Gary Richard Hough

Gary Richard Hough was born on May 31, 1935, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, to Evelyn and Edgar Hough.

He spent his childhood growing up in Ontario, where he developed a lifelong curiosity and love of learning.

After graduating from high school, Gary pursued his education at Queen's University, Cornell University, and the University of Michigan, where he earned a Ph.D. in Engineering. While attending Cornell, he met the love of his life, June. They married and shared 66 wonderful years together, raising three children: Shannon, Brian, and Keith.

Following his education, Gary began a distinguished career in aerospace engineering. He and his family first moved to Cupertino, California, where he worked for NASA Aerospace. They later relocated to Arlington, Texas, where he worked for LTV Aerospace and also taught engineering part-time at the University of Texas at Arlington. His career then took him to Huntsville, Alabama, where he worked at Redstone Arsenal while teaching at the University of Alabama in Huntsville.

After retiring, Gary and June settled in Brevard, North Carolina. There, Gary volunteered his time at the local library and was a member of the Episcopal Church. In later years, they made their home in Walla Walla, Washington, to be near family.

Gary was an avid traveler who loved exploring the world alongside June. He appreciated a good "Dad" joke, enjoyed a good bottle of wine, faithfully cheered for the Texas Rangers, and remained proud of his Canadian heritage throughout his life. He also had a lifelong fascination with historic aircraft, especially the iconic Spitfire.

Above all, Gary will be remembered as a devoted husband and father. His intelligence, generosity, and humor will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Gary is survived by his wife, June; his children, Shannon, Brian, and Keith; and his five grandchildren, Emily, Alex, Sinéad, Torin, and Finn.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Walla Walla YMCA or Meals on Wheels through the Walla Walla Senior Center. Friends and family are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.herringgroseclose.com.