Donald Houck was born 94 years ago in Pennsylvania and died recently in Bellevue after a short illness. His parents wanted him and his brother to grow up to be anything they chose, so long as it wasn't working in the coal mines as so many of their family had done. To prevent that, the family loaded up the Model A in 1930 and drove across the country, eventually settling in Orient, Washington, where the family lived in a tent while building their house. Don grew up learning to enjoy hunting and fishing, the results of hard work and the value of an education. He entered Washington State College, and soon met and fell in love with Frances who became his wife and partner until her passing in 2003. While an electrical engineering student, Don enlisted in the US Army, eventually serving with the 75th Infantry Division in The Battle of the Bulge where he earned the Bronze Star for Valor. Upon leaving the army, he completed his degree and began a long career with Boeing. Don used his EE skills on many different projects, including the B-47, KC-135, C-5A, B-1A, YC-14, 727, 737, 747, and SST. He was most proud of his leadership of the group designing the flight deck of the first and subsequent 747's. During his career at Boeing, Don and Fran raised three boys who eventually provided them with three grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. After retirement, Don and Fran enjoyed traveling, eventually visiting nearly every state in the US and every continent except Antarctica. He was a patriotic American, a proud veteran, a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and good friend to many. He is missed.
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