Michael Clement Houston passed away peacefully on Friday, November 24, 2023 in Vallejo, California.

Michael was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on August 11, 1944 to Marjorie Rita Vanderhorst and William Lee Houston Sr. He relocated to San Francisco, California in 1952 and attended public schools, graduating from Galileo High School in 1963.

While serving in the US Air Force, Michael was stationed in Biloxi, Mississippi. During this time, he reacquainted with his family in New Orleans, including his father, older brother (William Lee Houston Jr.),  and other relatives. Over the years, Michael maintained his family ties and “adopted” many people he affectionately called his “daughters” and “sons.”

As the oldest of his mother’s six children, Michael was often the protector, protagonist, and mediator for family affairs. He was a natural teacher, sharing and expounding his knowledge and experience. He was the family story-teller, often connecting familial relationships between New Orleans and San Francisco. He stayed close with people, reaching out to offer birthday wishes, share news, or just to say he was thinking about them. He called frequently (sometimes in the middle of the night!) and eagerly accepted invitations to be with family and friends.

Michael welcomed his first daughter, Stacy Michelle, in 1965. Michael met Gloria Jean in San Francisco, and the two were married in 1967. This union welcomed two more children, Monique C. Houston and Michael Cullen Houston. Michael and Gloria celebrated 56 years of marriage before his demise.

For nearly 30 years,  he worked for the San Francisco Municipal Railway (“MUNI”) as a cable car conductor, bus driver, light rail operator, dispatcher, and an instructor who taught new drivers how to maneuver the streets of San Francisco. One of his favorite activities was the “Roadeo” where drivers showed off their skills on obstacle courses, and invited the community to tour the bus fleet.

Adept at mathematics and engineering, Michael took on many personal projects that showcased these abilities. He renovated his home, built his 1974 Chevy Vega race car, and planned to erect his model train platform. He was a master of many trades and quickly adopted technology to support his projects.

Michael lived a full life with his family and friends, and left us with many memories – stories, photos, collections, finished and unfinished projects. He dreamed large, operated with an exacting demeanor, and was the center of many conversations. He had an infectious laugh, a sentimental heart, and a listening ear. He had a vision for excellence, driving him to expect excellence from others. Michael left a legacy that will influence many to reconnect, reimagine, and live with desire and purpose.

Michael was preceded in death by his mother, Marjorie Vanderhorst; father, William Houston Sr.; and brothers, William Houston Jr. and Marquez Preston. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Gloria Houston; daughters, Stacy Young (m. Eric) and Monique C. Houston; and son, Michael Cullen Houston. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Donovan Boone, Desiree Smith (m. Lamare), Dominique Young, Eric Young, and Dorian Young, as well as great grandchildren. Michael is also survived by his brother, Marvin Vanderhorst (m. Martha); sisters, Marlene Prince (m. Lawrence), Marcia Brown (m. George), and Mary Preston. He also leaves behind a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.

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