Storage Facility and reconfiguring the Proctor Yard hub.

Dick was a long-time member of Lake Superior (former T.W. Hugo) Masonic Lodge. He was a former member of the Duluth Scottish Rite bodies and was a 32nd degree Mason. Dick was a life member of the AAD Shrine Drum and Bugle Corps and was a past Captain. He was also past empresario of the Duluth Court 55 Royal Order of Jesters.

Dick will be remembered most for his hard work on the railroad, jokes and stories, enthusiasm for golf, and love of playing card games. He bowled in leagues for many years. He was an avid golfer in Duluth during summers and in Palm Springs where he and Jan vacationed almost every winter for over four decades. He enjoyed some winter fun around Duluth, including the Drift-Toppers Snowmobile Club and as a reluctant cross-country skier.

Dick is preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Jan. They are survived by their children and families: son Rick and Dana; daughter Kathy, Susie Johnson and Drew; and son Paul, Kendra Rosencrans and Riley, Ruari, Ryder.

A celebration for Dick will be held at a future time. Condolences can be sent to the family c/o Paul Huston, 11219 NE 61st Pl, Kirkland, WA 98033.