William Earl "Bill" Houghtby

Bill Houghtby, 99, passed away after a short illness on February 11, 2024 in St. Paul, MN, surrounded by his loving family. He was very active through his long life; his quick mind, keen observations and dry wit remained alarmingly sharp, he continued to be a voracious reader, and he kept up his twice-weekly swims until the week before he passed.
Bill was born on Sept. 11, 1924, and grew up in the small town of Blissfield, MI, where he started developing his pragmatic ingenuity in his father's machine shop, and in high school first met his lifelong sweetheart and wife of 68 years, Elizabeth, who predeceased him in 2017. He entered the Navy in 1943, where he was trained as an aircraft mechanic, and repaired and shuttled planes up and down the East Coast until the construction of the aircraft carrier USS Franklin D. Roosevelt was completed; he boarded her for the first shakedown cruise to Brazil.
After WWII, Bill returned to Michigan, and he and Elizabeth worked their way to and through the University of Michigan, marrying on August 14, 1948. Bill was an aeronautical engineer, spending most of his career in Connecticut with Pratt & Whitney Aircraft, part of United Technologies, now RTX Corp. He began by designing jet engines, but starting in the 1960's, spent most of his career developing hydrogen-based fuel cells to be a viable source of carbon-free power. These cells provided electricity for the Apollo space missions, have been used as backup generators in various states and countries, and may still play a role in a cleaner energy future. He produced several patents himself, and after his retirement, he consulted with United Technologies for years on R&D, patent and intellectual property issues.
Bill and Elizabeth loved the seashore and ocean. Both learned to sail, and they had many outings on Long Island Sound, occasionally overnighting on the north shore of Long Island. They were long-time members of the local Power Squadron boating association, and enjoyed their many dinners and group outings. They eventually spent several months each winter on the Gulf Coast of Florida, where they could swim, sun, and Bill could take long walks on the beach.
They were avid gardeners, growing the special popcorn he and Elizabeth liked best, and assessing the virtues (or shortcomings) of their rhubarb, sweet corn, butternut squash, string beans, tomatoes, and Swiss chard (very underrated) every year. Bill continued to grow his favorites in the local community garden (shout out to Anne!) through last summer. Following Elizabeth's recipes, he mastered making great walnut fudge and peanut brittle, and made special gifts of them at Christmas. He also rode his BMW motorcycle into his 70's, until Elizabeth finally laid down the law.
Bill was devoted to Elizabeth's care during her decades-long struggle with Multiple Sclerosis, and was always looking for ways to slow the progress of her disease, help her participate in family activities, and make her as comfortable as possible. No one could have done more.
Bill was preceded in death by his wife Elizabeth; his siblings Florence Blankenship, and Harlan and Gary Houghtby; and son-in-law Mike Weaver. He leaves behind his children: daughters Anne Weaver and Carol Houghtby Watson, and son David (Pearl Kilbride) in Minnesota, son Bruce (Diane) in Pennsylvania; granddaughter Emily Watson; grandsons Phillip (Maria and great-grandkids Charlotte and Luke) and Ethan (Paige) Houghtby; and sister-in-law Jean Houghtby. Also dear nieces and nephews: Delphine Hogston, Natalie Houghtby-Haddon and Dennis Houghtby, Paul and Jim (Diane) Blankenship, and Jim, Gary, Doug, and Tom Hersch and their families.
Thanks to Regions Hospital Floor 8 team, especially Cathy, Steph, Sue and Dr. Mundy for their compassionate care.
A memorial and celebration of life will be held at Waverly Gardens, Presbyterian Homes, 5919 Centerville Road, North Oaks, MN 55127 on March 4, 2024 at 10:00 AM, with visitation 30 minutes prior. Interment to follow at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Memorials to the National MS Society preferred instead of flowers. NationalMSSociety.org