Walter Edward Houchen

Our beloved Walter Edward Houchen passed away on December 17, 2018 at the age of 46.   Walter was born on November 18, 1972 in Chicago, Illinois. While attending Northwestern University Walter started working at the Ritz Carlton Hotel Water Tower Place in downtown Chicago. At the time Walter was the youngest Concierge in Chicago.  

In 1999, Walter made his way to sunny South Florida and settled in Boca Raton where he met his best friend and devoted life partner of 18 years, David Marquis.  By the year 2000, Walter owned his own business and enjoyed life as an entrepreneur.

Walter's talents were numerous but his passion was interior design.   Walter created a warm and loving home with his amazing sense of style; their home was always beautifully decorated.  He was also an avid gardener.  Orchids were his specialty - his  home was filled with orchid arrangements and he cared for his many orchids hanging in trees outside.  His many hobbies included collecting art, music and sculpture.  He also had a keen sense of fashion - as his many friends knew - Walter was always sharply dressed!

His love extended to animals.  He adored his dogs, Bella and Polo.  He volunteered and was a foster home for Bichon Frise rescue groups.  He fostered at least twelve dogs over the years until a proper home could be found.  In early years, Walter would go for a run and stray dogs would follow him home where he would work hard to find the owner. 

Walter had such a kind and gentle soul.  He was quick witted and funny.  He was a terrific person, always upbeat, full of joy and energy, hugs, smiles, kind words, graciousness, laughter and sincerity.   Walter could do many things well and had the patience and good humor to work with anyone.

Walter had a unique special gift - he just always knew what to say, when to say it and just the right way to say it!  He was a kind-hearted considerate man whom concern for others was obvious to all who knew him.  He will be dearly missed by his partner David Marquis; his dad, Randall Houchen and wife Vicky; his mother Cassandra; second mom Maryanne and husband Art; step-siblings Noelle, Christian, Derek and Daniel.

A memorial service in celebration of Walter's life will be held at 4:00pm on Sunday, February 17, 2019 at Glick Family Funeral Home, Boca Raton.  Walter will be laid to rest on Monday February 18, 2019 at 11:00am at the Boca Raton Mausoleum Chapel.  

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