Of all the athletes of the 1920s and 30s, Gordon Houston was one of the most talented all-round amateur athlete in the opinion of authorities and athletes. A small man, he made up for his lack of size with his skill and determination. There was not a sport that this exceptional athlete could not excel at. From his high school days at Fort William Collegiate Institute (FWCI), to his participation in a number of other senior leagues in the twin cities, Houston could do it all.
Although he did not start skating until later in his childhood, he quickly developed into a fine hockey player, being described as a terrific team player with tricky stickhandling and a powerful shot. Hockey was probably his best sport, although in baseball he was a constant threat whether at bat or on the field. During the 1930s, he was regarded as Lakehead’s number one shortstop as a terrific fielder with a good arm and a sure set of hands. The football field served as well for his premier play as he could play exceptionally well as a quarterback or running back. At the age of 46 he began curling, another sport which he would excel at.
In later years he coached the Hurricane Rangers and Fort William Canadiens hockey teams, and served as an executive of the Thunder Bay Amateur Hockey Association. Gordon Houston remained an ardent supporter of amateur sport until his final days.
Inducted into the Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame, September 28, 1985