Roy Houston

Message from the President
Sept. 20, 2024

Dear LMU Community:

I am saddened to share that Roy Houston, emeritus professor of biology, passed away on Aug. 19, 2024. He was 81 years old.

Professor Houston joined LMU in July 1974 and was a vital part of the Frank R. Seaver College of Science and Engineering until his retirement in June 2011. An exemplary teacher-scholar, Professor Houston remained dedicated to his students and their research opportunities, and he continued teaching on occasion after his retirement. He was twice appointed the Kadner-Pitts Chair of Research in Biological Sciences, a yearlong distinguished research fellowship, and he also served as chair of the Biology Department from 2007-09.

Complementing his traditional teaching and scholarly responsibilities, Professor Houston was the founder and director of the LMU Baja California Biological Station, leading summer trips that influenced the lives and careers of many students. As a certified scuba instructor and organizer of the LMU Scuba Program, Professor Houston offered instruction to hundreds of students through LMU Continuing Education.

He published a field guide on the natural history of desert and marine life in Baja, “Natural History Guide to the Northwestern Gulf of California and Adjacent Desert.” Professor Houston was also on the visiting faculty of the Roatan Institute for Marine Sciences in Honduras, teaching summer Study Abroad courses in “Tropical Marine Ecology” to LMU students.

His extensive community service included membership on the Scientific Advisory Committee at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California; the board of directors for the Marine Conservation Research Institute; the Scientific Advisory Board for the Catalina Conservancy Divers; and the Dive Control Board for the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium. Professor Houston was also a marine biology advisor for the Dive ‘n’ Surf team and a member of the organizing committee for Catalina Island Hyperbaric Chamber Day.

Professor Houston earned his Ph.D. and B.S. in zoology from the University of Arizona and his M.S. in marine science from the University of the Pacific.

Professor Houston’s family is planning a private service. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Aquarium of the Pacific or the Roatan Institute for Marine Sciences (mail check to: c/o Bahia Tours, Inc. 12575 Orange Drive, Suite 302, Davie, FL 33330 with a note “RIMS donation – Dr. Roy Houston”) in Professor Houston’s memory.

Please keep Roy, his spouse Linda, his family, his friends, and his many students in your thoughts and your prayers.

Sincerely,

Timothy Law Snyder, Ph.D.
President