Name: Memorial Oaks Funeral Home & Cemetery
Address: Houston, TX

Wow! Literally just found this, had no idea he’d been gone nearly 6 months. 

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/baytown-tx/william-van-houten-12307962?utm_source=obit_alerts&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=obit_detail&utm_content=view_updates_button

When we would visit Granpa Bill at his barn dominion homestead in Houston, TX, I remember always being so excited to see him because he was always so welcoming, funny, and just a blast to be around. His stories of Triathlons, travels, hunting, fishing, and all other accomplishments always brought such great wonder to my young mind. He was such a talented and inspiring man! Love you Granpa!

I searched and searched and searched my brain for memories of good treatment from my father... there wasn't any. I didn't shed a tear when he died.

Bill Van Houten had more influence on my life than anyone outside my family.  He took me under his wing when I was only 8 years old - I loved him immediately.  He used to have me demonstrate how long I could hold my breath - it always amazed him (my dad was a Navy Seal before they were called Seals, so that's where my lungs come from).
Then at age 11, he asked me to work with him - I didn't know you could make money doing something so fun, so when I got my first $20 I went crazy.  I knew then that I wanted to teach swimming the rest of my life, and that's exactly what I did.  All the time I taught, Bill was in my head.  All my students knew about Bill Van Houten.  
In '96, he decided he wanted to scuba dive again (he's the one that got me started on that - scrubbing the algae off the bottom of his pool!) and I was working at a scuba shop, so we got him going.  He took an update from me (he was smiling the entire time) and we went on a trip to Cozumel where we did a cross-ocean swim (12.5 miles).  We had so much fun.
Even though he had such influence on me, my absolute favorite thing about him had nothing to do with swimming.  I loved the way he gave me bear-hugs. My eyes are tearing just thinking about it.  I loved him so, so much and I will be forever grateful for the knowledge, experiences and love that he gave me.  I so loved his family also.  Beth, Billy, my hearts go out to you.  I wish I could have been there for you.

Memorial Oaks Funeral Home & Cemetery

William Van Houten

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OBITUARY

William James Van Houten

18 March, 1930 – 8 July, 2013

Memorial Oaks Funeral Home & Cemetery

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