April 24, 1920 – June 3, 2018
Known as “Houghtie” by his childhood friends and as “Tom” in his professional career, he was born in Alameda.
He was active in the Sea Scouts, the Sierra Club, loved nature and was an avid skier as a young adult. His education was interrupted by WW II where in the Army he managed High Power Radio Transmitter Stations in Europe. After the war he returned to UC and graduated Electrical Engineering. Westinghouse moved him to Whittier in 1950 where he married Frances and they raised three children, but then moved back north to Morgan Hill in 1978.
Houghtie was active in the California State Grange serving executive level positions, and last year received his 75 year Masonic pin. Houghtie loved spending his time off with his family and old friends at Summer Home Park on the Russian River.
He will always be remembered by his big welcoming smile, his love for others, his respect for nature, and his ability to fix absolutely everything.
He is survived by his son Kevin (Terri), his daughter Maureen Henningsen (Mike), seven grandchildren Megan Wilson (Tommy), Gillian Brotherson (Blake), Molly Hanninen (Eric), Colleen Ramirez (Mario), Kameron Sawyer, Kelly Henningsen, and Scott Henningsen. He leaves eight great-grandchildren, Paige, Brady, Taylor, Jackson, Callum, Emmelyn, Drew, and Adele.
He was preceded in death by his wife Frances, brothers Brewster and Frederic, sister Martha Brucato, son Brian and daughter Eileen.
Memorial is June 22, 2018 at 10:00am at St Catherine’s Church in Morgan Hill, followed by a Celebration of Life at the Granada.
Funeral arrangements: Willow Glen Funeral Home, FD813. San Jose, CA, 408.295.6446.
