Kenneth Fraser Holtby
May 1922 to March 2013
The beloved patriarch of our family has passed away just a few months shy of his 91st birthday. He is survived by his wife, Bettie, five children, nine of ten grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Ken and Bettie had a long love affair, were frequently seen holding hands, and would have been married seventy years this June. He inspired all of us by his example of stability, honesty, humility, generosity and integrity.
Ken had a forty year career at Boeing Aircraft Company. Within his first six years with the company, Ken was Chief of the Aerodynamics Staff in Wichita, and oversaw the production of the B47. He was VP General Manager of the 747 project, and ran the Everett plant for years. He, with several other colleagues, was recognized as a “visionary developer” of the 747, and awarded the Francois-Xavier Bagnoud Aerospace Prize.
In 1984 his team was awarded the Aircraft Design Award from the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics for managerial and technical leadership “creating two airplanes [747 and 757] of outstanding performance and economy.” In the last five years of his career, Ken was promoted to Senior Vice President of the Corporate Management Council, serving as the top technical engineer for the company.
Although officially retired in 1987, he served as a trustee for the Pacific Science Center, and was on the boards of Key Tronic, Chrysler Corporation’s Technical Council, and York International. Ken was also a fellow of the U.S. National Academy of Engineering, and the British Royal Aeronautical Society.
Ken’s passions beyond flight design and problem solving were sailing, skiing, tennis, woodworking, and Friday night hamburgers and tater tots with his family. Ken called Snowmass Village, Colorado “My Shangri-la.” He was well into his eighties before he reluctantly gave up his season ticket. His ashes will be spread on the Sheer Bliss ski run on Snowmass Mountain.
Ken is survived by his wife Bettie Roberts Holtby; his children Mike Holtby (Judy Linn), Tracy Meilleur (Raoul), Jeff Holtby (Jennifer Sand), Kris Buren (Bobby) and Matt Holtby; his grandchildren Lisa, Damon, Jamila, Carrie, Ryan, Amanda, Meadow, Birdie, and Hazel; and his great-grandchildren Benjamin and Jaden.
Donations in Ken’s name can be made to his alma mater, Caltech; or his favorite charities: The Museum of Flight, the Pacific Science Center, or Doctors Without Borders.
A small memorial service will be held April 27th on Whidbey Island. Please contact a family member for details.
