Vale Peter Houston

Former Redcliffe City Council Deputy Mayor Peter Houston is being remembered as someone who served his community through passionate advocacy in local government and exceptional dentistry.

Dr Houston, who died on December 7 aged 77, will be farewelled during a funeral service on December 22. The ceremony will be held at George Hartnett Funerals, 19-21 Anzac Ave, Redcliffe, at 10am. Those wishing to attend are asked to RSVP via email to johnstreetdental@gmail.com.

Dr Houston represented Redcliffe City Council for 17 years: from 1985- 1988, as Deputy Mayor from 1991-1994 and then over three terms from 1997-2008.

Moreton Bay City Council Mayor Peter Flannery said: “one of his great legacies as Councillor was his focus on beautifying the Redcliffe area, the likes of what we see today, from foreshore bikeways to garden roundabouts”.

Councillor Karl Winchester (Div 6) paid tribute to Dr Houston during last week’s general meeting.

“I was saddened to learn recently that former Redcliffe City Councillor and local dentist Dr Peter Houston had passed away,” Cr Winchester said.

“He was very passionate and had a strong vision for the future of the city. He pushed a number of projects, including the Redcliffe Settlement Cove Lagoon, which today is visited by thousands of residents and tourists.

“His work and dedication to the project resulted in the lagoon jokingly being referred to as ‘Pete’s Puddle’.”

Dr Houston was born in Eidsvold, Central Queensland, and grew up in Wilston, Brisbane.

After achieving results which would put him in the top A class at Gregory Terrace, he studied dentistry at the University of Queensland Dental School from 1964-1969 before serving in the Airforce for five years, working at Amberly Airbase and in Canberra.

He opened what would become John Street Dental in 1976 at Redcliffe.

His focus turned to politics and he was narrowly beaten in two state elections before pursuing success at a local government level and succeeding in 1985.

Dr Houston was involved in numerous sporting organisations including running, soccer, netball and little athletics. He remained patron of many for more than 30 years.

His son David, who now runs the family dentistry business, said:

“He lived a grand life of success and aspiration. He served others through exceptional dental experiences and passionate advocacy on council.

“He was a big fish in the pond of Redcliffe and liked it that way. He was a big man, of courageous vision with immense strength both physical and moral.

“He was a towering example to me as a young boy. I am proud he was my dad and feel forever blessed he chose to care for me.”