Obituary of Kelvin Thomas Houchin

Kelvin Thomas Houchin, 77, died peacefully Tuesday, Sept. 29 2015 at his home in Essex, CT surrounded by his loving family, both from the US and UK. Kelvin was born on November 5, 1937 and grew up in London during the blitz years of World War II and was proud of both his English and Irish heritage. He was educated and graduated from schools in London. He later went on to hold a number of senior positions with major airlines and hotel groups in England before being transferred to the US in 1973 to open the Whitehall Hotel, a luxury 5 star property in Chicago. After a successful two years, Kelvin was recruited by Trusthouse Forte Hotels, one of the world's leading independently owned 5 star hotel groups and transferred to New York to run the group as Senior Vice President. During his career Kelvin formed professional links with The Queen's Household Cavalry and was made a lifelong honorary member in 1983. A resident of Darien, CT for many years, he moved to Essex in 1996. An avid sailor, he became a member of the Essex Yacht Club and served on the cruise committee before becoming Chairman of the Entertainment committee for which he served 2 terms. He was Vice President and President of the Essex Historical Society and served as a keen member of the Churchill Society. Kelvin was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He was predeceased by his first wife and mother of his four children, Ellen (Kay) Houchin; succeeded by his wife of 23 years, Renate; sister Angela; his four children Timothy, Julian, Sarah and Jonathan; his daughters-in-law and son in-law, Laura, Emma, Dominick and Liz and his eleven grandchildren, Thomas, Edward, Emily, Toby, Erin, Eliza, Liam, Michael, Aidan, Lauren and Brendan. He leaves behind many incredible friends both near and far and will be sorely missed. His burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Kelvin's name to palliative and hospice care at Middlesex Hospital. To share a memory of Kelvin or send a condolence to his family please visit www.rwwfh.com . Arrangements by the Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home in Centerbrook.