Cecil Houghton

Former Windoes Chief Cecil Houghton Is Dead at 89

Cecil Houghton, an historical—if somewhat controversial—personality at Windoes Travelogues, Inc., of Grand Rapids, died April 2 after a brief illness. His three sons were at his side. He was 89.

The feisty Houghton was not only well-known in the travel film field, he made an even larger imprint on Michigan’s popular sled dog world, where he spent 40 years as a founder of the Great Lakes Sled Dog Association and the International Sled Dog Association.

Windoes’ Cindy Lorenz said: “ Mr. Houghton was my very first boss at my first job after graduating from college. I was fortunate to have worked for and ultimately know and have a deep respect for this fascinating, eccentric, feisty, extraordinary man.” She added:

“Mr. Houghton treated all his employees as family, giving them immeasurable amounts of opportunities, experiences and laughter…lots of laughter.”

When Houghton retired from Windoes, the company was providing talent to nearly 500 clients throughout the United States, mostly in the Midwest.

The reaction by many Film Artists was mixed when they heard he had died—praising him for his contributions to the travel film field, but also remembering his down side.

 “At first, all I could think of was, ‘How did Mr. Houghton—that’s how we always called him—get to be 89 years old?” mused Windoes Artist Fran Reidelberger.  “Where the hell did the time go?

“He made colossal mistakes in evaluating new talent, rejecting youngsters who went on to become among the best our industry had to offer. He seemed to relish tormenting newcomers by giving them impossible lecture schedules just to see if they were really serious about the business.

“On the other hand, behind the scenes he encouraged and helped a number of talented people get started in the industry—with one condition, ‘You never tell anyone about this.’ Indeed, he was a bundle of contradictions wrapped in an enigma.”

Ralph Franklin of Franklin Film Artists: “He was a kind of fire-and-brimstone guy. When I was on the road with my films I remember standing in his office one morning asking for more money, and he looked up from his cluttered desk, smiled, and in his crackly voice said, ‘Is the tail trying to wag the dog?’ “Needless to say, I didn’t get more money and left mad as hell.”

But the next time Franklin was in Michigan doing shows, he called Cecil, “and we went to dinner and had a great time.”

“Cecil kept the structure of the business alive and 
well,” said Filmmaker Robin Williams. “At the same time, 

he was a hot-head and power-happy with a Napoleonic complex, just hoping to conquer 
all who opposed him.”

Houghton, however, seemed to mellow in retirement, often driving many miles to catch a travel film, and afterward offering the Artist positive observations, and thanking him or her for continuing to bring audiences entertainment and education about the world. Occasionally, he would join the Filmmakers for post-show snacks.

 Williams added: “After that, he 
would drive all by himself back to his north woods home where his dogs would 
be patiently waiting.”

Houghton is survived by sons Richard, Dennis and Douglas; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

A private family service was held and memorial contributions made to Big Brother, Big Sisters and Faith Hospice of Grand Rapids.