Jim Gatacre of the Handicapped Scuba Association wrote a touching tribute to the family, telling about how they selflessly gave to the organization and touched the lives of many through their contributions. Picture of David Houghton, in red, volunteering for the Handicapped Scuba Association (unknown date – published under Fair Use).
Click Here to Read Tribute On Handicapped Scuba Association Site
What a beautiful tribute story for our rememberance blog. I so much enjoy and gain strength from reading the blog each day, and stories are slower in coming now as time passes so special thanks to you for taking the time and sharing. I was fortunate to be able to attend many of the Days on the Beach and witness first hand the joy and excitement each person received on this day. I saw young people being helped to put on scuba gear, then get concerned about a fear of the unknown that often came up and then almost miraculously the trust would replace the fear and they would allow themselves to be assisted by strangers they did not know into the unknown waters of the ocean for an adventure that forever changed their lives. They would come out of the water laughing, crying, but almost always joyful at the experience they had just encountered. Many returned each year for a repeat experience.
I know that I always came away from the beach on those days with a heart overflowing with love and admiration, not only for the volunteers that shared but especially for the participants. I felt very blessed to be able to share in such a gift so willingly and lovingly given and received in such a joyous way.
Thank you for sharing these words and stories, and I hope that others may be inspired to visit the beaches for these special days and see if there is something for them, something they may want to experience. You won’t be sorry! Once again remembered in a special and loving way! Miss you all so much!
What a beautiful tribute to read at the end of a day that had me thinking of the Houghton family even more than usual. I had volunteered to man the Trips for Kids booth at the Monterey Bay Youth Outdoor Day at the fairgrounds today. As always when I’m in that area, I can’t help but reflect on Dave, DeDe, Luke and Ryan and that tragic evening. At the event, I noticed Aqua Safaris had a booth there, with a sweet tribute posted to the table. I stopped by and was coaxed into breathing through the scuba apparatus, which was a pretty big deal for me! See, for some reason I become extremely anxious when breathing through a snorkel — and that’s breathing real air not from a tank! As I started to inch away from the booth protesting, I recalled talking to Dave about my fear, and in that moment I decided to “do it for Dave”
I was pretty proud of myself breathing through my fear today, and I have Dave to thank for that! After the event, we stopped by the crash site on our way home. There is one bloom toward the top of the magnolia tree. Several small planes took off, and my son and I hugged each other, remembering an amazing family, heartbroken for all who knew and loved them. Traffic was slow on Highway 1 north right around 41st street; I kept my eye on the dive flag and wondered aloud if maybe the family was encouraging me to conquer my fear, and take some dive lessons! Smiling now… you know, I think I just might do that 
Linda, John, everyone still following this blog, please know you continue to be in my prayers and my heart. Peace, love and comfort to you all.