BRYAN EDWARD HOUTZ Nov. 24, 1954 – Nov. 7, 2024

Bryan was born in Los Alamos, New Mexico, son of Jeanne Carpenter Houtz and Harry Edward Houtz, Jr. He was the second of four children and he grew up hunting, fishing, and roaming the canyons and mountains of northern New Mexico. He was an active member of Boy Scout  Explorer Post 20.  He graduated from Los Alamos High School in 1973 and attended the Denver Automotive and Diesel College.

After graduating, Bryan enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1974. He served on board the USS Coral Sea during the Iranian hostage crisis, and earned the Navy Commendation Medal for heroic achievement for helping to rescue four people from a burning house. He was particularly proud of being chosen for a joint Navy/Marine squadron, VFA-125, which introduced the new F/A-18 Hornet to the fleet.

After leaving the Marine Corp as a Warrant Officer, Bryan spent the rest of his career working in various aspects of the automotive industry in South Carolina and Arizona.

As a child, Bryan said his ambition as an adult was to raise “kids and horses.”  He never managed the horses, but he raised a family of 8 children and stepchildren all whom he loved dearly. It didn’t matter to Bryan where a child started life, after he claimed you, you were his.

Bryan is survived by his wife of 24 years, Kelli Riggins-Houtz, his children; Jason Ladd, Shaun Affeldt (Christina), Nathan Houtz (Alex), Ryan Sweepe, Jeremiah Houtz (Kristine), Kylli Sweepe and 11 grandchildren with one on the way. He is also survived by his sisters, Marguerite Cooper (Barry), Cynthia Lillquist (Brian), and his brother, Stephen Houtz.

He was predeceased by his parents and his sons, Bryan E. Houtz II and Thomas Houtz.