David Charles Bolton

Dave was born October 1, 1935 in London, England to Charles and Ethel (Brand) Bolton. He was a true cockney born within the sound of Bow Bells. Dave was a child during WWII riding his bicycle through bombings in the city. He received his training at the Boys Apprenticeship Indenture indentured as a Marine Fitter and Turner on September 3, 1954.

In 1958, Dave enlisted in the Royal Airforce as a Radar Fitter and later, Radio Technician. After two years, he returned to civilian life to work with a company developing land-based desalination plants. Dave married his wife of 60 years, Margaret Conroy on July 15, 1961 and welcomed two children, Ann and Ian, during their time in London. His civilian work led to an offer to join Aqua Chem, and in 1967, the Bolton’s left England to move to the United States. In 1968, Dave received an authorized nomination as a Chartered Engineer from The Council of Engineering Institutions. He retired to a ranch outside Kerrville, Texas after completing his Royal Commission with Bechtel as Industry Coordinator in Jubail, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Margaret and David especially enjoyed hosting their children and grandchildren during their time on the ranch.

Dave worked in engineering, construction, and operations in varied positions of responsibility in project engineering, project management, site management and consulting. He enjoyed the diversity of his assignments, especially trouble shooting and problem solving, enjoyed cultural diversity and felt that his experience gave him the ability to motivate and organize projects and teams. Margaret was always supportive and since the day they left England never questioned his many moves. Margaret and David enjoyed their travels and experiences throughout their entire life together, even their final move to Cypress, Texas to be closer to family.

Dave is preceded in death by his parents and granddaughter, Megan Ratliff. He is survived by his wife, Margaret Bolton; daughter, Ann Bolton of Cypress, Texas; son, Ian Bolton of Bayou Vista, Texas; three grandchildren: Zach and Amanda Willingham of Sierra Vista, Arizona, Thomas Ratliff and William Ratliff; and three great-grandchildren: Kadence, Kennedy, and Rex; as well as extended family scattered across the United Kingdom.

Private services were held for the family on August 31, 2020.