Ronald Lee Hougham

Ron was born on March 7, 1941, to Eloise and Pryor Hougham in Des Moines, IA, where he grew up. He was the oldest of three children. After graduating from North High School in 1959, Ron enrolled in the Navy ROTC program. He attended Iowa State University, where he was a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity, and graduated in 1963 with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. Upon graduating, he was stationed on the USS Ogden (LPD-2) and the USS Vancouver (LPD-5). Later in his career, he was stationed on the USS Shadwell (LSD-15). After his four years of active duty, he returned to Iowa State and earned his master’s degree in industrial engineering. He was hired by Boeing Computer Services in Seattle, Washington, but continued his military career in the Navy Reserve and retired as a Captain (06) in 1992, receiving both the National Defense Service Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal. In 1999, he retired from Boeing.

In his younger years, Ron enjoyed running on the high school track team and was an active member of the Boy Scouts, earning the rank of Life Scout. After moving to Seattle, he spent his time playing racquetball, running, and cycling. He earned his private pilot’s license and also enjoyed amateur radio, home improvement projects, and spent many hours volunteering at his kids’ local summer swim club. Due to his interest in photography, Ron became the family memory keeper, documenting the decades through his slides.

Ron was preceded in death by his brothers, John Hougham and Dale Hougham. He is survived by his wife, Susan Hellwich Hougham, his children, Suzanne Hougham Martin (Tim), Scott R. Hougham (Nicole Blas), and Deborah Hougham Paterson (Anthony), his grandchildren, Nicholas Martin, Joshua Martin, Ethan Hougham, Mason Paterson, and Isla Paterson. He is also survived by the mother of his children, Janet Ramsey, his sister-in-law, Brenda Hougham, nephews Aaron Hougham and Brandon Hougham, and niece Sarah Hougham Cordahl.

The family would like to thank the staff at Clearbrook Inn Living Center for the care and compassion they showed Ron during his final days. There will be a small service for friends and family on a date yet to be determined. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to The Children’s Hospital cancer care unit in Ron’s name. Donations can be made online at https://www.seattlechildrens.org/ or by calling the hospital directly at 206-987-4844 or 800-635-1432.