Al Houston, former KING 5 cameraman and studio supervisor, dies at 93
Born Alan Eugene Houston on August 10th, 1927 in Longview, Washington, Al had a normal childhood along with his parents and younger brother, Robert. As WWII was winding down, Al was old enough to join the Army where he served until he was honorably discharge in 1947. He then attended a tech school specializing in radio and television operations. It was during this time that he worked at his first civilian job as a candy maker, which fueled his lifelong love of sweets.
In 1951, Al joined KING 5 TV as a camera operator. There he met and married the love of his life, Joyce, in 1953. Shortly thereafter, they moved into a house in West Seattle and were happily ensconced there for more than 60 years. During his almost 40-year tenure at KING-TV, Al participated in the filming of a number of famous events including the early hydroplane races on Lake Washington and the 1973 USS New Orleans recovery of NASA Skylab II and its crew of astronauts. For those of you who remember, Al also worked with the Stan Boreson’s KING Klubhouse. But his first love at KING was sports. Any sports, but mostly baseball and especially football. When he wasn’t covering the games, he was watching the games.
Al was a very gentle, kind, generous man who never uttered a bad word about anyone. Both he and his wife were compassionate towards others and often hired helpers from the Millionaire’s Club for large and small jobs around their home. They not only provided compensated work, but food, clothing, and a friendly ear. For women and children in local shelters, they also provided clothing, daily living supplies and monies.
Al will be fondly remembered by all those whose lives he touched. Everywhere he went, he baked shortbread from his secret recipe and distributed them liberally, especially to friends and family, but also to hospital workers, bank employees, and a host of others, so many of whom called him, “Mr. Shortbread Houston”.
Al died peacefully on December 4th, 2020 wearing his favorite Seahawks jacket while embarking on a fun trip around town with friends. He will be profoundly missed by all who knew him.
Due to the pandemic, a Celebration of Life for Al will be held later in the year. Please check this site for updated information.