LeRoy Carl Houtz “Roy” passed away on May 7, 2020. He was born in Salt Lake City on December 21, 1935, to John and Lydia Houtz. His family moved to Pomona, California when he was a young boy and he was raised there with his sister Sally. Roy earned his Eagle Scout award as a young man and graduated from Pomona High School where he served as senior class president.
Roy was a graduate of the University of California, Santa Barbara as well as the Pacific Coast Banking School at the University of Washington. While at UCSB he met and married his sweetheart, Martha Lomer Lewis in 1960. They enjoyed 55 wonderful years together before Marty passed away in 2015 and are the parents of three children: Steve (Liz), Jeff (Peggy), and Cari Capel (Adam). Roy is the grandfather to 12 grandchildren who he adored.
Roy was commissioned in the US Navy in 1960 and served as an engineering officer aboard ships stationed in San Diego. Later he served in the reserves, eventually retiring as a Commander.
Roy and Marty settled in San Diego. After active Navy duty, he joined First Interstate Bank where he stayed for 29 years. He was the manager of several branches and also served as district manager. After leaving the bank, he became Executive Director of the Rancho Bernardo Chamber of Commerce where he stayed until retirement.
Roy was always attracted to community service. He was a member of Rotary for over 37 years and is Past President of the Rancho Bernardo Club in San Diego. He also served on many boards and committees but was most proud of his involvement in the Holiday Bowl where he was Chairman of the committee in 1988 and 1989. He then served on the Board of Directors for 10 years before being named a Life Director.
Roy and Marty moved to Utah in 2003 to be near family. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Roy served for many years, including work in the Draper Utah Temple.
Roy is survived by his children and grandchildren, his sister Sally, as well as his beautiful bride Patricia Ann “Patty”, who was his ray of sunshine for the past year and a half.
Due to current restrictions, a small graveside service will be held Friday, May 15th at Larkin Sunset Gardens at 1950 East 10600 South, Sandy Utah.
Dear Houtz Family,
I served with Roy on the Holiday Bowl of Directors during the time that Roy was on the Board. Roy was one of the most genuine people I have ever met. I never heard him speak unkind words toward another person. Roy was a major contributor to many charities here in San Diego county. He was greatly missed when he and Marty moved to Utah.
Lou Ann and I enjoyed many good times with Roy and Marty.
Kindest thoughts to you all,
Dick and Lou Ann Circuit
To Roy's family --
My wife and I would like to extend our sympathy to you on the occasion of Roy's passing . He was such a good man and a dear friend. During the many years he lived in our area we greatly admired the work he did in the community and I enjoyed the times we worked together. We've always stayed in touch; He'll be greatly missed.