Fr Edward Houghton RIP

Father Edward Houghton, a priest at the Roman Catholic Church of Our Lady of Grace and St. Edward on Chiswick High Road has been killed in a road accident.

The popular former teacher who had recently celebrated the first anniversary of his ordination was involved in a car crash on Friday, 21st August in North Yorkshire. He was on his way to his Aunt's funeral.

Born in Preston, before studying for the priesthood Father Ed had taught English and Religious Studies at St. Charles Sixth Form College in Ladbroke Grove. He had been a resident at Newman House when he was a student. He was 40 years old.

Vicar General of Westminster Diocese stated, "Our thoughts and prayers are with Fr Ed's immediate family - his sisters and brother, at this time. We remember also the parish communities at Chiswick where he was Assistant Priest, and the Cathedral where he served his year as a Deacon. "

Although relatively new to the Chiswick area, Father Ed was already a well-liked and valued member of the parish community. He will be deeply missed.

No details of funeral arrangments are available at this stage.

I was very sorry to hear this news, as I knew Ed quite well. He served his year as a transitional deacon at Westminster Cathedral, where I helped out as a permanent deacon twice a week. He would often say 'Oh good! You're here - I'll let you do everything!' The last time I saw Ed was on Friday 22 August 2008 when I took him for supper at the Spaghetti House near Westminster Cathedral to celebrate his ordination to the priesthood. Today's photo was taken in July 2007 on the terrace of the Houses of Parliament on the banks of the River Thames. We were both attending a reception given by the President of The Royal Institution.

I really liked Ed's down to earth approach to things - he had a good Northern sense of humour! He will be sadly missed.