Roland L. Houtz

Roland LeRoy Houtz, age 91, passed away on Wednesday, February 21, while taking a walk. He was born in North Hollywood, Los Angeles, California to Roland Leroy Houtz, Sr. and Dorothy Elizabeth Mason. He moved to Cambria, California as an infant and remained there throughout his school years. He graduated from Coast Union High School in 1944, at which time he joined the US Coast Guard. In 1946, he attended UC Berkeley for one year. He moved to Vancouver, Washington in the early 1950s and met the love of his life, Donna Mae Zundel, whom he married in March of 1953. The happy couple settled in Santa Clara, California and Roland began a career in banking. Donna and Roland were married for 63 years, until her passing in 2016.

Roland was a loving husband, a wonderful father, a devoted brother, and a caring uncle. He always had time for family and friends. He was generous with his time, talents, and wisdom. His home was open to everyone. His Christian faith defined the values of his life, and he was active in the church. He enjoyed taking walks, doing puzzles, making candy, painting, and genealogy.

He is survived by his four children Debra Belgard (Richard Belgard), Diana Boles (Darrel Boles), Denise Welton (Greg Welton) and Richard Houtz; his brother, David Houtz (Margaret Houtz), nine grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, his sister-in-law, Mildred Anderson, nieces, nephews, and friends that loved him as family.

In lieu of a memorial service, Roland would want us all to trust in the Lord, take a walk outside, look at the clouds... in fact snap a few pictures, say hello to our neighbors, invest ourselves in others...even when it’s not easy, and give engulfing bear hugs to let people know we really care.

2 Timothy 4: 7-8

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.”